I'm a manual driver. In my 30 years of driving, I have owned just one automatic transmission car as my daily driver, and that's because I was stationed overseas and it was cheap. My wife and I started with Hondas, back in the 80's you could get a stick Civic, no sweat. 90's, time to move up, finding a stick Accord wasn't a problem. Wanted to get a compact SUV, we were even able to find a CRV with a stick without too much trouble.

After driving a pickup for a while (F150, stick) and a wagon (VW Passat, 5MT), I went for my first Acura, a 2007 TSX 6MT. I love that car, 90k miles and I haven't had a single problem with it. In a year or so, my oldest will be 16, and it will become her car.

My wife wanted to downsize from her Honda Pilot (auto), so we looked at the TSX Sportwagon. Love everything about the car, but if only it were available with a manual...oh well, you pick your battles. But now that I'm looking at my next car for when my daughter gets my TSX, I noticed something while on the Acura web site.

They offer 4 models that are available with a manual transmission:

* ILX - I can get an ILX with the 6MT, but it's only available with the Premium Package...but no Nav Package. Why not? Why can't I get a nav system just because I also want a stick?

* TSX. Well, I already know that I can't get a wagon with a stick, which annoys the heck out of me, but I can almost understand it. And if the TSX Sportwagon were available with a 6MT, it would be my next car. I just like wagons. But the sedan...yeah, I can get it with a 6MT, but again, no navigation system. No premium sound. No V6. And why is the auto available in black (my preferred color) with black or tan (again, my preferred color) interior, but the 6MT is available only in black interior? What the heck? Why is it any different?

* TL SH-AWD 6MT. Probably my next car (which is why I'm posting here). Finally, I can get a 6MT Acura with a navigation system. Awesome. But...why is the Crystal Black Pearl with the auto available with the ebony, umber (which is really sharp, and I would love to get), and Graystone interior, but the 6MT version is only available with the ebony interior? Again, why does this make any sense? I'm already paying "more" for the manual, since in every other car line out there the auto costs more, why should I still be limited in my options?

Sorry that my first post is so rant-y, but I'm sure that others here have similar feelings. If I'm going to buy a $40k+ car, I'd like to get exactly the car that I want. Is it possible to even special order a car with a non-stock interior color?

Thanks,

Pete

 

Because typically only real men drive manuals, and real men don't get lost

It is getting pretty hard to find good cars with manuals these days. I attribute it to the automatics getting better, and new drivers typically learn on automatics, and then they stay with them.

 

Hardly a new development, unfortunately. Manuals are simply losing popularity because they no longer provide the same benefits of fuel economy that they used to and in many cases, are starting to cost more because manufacturers have started to bundle them with only certain options as part of a specific trim level. I wish manufacturers would at the very least allow those of us who prefer manual transmissions to specifically order our desired vehicle configuration. Add to that the fact that most people are too busy trying to multi-task on their phones, eating their food, or doing anything other than driving and we will continue to see manuals decline in popularity.

I like manual transmissions because of the added engagement they offer and because they force a level of attention that makes me more focused on my driving. However, it is very likely that within a few more vehicle generations, we will see manual transmission all buy disappear. Already, it has become nearly impossible to find cars at dealerships with manual transmissions, even in some of the most popular models.

 

prefer manual transmission also-back when we bought our 06 6MT tsx, it was limited on what cars had manual transmission but even more limited with 6speed. If you wanted 4 doors most came with 5speed.

 

Back in late 03 when I was looking for a 6 speed TL I had to order it and waited 12 weeks.

 

I hear you man! Have you looked at the RLX color options? You can get a silver RLX with lighter interior but if you want the Krell or Advance package in silver, you're forced to get black interior. I don't get it!?!?!! I know everyone likes what they like but personally, I can't stand a black interior. When I'm looking for a new car, there are a few deal breakers for me. The #1 deal breaker is black interior. Why they don't offer other choices is beyond me. Why limit the people who would spend more money for higher trim packages or as in your case, people that would choose the more expensive manual transmission option?

 

Car Talk

 

Low demand

 

^^This.

 

or settling on a automatic because the dealer does not have or says they can not find one with manual transmission. We did once.

 

Definitely a demand thing
Even with the members on this forum saying they want/prefer a manual tranny pales in comparison to the general public looking for an auto........

 

OP is gone.

Another thread started and left for the rest of you to chew on.

 

No, not gone, just have a life :P

I do understand that automatic transmissions have closed the gap as far as fuel economy is concerned, and I think that the technology is advancing like that is a good thing. And I, too, prefer to row my own because of the increased "engagement", though I'm one of those people who feels that when I'm behind the wheel, I should be driving...cell phone's in my pocket or my laptop bag, and I'm too ugly to worry about what I look like in the rear view.

I guess another thing I need to look at is that this car will take me most of the rest of the way to 60...my TSX is nearly 7 years old and still looks and runs great, I like to take care of my cars. Will I still feel like driving an MT as I get older...such a depressing thought.

Anyway, thanks for the ruminations.

Pete

 

Pete, they are certainly getting rarer..

I have an S2000, my wife has a CR-Z with a manual as well. We tried ordering one with navigation and a manual, very very rare. As it was, we had to wait for the car to be built.

And don't get me started on getting an Accord with a manual. If you want one, it's going to be a Sport or an LX, no luxury goodies or navigation!

I think the 6MT TL is built in one batch per year, then they're done. The color options are sadly lacking

 

^^ Agree with the comments with one little correction. The '13 Accord can be had in EX trim with the 6MT. We own one. But no nav, no leather, and only two exterior/one interior colors. It's a really great family sedan, and we love ours, but Honda (and others) are creating a fait accompli when they say MT demand is down, so we can only offer limited choices. I'd argue one reason MT demand is down is BECAUSE you only offer limited choices.

 

They went to all black interiors in 2012 on TL 6MTs so those of us who accepted the bigger beak in 2010 and 2011 for an umber interior and something other than a shade between black and white exterior would feel good about our decision.

I've driven 2 Hondas (91 Accord, 95 Prelude VTEC), a Nissan (2001 20th Anniversary Maxima), a BMW ('07 335), and a '10 TL over 22 years of MT daily driving. If they stop selling MTs in the cars I want, I'll either go down market, buy used, or drive my current car until it or I expire, whichever comes first, with the possible exception if my left leg becomes incapacitated.

All hope is not lost in the MT world: I was able to test drive a Buick Regal GS 6MT last Friday. This particular Buick dealer (yes, an actual new Buick dealer!) actually had two MTs in stock. The MT and clutch seemed OK (a bit more vague to 5th and 6th than a Honda unit), the engine was better than expected. The MSRP seemed a bit overpriced compared to the TL for what you get in the smaller package, IMHO; although discounts may be bigger.

 

I have a 2004 Maxima SE 6MT that has driver seat memory 1 & 2 buttons on the door panel that have not worked since I regretfully bought it in 2007. I thought it was just broken until I stumbled across a thread on Maxima.org which explained that because it was a manual transmission the memory seat settings were not offered. The buttons were only there to taunt you. Mission accomplished. F

 

- I'd like someone from Nissan Marketing explain the rationale behind that combination.

 

With CVT becoming popular these days.... popular with manufacturers at least, I truly wonder what is to become of manual transmissions. I am assuming it will probably be an option for a boat load of money.

 

I haven't driven a CVT in a while, but certainly hope manufacturers are thinking CVTs are going to replace manual transmissions.
Manual transmissions still seem to be more popular OUS.

 

One thing that is weird is that the vast majority of people under 30 don't even know how to drive with a manual transmission. I learned when I was 17.

 

CVT will never replace manual transmissions, until it can break through the technological barrier of withstanding high-hp/high torque engine output.

For the time being, only dual-clutch transmissions are capable of replacing manual transmissions.

 

Stupid system, double post.

Please delete.

 

Typo on my part. Meant to say aren't.

 

The 6MT was never planned to be a high volume seller in the TL. When it was introduced the plan was for a 10% production rate. After the initial flurry they never made the target of 10%. I would not be surprised if it was not a late decision to go with an MT after they got beat-up for the low performance of the 5AT

Something to think about is the 10% was based on a production base of about 70,000 cars a year (7,000 6MT) which they also never made.

When Porsches' top 911 product only comes with a DCT along with Ferrari & Lamborghini the MT era is pretty much over.

 

This is one of the other cars I drove when looking to for a new car last Spring. Honestly, it was a great car overall. The trans was vague and rubbery, but the tech and look of the car was nice. The downside was that it was fwd. I needed awd since I hate the way fwd cars drive, for the most part.

 

I do not believe MTs will be gone. There will always be a market for it. Albeit a small one. It has always been that way anyhow but it's shrinking even more. I was happy that Acura still offered MTs for the TL especially in AWD.

 

The market seemed once to consist to two types of consumers: Those buying economy strippers cars with the "standard" transmission being a manual. The second type being people looking for a better connection of man and machine and usually wanting a sporty(/s) car. I suppose a third being people that fall somewhere in the middle.

Anyway, now most "standard transmissions" are either slushboxes or CVTs. The market is limited mainly to those that want to row their own for the general sake of enjoyment.

We need to do our part and teach as many people as we can, specifically our children, to drive and enjoy MTs.

 

If I recall correctly, the umber interior was offered on the 2010 6MT models (the first year of the 4th gen 6MT). It was dropped for the 2011 MY and onward...

 

Not sure it is weird so much that it is a natural progression. As this thread discusses there are fewer and fewer manual options and accordingly there are fewer and fewer new drivers that need to or want to drive a manual.

 

Maybe weird was the wrong choice of words but my point was that so many people these days simply can't drive a manual, which is definitely a natural progression as you mentioned. It just feels odd because when I was a teen, most of my peers could drive manuals. It's hard to wrap my brain around a generation that doesn't relate to manual transmissions.

One drawback from owning a manual is that when you go to sell it, you have fewer prospective buyers, especially in today's world. I owned an Accord EX Sedan once with a manual and I had the hardest time finding a buyer for it. When I sold my 2 door cars with manuals, I encountered no such problems.

 

MTs are becoming less popular and the autos are getting better. If you are in the market for a brand new Porsche GT3... you can't get a stick..they don't make it. But the PDK transmission provides better performance than a manual... I would personally WANT the manual... but the autos are getting pretty advanced.

my Acura 5AT TL... it's not as good as a stick..and had a 6MT been available I would have bought one...but I do have to admit, I don't dislike my auto tranny with paddle shifters... it's not that bad. way way better than the autos I have driven in the past.

 

Not many folks are in the market for a $130K car. People who shop for cars in this price range typically do not care for an MT anyhow. They just want an expensive/exotic sports car, step on the gas and go. IMO this is why Porche still offers a 7 speed MT (overkill I think) for their lower end models; for those who want a Porsche in an MT w/o paying a high premium. Granted they are still going to shell out $85K for one which is still a lot of money.

 

I had an 02 maxima with 6mt and memory seats.... My memory buttons actually worked.

 

manual is the only way to go and it's dying for some reason. Laziness I assume.

 

As mentioned above, auto transmissions have become much more advanced in recent years. Yes you have to drop big money for PDK, but companies like VW and their DSG far surpass the common automatic transmission, not only in performance but fuel mileage as well. In saying that, if Acura had a similar direct shift automatic as VW offers, it would be a very difficult decision. Fuel prices are the driving force behind new technology in transmissions. Look at Dodge and their 8 speed automatic. Would be a huge advantage over Ford and GM, although I think the new GM 1/2 ton trucks have new fuel management that ''apparently'' puts them on top for highway mileage.

 

Why can't MT supporters just accept that a good auto will out perform an MT & leave it at that. In everyone of these AT/MT threads on all the sites it always comes down to some MT drivers thinking they are special because they drive one & its therefore obvious that AT drivers can't drive, are lazy, dumb whatever.

News flash: Driving a manual ain't no big deal. My 15 year old granddaughter has her permit for just over a week. Took her out on Saturday & she was good to go in the 5MT 4X4 dual range transfer case Ranger in about 1/2 hour.

An MT can be fun, I have one in the 135is but its not rocket science or super macho thing.

 

Regardless of how good some auto transmissions are or will become, they will never fill the void of using a clutch to shift gears. It's not about dick swinging at all, it's about the driving experiencing. I feel more in control of the vehicle with manual.

 

5th gens were assembled in Japan. The 6th gens were assembled in 'Murica... perhaps that has something to do with it?

 

Some might say - the difference is driving (MT) vs. riding (AT).