Fun Used Manual Cars

Fun Used Manual Cars

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.Automakers are constantly cutting costs, electrifying their vehicles and incorporating new active safety features — all of which are anathema to the continued use of the old-fashioned stick. But what was once the standard transmission has become a niche item for enthusiasts of certain vehicles. And for certain vehicles in that group, like the Jeep Wrangler, the departure of the stick may only be a matter of time. You won’t find that immaculate, low-mileage manual Toyota 4Runner for cheap — but you can find quite a few fun cars, trucks and SUVs for not a lot of money.This is a one-owner California car; it’s a pre-facelift Mk7 but still reasonably similar to the version on sale today. The mileage may be a little steep, but the price tag isn’t This hardtop Cooper still has some life left, with only 75,000 miles on the odometer. Here’s a fetching Nordic Green Mica convertible from 2006. Here’s a C300 sedan with a six-cylinder engine and a stick shift. It’s the “luxurious” Sahara trim, and there are only about 80,000 miles on the clock. This one only has about 52,000 miles on it. This super clean black-on-black GT with a V8 has fewer than 70,000 miles. For some reason, Nissan made a 197-hp NISMO version with a five-speed manual. Learn more here. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io. We may earn a commission through links on our site.Because so many were built, prices remain low.Here's one in good condition for sale on Craigslist now. Plus it has a V-8 that sends power to the rear wheels, meaning there's plenty of fun to be had.They're not especially common at that price, but I was able to find this one on eBay with little effort. The Nissan 300ZX can check all of those boxes for you. It might be difficult to find a turbocharged model for under five grand, but naturally aspirated cars like this one can be sourced under budget all day long. Sounds like a deal to us.

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Just be on the watch for rust, however. Here's a 325iX for sale you can own right now. The lightweight two-seater CRX Si is a perfect example. This one is in need of some love, and it's listed for sale on Craigslist right now. First- and second-generation MX-5s can easily be found for under five grand, and for that price, you're getting one of the best, most smile-inducing driving experiences on earth.Pretty much any non-M3 version can be found under budget, whether you want a strong inline-six or a frugal four-banger. This '96 sedan has a manual transmission, and you can own it. With a turbocharged boxer-four, it shouldn't have any trouble muscling through the toughest of blizzards. Here's one you can own right now. Though it may not be rear-engined, it still drives like a Porsche, and has the same wonderful build quality. This one is clean, and it's for sale right now. We think the sweet spot is the second-gen SW20 model shown here. Here's one listed for sale right now. It has a totally different look, but packs a Corvette-sourced LT1 V-8 under the hood. Here's one on eBay right now. What it does have, however, are much cooler looks, a lighter curb weight, and a rear locking differential. Here's a stock sedan you can own today. Thanks to its mid-engine layout and flat-six engine, it's one of the most capable cars on this list. The only things you'll have to deal with are the questionable looks and relatively high maintenance costs. Here's one for sale now. Prices are cheap, and for your money you get a fun, manual hot hatch with Honda reliability and massive aftermarket support. This one is in good condition, and it can be yours. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io. We may earn a commission through links on our site.Here are some cheap sports cars to try. Here are some of the best. They're just as fun to drive, and can be had for reasonable prices.

For not much money you get a supremely joyful British roadster with plenty of charm. What more could you need? Club racers have been driving these things for years, meaning aftermarket support is plentiful.Whether it be the early LS2 car or the later LS3 variant, you're gonna have a good time behind the wheel. We'd recommend the more affordable non-M six-cylinder Z3s for their silky smooth engines and nice handling. Prices on C5 Corvettes have come down a good bit, and you can get C4s for very little money. How can you say no to an '80s and '90s icon like this? Fox-body Mustangs offer tons of tuning potential for very little money, as do SN-95s.Fox-body Mustangs offer tons of tuning potential for very little money, as do SN-95s. And where used Mustangs lack handling, they make up for it with cheap power. Cheap examples are easy to find, and that turbocharged boxer four sound will have you smiling for days. Just don't blame us when you end up addicted to revving that engine all the way to redline. It's just less powerful, less extreme, and less expensive. But don't let that fool you, though. Every generation of Miata is still a blast to drive.It's just less powerful, less extreme, and less expensive. Every generation of Miata is still a blast to drive. Regardless of how much you have to spend, there's a Miata you can afford to put in your garage. Meanwhile, newer M3s are still priced relatively high. If you're looking for one on a budget, the E36 is a bit of a hidden gem.Meanwhile, newer M3s are still priced relatively high. If you're looking for one on a budget, the E36 is a bit of a hidden gem. It's less powerful than the European version, but you'll still have a blast driving an E36 M3 with a manual transmission. Here's one you can own right now listed on eBay. It's a bit more expensive than its predecessor, but with a 332-horsepower straight-six under the hood, that's expected. Its tiny size and rear-wheel drive layout made it perfect for back road carving.

It looks like a coupe, but its shape hides two small back doors.It looks like a coupe, but its shape hides two small back doors. And under the hood, you'll find the last rotary engine sold in a U.S. car. If you can handle how quickly it goes through oil, an RX-8 is still awesome. Thanks to overblown fears of engine failure, prices have been driven down to surprisingly affordable levels. The all-wheel-drive versions tend to be the most desirable, but even the front-wheel-drive Eclipses are a hoot. Just avoid the ones that look like they fell victim to The Fast and the Furious. Toyota's mid-engine sports car was fun to drive and still looks great today.Toyota's mid-engine sports car was fun to drive and still looks great today. Plus, with three generations to pick from, clean examples fit a wide range of budgets. But don't let the low prices fool you. The Boxster is still wonderful to drive. And since they've been on the market for 20 years, you have plenty to choose from.You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io. We may earn a commission through links on our site.The generates its 260 bhp from a turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder powerplant, while the standard model generates 177 bhp from a larger, normally aspirated 2.4-liter variant of the same engine. According to the EPA, both cars are rated at 19 mpg city, but the GXP has a 2-mpg advantage on the highway due to its engine's smaller displacement. Things can only look up for the Solstice on the fuel-economy front with a slicker wind-cheating coupe body waiting in the wings and if Pontiac ever decides to add another cog to its 5-speed manual. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.ioAMG GT 63 S Drag Race. We may earn a commission through links on our site.Roll is reduced with larger anti-roll bars all around and the front brakes now benefit from ancillary cooling via brake ducts integrated into the lower front fascia.

A couple of other tasteful exterior cues separating this hopped-up roadster from the standard Sky are stealth-black headlamp bezels, 18-in.You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io. The manual transmission was typically standard in a wide variety of vehicles, from sports cars to sedans to SUVs. Ford Focus The Ford Focus was in production from 1999 until 2018 over three generations in the United States. Most Focus models came with four-cylinder engines. Manual Ford Focus for Sale Subaru Impreza Another compact car, the Impreza has been in production since 1992. During its lifetime, the Impreza has been available in body styles such as a coupe, sedan, wagon and hatchback. And all Imprezas have offered both automatic and manual transmissions, with most also featuring all-wheel-drive as standard equipment, rare among compact cars. Manual Subaru Impreza for Sale Mazda 3 Produced as a sedan and a hatchback, the Mazda 3 has been available since 2003. All four generations have offered manual transmissions paired with four-cylinder engines. Manual Mazda 3 for Sale Acura TSX The TSX was Acura's entry-level premium sedan between 2003 and 2014. It primarily came in a four-door sedan version with also a limited amount of station wagons produced. All generations had available manual transmissions and the engine size varied from a four-cylinder to a V6, but the manual was only available for four-cylinder sedan models. The sweet spot seems to be between 2004 and 2008. Manual Acura TSX for Sale Volkswagen GTI The GTI is a performance version of the Golf, and there's no doubt that the little hatchback is fun to drive, and especially with a manual transmission. Despite its small size, it's surprisingly roomy inside. Manual Volkswagen GTI for Sale Honda Accord One of the most popular cars ever made, the Accord has been around since 1976 as both a compact and midsize car.

It also came with a manual transmission in sedan and coupe formats, with either four or six-cylinder power. Manual Honda Accord for Sale Mazda Miata The Miata is a sporty little convertible that has been in production since 1989 and is currently in its fourth generation. The small Mazda is only a two-seater, so it's often referred to as a roadster or sports car. It only comes with a four-cylinder engine, and many were ordered with the standard manual transmission. Manual Mazda Miata for Sale Toyota Corolla Like the Accord, the Corolla has been around for a long time, since 1966, and is well-known for being dependable transportation. You might be able to find some as new as 2014, but in general, you'll be looking older than 2011. That year range generally came in a four-cylinder with available manual transmissions, but you'll have to look hard as most Corollas were ordered with automatics. The Fit is a hatchback powered by a four-cylinder engine and offers both manual and automatic transmissions. Manual Honda Fit for Sale Chevrolet Sonic The Sonic has been in production since 2011 as a hatchback and sedan. It comes with a four-cylinder engine, including a turbo version, and available with manual and automatic transmissions. Manual Chevrolet Sonic for Sale BMW 3 Series The BMW 3 Series was introduced in 1977 and quickly became a popular choice for those looking for a small sports coupe or sedan. Both four and six-cylinder engines have been available over the years, with turbocharged versions becoming increasingly prevalent. Manual transmissions used to be reasonably common, too, a rarity for a luxury brand. Manual BMW 3 Series for Sale Honda Civic Not only is the Honda Civic one of the most popular small cars ever, but it has a deserved reputation of being one of the most well-rounded. Look for models as recently as 2015.

Manual Honda Civic for Sale Chevrolet Corvette Believe it or not, you can find certain generations of the quintessential American sports car in the Corvette for under 10 grand. You'll mainly want to look at the C4 generation, which was made between model years 1984 and 1996. These classic rear-wheel-drive cars are likely to have over 100,000 miles on them, and many were automatics, but there are still some with manual transmissions out there. They may not be turbocharged, but models from 1997 through 2000 offer the company's classic six-cylinder format and many feature manual transmissions, with more prestige than a Mazda Miata. This car comes with a 4.2-liter V8 with 340 horsepower, as well as a standard all-wheel-drive system and available manual transmissions. Manual Audi S4 for Sale Chevrolet Camaro If you're still looking for iconic sports cars, then don't forget about the Camaro. That generation was made between 1992 and 2002, and it came in both V6 and V8 engines with available manual transmissions. Manual Chevrolet Camaro for Sale Infiniti G35 Coupe The G35 was produced between 2003 and 2008. Manual Infiniti G35 Coupe for Sale Subaru Outback If you're looking for a reliable all-around vehicle with decent gas mileage, roomy interior, all-wheel-drive and manual transmission, then a used Outback might be a perfect choice. With lots of space for five passengers and cargo and a reputation for durability, Outbacks hold their value well, especially in snowy parts of the country. You'll generally be looking at vehicles older than 2011 and mileage is likely to be over 100,000. Manual Subaru Outback for Sale Nissan Xterra It's becoming much harder to find SUVs and trucks with manual transmissions, but the Xterra offered one during its production from 2000 until 2015. Manual Nissan Xterra for Sale Kia Soul The Soul is a subcompact SUV produced since 2010 over two generations.

They're uncommon, though, and most lack the upscale amenities of models with automatic transmissions. But the Soul is a quirky, versatile vehicle that is relatively economical and inexpensive to run. Manual Kia Soul for Sale The Popularity of Manual Transmissions As of 2018, cars with manual transmissions account for only 2% of all vehicles sold. In 2006, nearly half of all new models in the United States were offered with both automatics and manuals, but now it's down to only 20% and dropping quickly. The reason isn't too hard to understand. With more people driving, most want something easy to use and convenient. The majority of manuals today are found either in sports cars, whose drivers still like to feel at one with the road, and small commuter cars to make them less expensive. Very few SUVs or pickups have them anymore, with notable exceptions in the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Jeep Wrangler. Pros and Cons of Manuals The main con of a manual transmission is the learning curve. With an automatic, you simply put it into drive and go. A manual usually has five or six forward to select as driving conditions dictate, and you'll need to use the clutch each time you shift. Newer automatics also have more than six gears or a continuously variable setup that maximizes fuel economy, something that was traditionally an advantage for the manual transmission. On the other hand, manual transmissions have fewer moving parts than an automatic and thus typically last longer with fewer breakdowns. The clutch is the main part that needs to be replaced, but models that have been well maintained and not driven too aggressively can go about 100,000 miles before clutch repair. Another plus of a manual vehicle is that it forces you to pay closer attention to driving due to having to shift consistently. In an era of smartphones and other distractions, this can be invaluable to some people.

Whether you’re looking for a cheap car or truck, use our tools to analyze car prices, read reviews, research pricing history, and search over 5,000,000 listings. In 2019, manual car sales sunk below the sales of electric vehicles. It's a shame, but it's the direction the automotive industry is heading. The death of the manual transmission is inevitable; however, that doesn't mean that we have to give up on it completely and move on just yet. There are plenty of ordinary used sedans and hatchbacks (even some SUVs) available with the all-important three pedals and a stick. The short answer is yes, and you'll find the long answer in the list below.Its overstyled 370Z replacement is partially to blame, but regardless, the older Z's design holds up even in 2020. These are fun, quick and relatively practical sports cars that you could theoretically use every day. They are plentiful on the used market, parts are cheap, and with the right exhaust the VQ35 V6 engine sounds fantastic. It's simple, clean and purposeful. Under the skin, the car was a little crude and unrefined, but over 10 years later it is an excellent performance per dollar proposition.Launching in the late-2000's, the Genesis Coupe was a game-changing car for the Korean marque. It was good-looking (and remained so into its second generation), lovely to drive with its RWD layout and critically it was cheap. Used ones are also quite cheap, particularly the 2.0l turbo models, which are also most commonly available with manuals. However, if you can find one that was well looked-after and you're prepared to keep up the maintenance, you might find that the combination of a smooth-revving rotary engine, a slick shifter and a beautifully balanced chassis makes all the headaches worth your while. In fact, its mid-engine layout and lightweight makes it an excellent handling car, if lacking a little bit of outright speed.

Boxster S models can be harder to find at this price point, but base ones are readily available, and most of them are manuals. The 335i was the middle-point between the base 328 and the M3. The 335i has the venerable N54 twin-turbo 3.0l inline-6, which made over 300 horsepower and, naturally, could be paired with a 6-speed manual. Look out for common issues, but a well-maintained E90 could be a real hidden performance gem. Small, still practical with four doors, economical, reliable and affordable, the little Ford serves its daily-driver duties with ease. Find a good road with it though, and the Fiesta's charm and driving character will surely convince you why this little hatch is such a well-loved car. At the time, it was the standout in its category, and while the competition has since caught up, and a new generation of GTI replaced it, the MK6 is still a thoroughly capable car, and can now be had for half the price of a new one. As with most used German cars, beware of common issues, but a used MK6 is as safe a bet as a GTI has ever been. The EJ25 flat-four turbo engine is a favorite for tuners, and go-fast parts are plentiful and affordable. Compared to the Golf and Fiesta above though, the WRX is a little more unrefined and certainly, its looks are an acquired taste. Reliability can be a concern, but a well-maintained used WRX should serve you well, for much less cash than a new one. It's the definitive cheap sports car, and has been for decades. Its design, while visually bulkier than past Miatas, has aged with grace, and these cars are well-known for reliability. If you don't need the practicality, why not have a Miata? V6 Accords were available until 2017, and the 2-door Coupe models were available with Honda's legendarily slick 6-speed manual gearbox.It was not as well-received as rivals, given its odd proportions and somewhat poor interior quality, but it made up for this in terms of raw affordable performance.

While really clean second-generation (1989-1999) SW20 models can fetch a higher number, there are plenty of them out there within budget. Just watch out for under-body rust, and invest in good tires and suspension to avoid the car's snap-oversteer tendencies. These cars have very few reliability concerns, and offer great driving dynamics for the price.The B8's design has aged gracefully, and the car is still equipped with some fairly modern tech. Still, if you can swing it, a used S4 might be one of the best deals ever. But Now They're Forgotten. We may earn commission if you buy from a link.Every year fewer and fewer cars are offered with a clutch and a shifter. Why? Americans just don't want to be bothered with the chore of working a clutch with their left foot and shifting with their right. And sports car manufacturers are the worst offenders when it comes to quitting on the stick shift. Because the newest computer-controlled automatics can shift more quickly than any human can, engineers see the manual transmission as outdated. We disagree. Shifting a manual transmission is not only more engaging and fun than flicking some dainty little paddles, it also requires more skill and makes the driver a better one. Some carmakers still see the beauty of the manual transmission. Here are 20 of the greatest driver's machines that still do. But it’s no stretch to say it was Mazda’s brilliant five-speed manual transmission that seriously added to the thrill ride. The stubby little shifter was so effortless, it moved with just a modest flick of the wrist. The second-generation Miata of 1999 got one more gear in tenth anniversary models—a six-speed—that remained optional (the five-speed was standard) well into the third generation was equally great to use.

The Miata was all new for 2016, and a few years later the Mazda not only retains the easy-shifting and precise six-speed manual transmission in the Roadster model but also the even better driving retractable fastback (RF) model. Either way, 2019 MX-5s get an uprated engine that now makes 181 hp and revs to 7,500 rpm. And regardless of whether your Miata has a hard roof or a soft one, it’s one of the best manual transmissions available on any car at any price. Of course, engineers were tempted to design a heavier and more expensive twin-clutch, paddle-shift transmission instead of a manual. But we’re sure glad they didn’t, and Subaru recently added a new high-performance, track-focused tS model to the range with a re-tuned suspension by STI (Subaru’s performance arm), frame stiffeners, lighter-weight wheels, and high-performance Brembo brakes. Oh, and yes, there’s a big wing on the back, too. All this good stuff goes a long way to make the BRZ an even more enjoyable manual-transmission machine. That’s exactly what Ford did for 2018. Ford freshened the Mustang for '18 and one major improvement comes from the upgraded manual in the V-8-powered GT. Engineers installed a new twin-disc clutch, dual mass flywheel, and more closely spaced gears. There are new synchronizers, too. And it’s all aimed at making the GT a smoother, more rewarding experience. They’ve done an excellent job, but for those that want the ultimate Mustang GT without stepping all the way up to a Shelby, consider the Performance Package Level 2. The best news? If you want one, it only comes one way—with a manual transmission. The new seven-speed manual transmission (an eight-speed automatic is optional) is one of the best hooked to any V8. And that’s true even for the top Z06 model. The Z06 makes a rather astonishing 650 hp from its supercharged V-8 and when shifted by an expert tester can hit 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds.

One might expect a car with such heavyweight performance to have a transmission that takes muscle to shift, but that’s not the case. Pull one of the shift paddles that flank the steering wheel (yes, shift paddles on a manual) to activate the slick rev-matching feature, which makes you sound like a heel-and-toe hero on downshifts. It’s a pleasure to use. And that’s true of the whole car too. This is one of the best-driving sports cars in the world—at any price. That’s big news for Porsche fans because the GT3 is one of the most potent and perhaps the purest models it sells. The GT3 packs a 4.0-liter flat six-cylinder in its tail that makes an even 500 hp way up at 8,350 rpm. The GT3 doesn’t have the same seven-speed manual as the rest of the 911 line. Instead it uses a stronger six-speed unit borrowed from the hyper-limited 911 R model with a shorter gear lever. For many manual transmission enthusiasts, this is the car they’d most like to park in the garage. It also might be one of the last manual 911s, if the new 2020 models are any indication. The new Carrera and Carrera S launched with an eight-speed dual-clutch as the only transmission. Compared to the plain-vanilla 500, the Abarth delivers 60 more hp and 72 more lb-ft of torque. The high-powered Fiat is relatively tame when you want it to be, but flatfoot the throttle and it sounds like a squadron of light aircraft are chasing you down—Fiat doesn't bother to fit, you know, a muffler. Need another incentive to go with the manual. For inexplicable Italian reasons, the manual cars make 160 hp but the automatics only get 154. In fact, we’d guess only the Acura NSX supercar is quicker. But what’s neat about the Type R is that Honda channels the output of the 306-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine through a manual transmission and on to the front wheels. That’s right, every Type R is a manual. Downside? The Type R isn’t pretty.

But try to get past the appearance because the Type R is a very smart and sophisticated performance machine. The supercharger and large displacement V-8 are gone, replaced by a tech-heavy flat-plane 526-hp 5.2-liter V-8 that’s nicknamed “Voodoo” and wants to rev hard. Nearly every body panel ahead of the windshield is all new to cover the car’s wider track. Unlike Mustangs of the past—every design detail on the car is there to increase performance, not just appearances. Best of all, the only transmission Ford puts behind the new motor in the GT350 is a Tremec six-speed manual with carbon-bronze triple-cone synchronizers. And that's just fine with us. The difference here is that only the Golf R is offered with a manual transmission. This transmission will save you some dough over the DSG automatic. For 2018, there were also new touch screens and digital gauge clusters, too. Now if we can just get the Golf R in the new SportWagen body style like they have in Europe—with a manual. And second because a manual transmission adds an extra dimension of fun to 4X4s. Creeping up and over boulders with a manual transmission is challenging and requires just the right shift timing, throttle, and clutch work. An automatic lets the vehicle slowly crawl over the worst trail obstacles. All the driver has to do is steer and gently apply the throttle. The new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is one of the most capable 4WD vehicles ever produced, and one of only a handful of 4X4s today that offer a manual. The all-new D478 gearbox six-speed has a deeper 5.13:1 first gear than the previous generation Wrangler for easier creeping on slow-speed trails. It’s a bummer this gearbox isn’t available with the fun and frisky 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but it does operate smoothly and really brings out the most personality from the Wrangler’s new 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6. Long live the manual transmission Wrangler. As if the 650-hp Z06 model wasn’t enough, the Corvette team has upgraded the 6.

2-liter V-8 with a larger supercharger to deliver 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque. Chevy says the ZR1 is the most powerful Vette ever and can reach 60 mph in less than three seconds and top out at 212 mph. The new aero package, Chevy says, will produce an insane 950 pounds of downforce. They might need it, too, since the Corvette team is gunning to cut a full 20 seconds off the Nurburgring lap time of the old, previous-generation ZR1. Of all BMW’s rivals in this class, few offer a row-your-own transmission, and BMW’s is a good one. Get the shifts right and you can hit 60 mph in just over four seconds. In two of the drivetrain modes (Efficient and Sport), this smart gearbox will rev-match downshifts for you, too, which is handy. But select Sport Plus, and it’s the driver’s responsibility to do all that work. And since Caddy knows enthusiasts are buying this car, there’s a six-speed manual connected to the 464-hp twin-turbo V-6. This is no low-tech gearbox. Do it all right and you will hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds—and have a great time flicking the short throws of that Tremec six-speed. You know what? We’ll take the regular Hellcat instead. After all, this car still has 717 hp and 656 lb-ft of torque thanks to its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8—those are just ridiculous numbers. Dodge could have wimped out and made sure every Hellcat was paired with an automatic, too. But Dodge didn’t deprive manual-trans fans. You can tap into every one of those ponies with a robust six-speed manual and leave burnout stripes stretching several blocks long. It can hit 60 mph in under four seconds despite weighing almost 4,500 pounds. Make ours a wide body with those extra-large wheels and tires. And the latest Lotus, the Evora, can build serious grip on these roads while also providing a soft, supple ride. So, it makes sense that the company would keep the manual transmission a big part of the formula.