Manual Transmission with regard to resale value - seeking opinions.

What's up folks? Hope this finds you well this fine Tuesday morning. As the subject implies, I've been speculating on how a MT may effect future resale value. Let's say I buy a 2022 TRD OR SBMT with a mid level trim (advanced tech and LED lights). From my understanding, this is likely the last year Toyota will offer a MT. Personally, I think a MT would actually improve resale value, say 5 to 10 years down the road. I think there will always be people seeking a MT and their scarcity will drive the value up slightly, even if a MT Taco takes longer to sell. I'd be interested in hearing y'alls opinions. Cheers!

 

Interesting question. I have no clue, but one thing is certain; a manual transmission will definitely reduce your interested buyer pool.

 

Yup, MOST people do not want a manual. A select few do and those will be your buyers if theyre looking

 

When I bought my 2017 there were plenty of manuals available and they were cheaper. I was looking for a DCLB though. It’s my first automatic in my life. I am happy with it and so glad it doesn’t have a small bed.

 

Here in Alberta there is high demand for an MT model. It was a hunt for my 2016 6MT and 2020 6MT and they go fast. Both I was in the right place at the right time. A salesman I know said they can come in on trade with extremely high mileage and still be gone the next day. An MT will certainly reduce the market but will not be a concern. I have also heard of some dealers having a premium on manual's due to this.

 

Just before COVID - I sold an immaculate 05 Accord manual - EX-L (top trim for manual / leather, sunroof, nav. heated seats...the works)...

Reduced buyer pool, yes - but I was able to sell at a mega premium because the buyer specifically wanted a manual. I'm with you, OP - I think if we were to sell down the road (esp. since this might be last MT taco), the value would be potentially higher than a AT. Someone will be looking for one guaranteed and will pay a premium.

This is all private party of course.

 

I think your potential buyer pool would be smaller, but more enthusiastic/devoted/willing to pay a premium. For example, I will never purchase a Tacoma with an automatic. If Toyota discontinues the MT, then I'll be looking at used trucks from now on and clean examples will be worth serious $$$ to the right buyer.

 

Same. I hope in 10 years, I'll be able to find a nice OEM 3rd gen manual.

 

When I went hunting for a Tacoma, I was specifically looking for a MT. When I found it, I was talking on the phone to the salesman about the truck. He made a point a few times to let me know it was a MT. I told him that I know this info and that is why we are talking still.

I would guess at some point, all new cars will be auto trans. I think its dumb as hell but the world has gotten lazy. There will be a group of people that will seek out MT vehicles. I would think at that point, it would be supply and demand that would drive up the price on them.

 

Private sell 100%

trade in, no go

 

I Can only tell you this. I am a chevy dude from head to toe. I bought my 2020 trd pro because I could get it in a manual. I was not going to buy a NISSAN.. SO I think there will always be a nitch for the 3 pedal cars and trucks.
But that is fading fast.. I bet 75% of people out there prefer automagics. Just my thought and 2 Cents. You my friend maybe correct. Manuals maybe worth more someday.. BUY WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY !!!!

 

Here in the lower mainland of B.C., AT is the transmission of choice. I went into buy mine and they had 3 MT trucks on the lot. The salesman's first words to my wife and I, "We can't sell these things!". That phrase turned into a nice fat discount. This was after a 9 month search to even find a MT Tacoma. So it could work for you, or it could work against you. It will also depend on your location. In the city, more would be inclined to go for AT, while in the country, MT. Either way, you are purchasing a Tacoma. And even before this upside down market, they had one of the best resale values in the industry, so you won't be making a bad purchase.

 

You guys keep saying "maybe smaller buying pool." It is a much smaller buying pool. Right now 1.3% of new cars in the USA are a stick. Yes the desire for a truck will be higher for some truck owners, but... 5%? 10% tops? You are losing at least 90% of your possible buyers on resale.

 

That's actually a great point! Hadn't thought of that angle.

 

Agreed 100%

 

its definitely not going to improve resale.. what it will do is limit the potential market for it. yes some will search a manual out but most will want an automatic. especially in your 5-10 year window. just the way it is. buy what you want, enjoy what you buy and don't worry about what it may or may not sell for in 5-10 years.

 

No doubt - BUT, will those ~5-10% of folks that are really wanting a used MT pay a premium for one when none are available?

...I'm obviously a bit biased here being a MT fanboy.

 

I recently upgraded to 265/75/16 on my TRD OR MT. After tires were put on a young man backed the truck out of the bay. As I walked up to retrieve my truck, he asked me a question as the engine was running and he had his foot on the clutch pushed to the floor. He said, “Is there a way to keep the engine running and take your foot off the clutch?”. I told him “Yes, just put it in neutral after you apply the emergency brake”, then reached over and slid it in to neural for him. The look of surprise on his face of the simplicity was worth seeing. He said with jubilation, “Wow! I never knew that!”.
That said, yeah, market will be less buyers because a majority do not know how to drive a manual or don’t want one but. If they don’t want a manual, fine. But there will be someone out there who does want it.

 

Makes me wonder how many trucks he's dumped the clutch on stalling them..

 

There should still be a MT in 2023, guessing it will go away in 2024 when the 4th Gen comes out. Used value is good but the pool of buyers will be a little less.