Manual Transmissions Were Just 1.4% of 2023 US Sales

When I was shopping to replace my 1994 SR5, I would have been perfectly happy with another SR5 vehicle. But at the time, a manual transmission was not available in SR5, that's why I would up with a TRD Sport. It had the manual transmission option. Not complaining, I love my TRD Sport.

On a similar note, a couple of years ago, my GF and I took her vehicle, also a MT, to the local Jiffy-Lube for an oil change. Even though ALL of the bays were empty, we waited and waited and waited. Finally, the manager came over to ask my GF to put her car on the rack. There were no employees who could drive a MT.

 

Being a strong minority....how does the MT effect resale?

 

I think it would be very helpful. As noted, those who want them, really want them.

 

You and I view this issue from opposite directions, for years, like since the 1980s, I have absolutely hated fact many of the most desirable cars would only offer a manual transmission on strippo models, but geez, if you wanted leather seating, a moon roof, and/or a higher end audio system, you could only get those things if you also wanted an automatic transmission.

Don't get me wrong, I believe Toyota could have sold a hell of a lot more Tacomas with three pedals under the dash if they made the manual available across the line, including both the SR as well as the TRD DCLB offerings.

 

I don't believe the lower MPG for the manuals is anything other than EPA testing; there are many dozens of threads here (or maybe even hundreds) where folks talk about their fuel economy, and my TRD Sport 6MT has always returned as good as, or better, fuel economy than the folks in those threads claim.

 

Sounds like you need lots of high quality therapy.

 

I would have bought my SR with a stick if there were any to be had in Dec. The salesman got a chuckle when I asked if they had one.lol

 

I feel like for the pro models, the percentage of manuals might be higher than 1.4%

 

yeah, trying to find a 13-15, access cap 6' bed with a manual gives me all of 20 options on autotrader.com... how, as a society, did we let ourselves get here?!

 

Given how rare they are, it definitely helps resale.

A few years ago I needed to buy a used vehicle of which only about 5% were made with manual transmissions, it took me five months to find the right car, and when I found it, I was happy to pay $2,500 more than an otherwise identical autotragic model.

 

There is a spreadsheet (or at least was) available for download called "kiss my grits"; while I was waiting for my Tacoma to get built I downloaded it weekly and tracked the manual models. Late in the 2022 model year, there were times when over 50% of the inbound TRD Pros had a manual.

 

same here, I went to go look at one a few days ago but it was on the lift getting serviced, so I asked to put $500 down to hold it until I could come back to look when it could actually be driven. Guy tried to slip in a sales agreement anyway, no, I need to drive it before I agree to buy it... I hate dealerships.

 

This is a chicken and egg thing, but ultimately it's the dealers who kill manual transmission sales.

 

I think manuals should be mandatory for new drivers. It helps you pay better attention of what's going on around you. A better defensive driving skill would be developed. Automatics encourage poor driving habits since you have less to do to keep you engaged. Texting and crashing happens more often in an automatic, I'd bet.

 

I was on the hunt for a 6MT OR for a year. Preferably a long bed, absolute unicorn. Winded up pulling the trigger on a 23 MT pro. I’ve had MTs in all of my “fast” vehicles. However, this is my first MT truck. I’m over the moon! Glad to be part of the lucky 1.4%.

 

They are in England. If you can't drive a stick you don't get a license.
I wish here in the U.S. you had to ride a motorcycle for a year as well.

And I concur with your thought that accidents would drop like a rock due to texting and driving.

Sticks Shifts are going away, sadly. I don't think Porsche makes a MT anymore, I mean, what's the use of driving an automatic Porsche.

I grew up on sticks and sold one to buy my Tacoma. At 65+ and city traffic I just don't have it in me to deal with it anymore.
I do recall the first few weeks 'looking for' the clutch LOL.... took me a while to make the switch.

 

Porsche still makes a MT. I bought a 2018 991.2 and would be happy if they discontinued MT for the sake of rarity now. MT Ferraris are easily 50% more than F1 models now that MT is discontinued.

I am still interested to see what the last MT holdout will be. The new Tacoma means it could be around for a while. Same with Jeeps. Every year there is a list of the last new MTs and it gets shorter. My guess is Jeep will drop it before Tacoma, and the existing small Japanese cars will drop it before the 911. Cadillac MT will drop soon. Not sure about Camaro vs. Mustang.

I can't predict the last one, but I would say the last one will be one of these 5 : Tacoma, Porsche, Bronco, Miata, Mustang.

https://www.motortrend.com/features/every-manual-transmission-car-for-sale/

 

BMW has cancelled the stick, but Porsche still offers them on the 911 and 718 Cayman/Boxster models.

 

You would have to time warp back to 2017 if you were trying to buy an SR manual.

 

Mine would be a manual if they still had it on the SR trim for V6 4x4. I find it very unfortunate that it turned into a novelty item for the "premium" trims.

Make manuals great again.