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The Future Of The Manual Transmission

9932 messages,  Last post on May 23, 2013 at 10:37 AM

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Messages Page 975 of 994

#9733 of 9932 Re: Need some advice [tlong] by nippononly

Jan 21, 2013 (9:32 pm)

Replying to: tlong (Jan 21, 2013 6:48 pm)
There's always the Volvo C30, which is about to go out of production but has been available (and actually in stock once or twice) in a manual. But it's a 2-door hatch, so I don't know if that puts it out of contention.
 
I like the throwback look to the '60s Volvos, and that it comes in something besides white, black, and six shades of gray. And the stick is not bad, although not super-inspiring like I find Honda manuals to be.
 
Since sales have not been great, you could probably get a real bargain on one new, for any they still have left.
 
For wide availability used in a stick, in a model with a decent interior and decently fun to drive, I think I would look to the GTI/A3 twins. But I know reliability and the cost to keep them on the road after the warranty is up is rumored to be nightmarish. I have a friend with a stick-shift A3 which is about 6 years old now, she loves that thing, held up well in a couple of wrecks and keeps on ticking without a lot of repair expense, contrary to said rumors....

#9734 of 9932 Re: Need some advice [nippononly] by stickguy

Jan 21, 2013 (10:16 pm)

Replying to: nippononly (Jan 21, 2013 9:32 pm)
another option new is the Acura ILX with the 2.4l engine. Basically a luxury model (with a nice interior) of the Civic Si.

#9735 of 9932 Re: Need some advice [stickguy] by tlong

Jan 21, 2013 (10:21 pm)

Replying to: stickguy (Jan 21, 2013 10:16 pm)
another option new is the Acura ILX with the 2.4l engine. Basically a luxury model (with a nice interior) of the Civic Si.
 
I'd buy a previous gen TSX before the ILX.
I might have to go for a 3-series unless I want to get brave with VW.

#9736 of 9932 Re: Need some advice [tlong] by scwmcan

Jan 22, 2013 (4:18 am)

Replying to: tlong (Jan 21, 2013 10:21 pm)
I know it may not be acceptable, being American and all, but what about a Buick Regal, maybe even a GS, with how poorly they are selling now I bet you could get a good deal on a GS, and may even be able to get in under our price target, and they do have a manual as well. The is also the Verano turbo with a manual, but it may not have the handling you are looking for ( the regal may not either for that matter, though it isn't supposed to be bad, you'd have to test drive either if there was any interest there at all). I know it may not be what you are looking for though but just thought I'd bring it up, it is always good to remember all your options anyway.

#9737 of 9932 Re: Need some advice [tlong] by benjaminh

Jan 22, 2013 (5:12 am)

Replying to: tlong (Jan 21, 2013 4:51 pm)
tlong wrote:
 
"OK gang, need some help. I'm at 130K on my '05 Acura TL and am starting to think about a replacement. Problem is I love the Asian reliablity but also love the German handling and driving. And those generally don't go together. "
 
It seems like you've gotten a great and reliable ride from your Acura, and yet you seem almost eager to leave the brand. Just curious as to why? Just ready to try something different?
 
most (if not all) of these have already been mentioned...
 
Mini Clubman
VW GTI 4 door
BMW 3 series
Honda Civic Si
Acura ILX 2.4
Audi A3
 
Just looked up the price of the A3:
 
2.0 TFSIŽ Premium Plus: Six-speed manual transmission with front-wheel drive
$ 30,165
 
My guess is that a Honda or Acura will have the best reliability.
 
I know you don't want to go to midsize, but the all new Accord manual EX might still be worth a test drive. It's a little smaller than the last generation, and it would save you a lot of money:
 
2013 Accord Sedan EX
Manual Transmission
$25,395
 
This is fairly loaded, with moonroof, pushbutton start, 17" alloys, power seat, dual climate, side and rear camera, etc. That's a lot more than you'll get on the A3, even with the premium pkg. It's almost exactly the size of your 2005 TL. Car and Driver says a 6 speed manual 2013 Accord can go from 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, which is probably about the same as your TL:
 
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-honda-accord-four-cylinder-manual-test-- - review

#9738 of 9932 Re: Need some advice [benjaminh] by kyfdx HOST

Jan 22, 2013 (5:27 am)

Replying to: benjaminh (Jan 22, 2013 5:12 am)
A lot of used A3s around the $19K mark.... but, if you don't want to take a chance on a Jetta.... then...

#9739 of 9932 Re: Need some advice [tlong] by srs_49

Jan 22, 2013 (5:46 am)

Replying to: tlong (Jan 21, 2013 10:21 pm)
What about a 2 or 3 year old Infiniti G37, with the 6MT? Although that's what I have, I am less than happy with the shifter.

#9740 of 9932 Re: Need some advice [srs_49] by ateixeira

Jan 22, 2013 (7:59 am)

Replying to: srs_49 (Jan 22, 2013 5:46 am)
Or wait for the next WRX if you can. Those are manual only, and the interiors on the new Impreza improved a lot.

#9741 of 9932 Re: Need some advice [ateixeira] by bpizzuti

Jan 22, 2013 (9:17 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 22, 2013 7:59 am)
I'm pretty sure the next WRX isn't going to be Impreza-based. They're taking too long if it is.

#9742 of 9932 Re: Need some advice [bpizzuti] by ateixeira

Jan 22, 2013 (9:42 am)

Replying to: bpizzuti (Jan 22, 2013 9:17 am)
I think Gunma is running at full capacity so they figure why rush?
 
Thing is, WRX sells at higher prices, so if they want profits, HURRY UP!

Messages Page 975 of 994

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