These days they're almost impossible to find in most cars, and even trucks.
When my fiancee went shopping for a car back in 2002-2003 she wanted AWD, she wanted a small crossover/wagon-type vehicle, and she wanted one more thing which turned out to be the hardest part of the whole purchase: a manual transmission.
She decided on a 2003 Subaru Forester, a car the was checking off every box on her must-have list.
Her transmission choice ... well, that made it so the dealer had to locate a 5-speed car and have it transferred in, since all their inventory was automatic.
Thirteen years and over 180,000 miles later, she still owns the car, and still loves the fact it's a manual.
Meanwhile, manual transmissions have become even harder to find.
Myself, I blame all the manufacturers for the manual transmission's demise.
They have constantly been offering them only in models meant for fuel economy, taking out or not offering high-end options in the models with the third pedal.
Want navigation system? Sorry, you'll have to step up to the blah-blah-blah model which is auto-only.
Want a fancy stereo? Same thing.
Personally, I want all the toys, but I also want that all-important and fun-inducing third pedal.
Thoughts?
Comments?
- Gabe.
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