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Is the Manual Transmission Dying?

41K views 510 replies 225 participants last post by  pkai 
#1 ·
I'm trying to sell my 6 speed JK and I've already had 3 people tell me they would buy it if it was an automatic.

Are people too lazy these days to drive a manual?

It seems to me like knowing how to drive a manual is a mandatory life skill.

Thoughts/opinions?
 
#2 ·
The U.S is one of the few countries that automatic transmission is the norm. In most countries all vehicles are manual including buses/trucks. Although it may be harder to sell some people in the States actively seek manual trans. Good luck with the sell.
 
#7 ·
I read an article recently that stated "A manual shift transmission is one of the BEST theft deterrent devices one can have in this day and age"........ROTFFLMFAO
 
#54 ·
My insurance agent told me the same thing.

I went to the Honda dealer with a friend and found out that they only offer 2 vehicles with a clutch as even an option - the FIT and the 2-door Civic Sport. Finding a small 4-door economy car with a clutch and manual windows is getting harder and harder.

I think it's just too hard to hold my smoke, my coffee and talk on the phone while fixing my hair AND shift all at the same time.
 
#8 ·
I've been driving a manual for so long I don't even realize I'm shifting. People are just lazy, and it's been like that for awhile and only getting worse. Most vehicles aren't even offered with manuals anymore.
 
#9 ·
Yeah I wanted a manual when I bought mine, but the wife really wanted to drive the Jeep as well - so happy wife happy life. My last Wrangler was a manual and I loved it - except as mentioned in the stop/go traffic.
 
#11 ·
Luckily my wife can drive a manual trans, so it's not an issue for us. It's nice that no one else that I know can drive my JK. :)

I'm one of those people that actively seek vehicles with manual transmissions. We are far and few between, but you'll find people out there who may even pay a premium for a 6 speed.
 
#12 ·
My Jeep has a manual transmission and I love it but my significant other doesn't much care for it. I was told that " I am going to learn how to drive that Jeep someday!" I told her that I have no problems with that but think you should master the automatic first! For some reason, she didn't see this nearly or at all funny as I did! HA!!
 
#56 ·
My Jeep has a manual transmission and I love it but my significant other doesn't much care for it. I was told that " I am going to learn how to drive that Jeep someday!"
When I bought mine, I looked specifically for a manual transmission. I like them and I have a 98 F150 and I know that when I eventually upgrade my truck to a newer one, I won't be able to get the manual in it because they don't offer them anymore, unless they change it by then.....Anyway, my wife can drive a manual somewhat, but not really good at it, so really I am the only one that drives my Jeep. She wants one and so we are going to get her one too eventually, but hers will be an automatic. I can see where they would be harder to sell near a city and doing a lot of city driving, but to me, when I wanted a Wrangler, I wanted a soft top and manual transmission first and foremost, but that being said, I also wanted and got cruise control because when I set out on the interstate or hwy, I like to set cruise and not worry about my speed or getting a ticket.
Anyway, I don't think it's dying out but it is being trimmed down to only certain models like the Wrangler, Mustang, and other sports cars. I don't know if they will ever bring it back in Trucks like they used to be, but I certainly hope so.....
 
#16 · (Edited)
Am retired - just bought a 2015 JKU auto - the Mrs. has to drive it. A lifetime of driving manuals - I really can't adapt to the auto for pavement driving. Somehow going to start saving again and will buy a base JK 6 spd. soft top before I croak. The only other standard shift offered in the U.S. in a light truck is the new Chevy/GMC mid-size and that only in a 4 cyl. base no 4wd and no locking diff. Maybe Toyota or Nissan but don't want to go there. I could go for a 10-20 yr. old used Chevy or Ford SWB, but my experience is that it could end up with a very expensive time-consuming frame off restoration.
 
#18 ·
Nissan Frontier took away manual in 2014 but brought it back for 2015. Must have got some complaints or dealer feedback that people still wanted it.

I had a 2012 Frontier Pro 4x in 6 speed. I loved that truck but it was a lease that was up and I've always really wanted a wrangler so I bought one. Jeep fanboys tend to shit all over every other off road vehicle as if the jeep is somehow untouchable. I'd bet if you take a Stock Pro4x and Stock wrangler of same msrp and put the same $$ into mods, the truck will go anywhere the jeep will go. There's no law that says you can't put a solid axle on the front of a pro4x and add a locker lol. Sure, a stock rubicon is more capable than a stock pro4x but put $10K in mods in each and I bet you the Frontier will be just as capable.
 
#17 ·
Yes and it's disgusting. I had to drive 60 miles away to buy my manual...every dealer near me only stocks autos. Such a shame. Just another symptom of America going down the shitter. A country too lazy to drive....must be too hard to drive and text or something with all that pesky shifting.
 
#31 ·
Never mind shifting, how about pushbutton starters because it's too much trouble to actually fish your keys out of your pocket/purse?
 
#24 ·
I have a manual on order...My GF can't and wont try to drive a manual. I almost bought an auto just so she could drive it if we went out and I had a few too many cocktails, but after test driving both, I had to have the manual.
 
#26 ·
i live at the jersey shore, land of many wrangler

i took delivery of my JKU about 3 weeks ago and it was the only manual on the lot, and even more so i went to 3 dealers and it was 1 of 2 6spd available.
 
#27 ·
I've never owned an auto. I had to order my JK to get a 6-speed with the options I wanted.
 
#32 ·
Sure hope the choice doesn't go away

I've had both.
When I enjoyed the challenge of four wheeling, I liked the standard transmission, because it adds an element of difficulty.

Now I'm into 4 wheeling for the scenery, or as a path to a remote destination. For both of those I much prefer the ease of driving the auto, and the limited impact it has to the trail.

Everyone should have the choice. Hopefully they will respect the trail, and take the time to learn proper wheeling techniques, no matter their transmission type.
 
#34 · (Edited)
Every female needs to be able to drive a manual, cause when she is on a date with a guy who gets hammered and she needs to drive home, or even leave him there and get away it may be a necessity.

Every man needs to be able to drive a standard, cause when your buddy gets stopped and has warrants, you may need to drive the car home so youre not walking.

Just sayin.....
 
#35 ·
I love when I get to the car wash and the manager has to drive my Jeep (or BMW) in because the attendants don't know how to shift a manual. :lmao:

I'd get an automatic or DCT if I had to commute in heavy traffic every day. But since both my vehicles are toys, I maximized the fun factor by getting DIY transmissions. :)
 
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