Auto to Manual trade

MTs don't overheat when towing. 2019+ tacos don't have transmission coolers. Soo....

If you're towing, buy a full size

 

Zero correlation, at least for me.

It more likely (by a long shot) stems from availability. Parents for the last twenty years moved into minivans and SUVs that manuals aren’t even an option. Kids learn on these, these are the vehicles that get handed down. That old Mustang some of us learned on is now worth more than the house.

No availability to learn plus no real reason to with manufacturers switching away puts us in the situation we are now. It’s just how it is. Not really going to matter in thirty-forty years when electric is prominent anyway.

 

Know anyone that still uses paper maps for a road trip? Know anyone that doesn't use a microwave?

I think driving is either a means to an end, or something you enjoy. For the vast majority of people out there it's just a means to an end, so there's no reason to want a manual. For the enthusiasts, it depends what they want out of it.

Me personally? I enjoy shifting. I had a '99 v6 44runner MT (best 4runner generation/engine/trans) and loved just going for rides to nowhere to unwind, distress, whatever. When I got my 03 4R, that passion went away - the only way I can really describe it is that it didn't really have a soul. Now that I'm in the Taco, just going for a ride is so cathartic.

Other people want to get on a trail or crawl over some rocks. Being in a MT may be icing on the cake, or it may just get in the way while trying to do that, and that's fine.

 

From an individual seller's perspective I would much rather sell a MT than an AT. More commitment/interest from the potential buyers that do contact you. Also have more ground as far as sticking with your asking price. With an auto you'll get the usual slew of lowballers cross shopping 6-7 other cars, window shoppers, someones kid with the "Hey, can you price match this salvage title? Trade you a gaming laptop or dirt bike + cash?" or their Mom who needs a full introduction to the model "Does it make a good first vehicle? What is the gas mileage like? Is it reliable?" or worse, the Dad "DOES IT HAVE NAV???"

Maybe just isolated to my personal experiences, but anytime I've been on the selling end of an AT I find myself wanting to get violent with the people messaging about it.

 

All good input. Just figured I'd throw that out there because most of the rest of the world seems to have more manual options as well as peeps of all ages that still drive manual.

Means to and end vs enjoying driving are very good answers to the question.

I'm certainly in the group of taking my time, choose different routes, be in control of the gears, and just enjoy the drive.