{"id":10840,"date":"2023-09-13T05:20:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-13T05:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=10840"},"modified":"2025-01-16T21:29:42","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T21:29:42","slug":"pros-and-cons-of-cars-with-manual-transmissions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/pros-and-cons-of-cars-with-manual-transmissions\/","title":{"rendered":"Pros and Cons: Manual Transmissions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What if you could get better fuel mileage by simply buying a car<\/a> with a shift stick instead of an automatic transmission?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer to that question, of course, relies on whether or not you know how to drive one and, if not, are you willing to learn? But overall, when comparing the three transmission types (manual, automatic, and continuously variable transmission [CVT]), one of the benefits of a manual gearbox is that it is more fuel efficient, as well as easier to repair. And there\u2019s always that other bonus \u2013 they can be pretty fun to drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with anything, however, there are also some drawbacks to choosing a stick over an automatic. Keep in mind that car insurance<\/a> costs can be cheaper for the manual transmission cars, since they are easier to repair and, in some cases, cheaper to replace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Manual Transmission Cars Cheaper?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, they can be between $2,000 and $8,000 less expensive. But, it depends. Some manufacturers only offer the option with the highest trim or as a special order since they are less popular. In that case, you may end up spending more! And, with today\u2019s technology, the lines between the two options are getting blurry, since in some cases, what appears to be an automatic transmission<\/a> has the capabilities of driving like a manual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a Car with Both?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several. In fact, you may be driving one right now and not even realize it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An example is the \u201cmanual mode\u201d that encourages drivers to take advantage of the gears that have been available in many automatic transmission cars in recent years. You may have noticed them: the numbers below the \u201cD\u201d. Operators can use these various gears to have more control in demanding situations, such as driving on snow and ice<\/a>. When the D mode is selected, the automobile makes the decision which gear is best. If you choose the 2, you\u2019ll lock out any gear below that. If you choose the 1, you\u2019ll only be operating in first gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These options offer motorists more control in sketchy situations, so learn to use it if you have it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Myths of Driving a Stick Shift Cars<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we get into the actual pros and cons, let\u2019s debunk a couple of myths that have been circulating for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/strong>Manual Transmission Vehicles Are Cheaper<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Overall, this could be considered true, but since they have lost some of their popularity, new cars today don\u2019t always have this as an option, in contrast with older models<\/a>. Which means you will actually pay more if your personal preference is for a shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They Get Better Fuel Economy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is debatable. Yes, in the past, this was pretty much true across the board. But since many of the new cars<\/a> today rely less on a torque converter and have more gear options, the gas mileage can be pretty similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s Not a True Sports Car Without a Manual Shift<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Would you believe that some very popular sports cars don\u2019t even come with this as an option today? How about the Chevrolet Corvette? Their C8 model is sold without that option. Both Ferrari and Lamborghini no longer offer any model with a clutch and gearbox. So, that kind of debunks that myth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Manual Shift is a Crime Deterrent<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although we can\u2019t know for sure, some people believe that since less people know how to drive one, your manual car may be a natural anti-theft deterrent. It makes sense, so this may be a fact, not a myth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros and Cons of Manual Transmission<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Benefits of Stick Shift Cars<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stick shift vehicles can be a blast to drive, especially for those who have experience with controlling manual transmissions. Nevertheless, there are plenty of other good reasons for having them around:<\/p>\n\n\n\n