shyguy16

shocked to see so many toyota manuals esp. with no more sports cars.
must be the scions.

proximal

I don't think the kind of people buying automatic BMWs are worried about the cost. Every BMW dealer I've been to in the past few years has maybe 4 or 5 (out of 100+ cars) manual transmission cars. Way less than the 17.3% number cited. So it's not an availability thing either, people are actually special ordering these cars.

SLegacy99

I think you are right. A MT is BMW's heritage. Saabs too, which is why I don't understand the reason for the new 9-5 only being offered in an AT. I remember growing up in the early 90s and BMWs were big in my neighborhood, all of them equipped with an MT.

STIG

I was half joking when I said that, but you never know. That could be true. A lot of BMW owners are posers (think base 323 or whatever). And also, BMW manual transmissions aren't that great. In fact, they are crappy compare to that of Honda's.

S8B

In the present time, driving a manual is not about out performing the more advanced automatic transmissions that exist. It is purely for enjoyment.

Take a GT3 as a perfect example. This car is marketed (rightfully so) as being very "race" inspired, giving its driver fantastic feedback and control. It is supposed to be a connective and thrilling drive.

If Porsche wanted to, it would easily be able to replace its manual transmission with a PDK. But that's not what this car is about. Hell, it's not even offered in anything but a manual.

Performance oriented cars, whether its a supercar or just an entry level sports car, should always have a manual transmission as an option. Too bad many manufactures are sacrificing some excitement for marginal performance improvements.

I have respect for companies that give its customers a choice.

tex2670

What are the sales numbers of Civics vs. Corollas vs. Sentras? I would think this is a big factor.

SLegacy99

Which is why I have always had a beef with MB. In the last 20 years their choices have been extremely limited. ...Lexus too.

IS-SV

Good point, Mercedes manuals are pretty mediocre too, although I will stay out of the poser discussion.

pbm317

Local Acura dealer in suburbs of Chicago had 1 TL SH-AWD with manual transmission on their lot. They said they've had it since November 2009. Guess it's not all that popular.

LexFather

It also means making a GOOD manual. Its harder to make a good manual with tons of torque, they just are harder to shift.

Lexus manuals in particular have always been awful to me. I know I have one I've driven the S2000 and its one of the slickest shifters around so its enjoyable.

Mbenz528i

I completely agree. I respect those who prefer the new automanuals. No diagreement that many are faster (especially on a track and with launch control) than a standard. My issue is that I just prefer the engagement, even on a day to day basis.

I will try and always buy a sports car with a manual, just my preference, but obvious that in only a few short years (ferrari already has called standards dead) they will no longer be available.

SLegacy99

Amen. Not too worried though. I doubt that I would ever be able to own a Ferrari.

Mbenz528i

Same here and if I do, it will probably be 355 or 360 (plenty of those in stick).

SLegacy99

I've always wanted to own a 545/550i and I see them in 6MTs all the time.

rld14

Not even remotely surprised. We have one 2009 Toyota left, a Matrix XRS Manual, and one 2010 Camry left.. also a 6-speed