10 Slightly Used Cars That Rock A Manual Transmission

Manual transmissions are becoming more and more rare as time goes on, with many automakers reserving the stick shift for their performance-oriented models. With it becoming a luxury, it is harder and harder to find affordable options that won’t break the bank.

If you shop cleverly, though, you can save yourself a pretty penny by looking at used markets. There are tons of cars out there with a manual transmission that offer an enjoyable and analog driving experience at a fraction of the cost of buying something brand new. You don’t even have to buy something particularly old.

We’ve found ten slightly used options that offer a manual transmission. None of the cars on this list are older than three years old, ensuring that they haven’t been put through too much abuse. They all also cost less than $30,000 on average, meaning that your bank account will be fairly happy too.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed. Average used prices were sourced from Edmunds.

10

2023 Kia Forte GT

Average Used Price: $21,300

The Forte was Kia’s compact car, which has since been replaced by the K4. While in most specs it came with an underpowered engine and a CVT, going with the GT means that you get a 201 horsepower turbocharged engine and a manual transmission as standard.

Performance Specifications

While it is a big step up from the standard model, don’t expect insane levels of performance from the GT. That being said, it does offer some exceptional acceleration for the money that you pay. The only problem is that it doesn’t quite handle as well as you might hope.

Pros

• Sporty exterior styling
• Pretty light on fuel
• Lots of bang for your buck

Cons

• Steering is a little numb
• Doesn’t handle extremely well
• Interior materials reflect its low price tag

9

2023 Subaru Impreza

Average Used Price: $21,394

When buying an Impreza, don’t expect it to live up to the rallying legacy that made it so famous. However, if you’re in the market for an affordable compact car, it’ll certainly impress. The latest generation has lost its manual transmission in favor of a CVT across the board, but you can still grab a 2023 model with a stick shift.

Performance Specifications

The Impreza is not the hottest vehicle on the road, with lethargic acceleration whether you opt for the manual or the auto. However, it does find a superb balance between handling and ride quality, taking corners enthusiastically.

Pros

• Very comfortable cabin
• All-wheel drive is standard
• Lots of standard driver assists

Cons

• Clunky manual shifts
• Below average fuel economy
• Needs more power

8

2024 Volkswagen Jetta

Average Used Price: $21,764

The Jetta has recently been refreshed, with the brand getting rid of the standard manual transmission. Jump back a year, though, and you can still get VW’s compact sedan with the stick shift. The average price of a 2024 model year with a manual is also already sitting below the MSRP of a new model.

Performance Specifications

Volkswagen has put a fairly torquey turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood of the Jetta, meaning it accelerates faster than most of its core rivals. The little sedan is tuned for comfortable above all else, but it still has a lot to offer when driven hard through corners.

Pros

• Really comfortable cabin
• Quiet and comfortable ride
• Super efficient

Cons

• Manual models are barebones
• Exterior styling is boring
• Small infotainment screen

7

2023 Mazda 3 Hatchback

Average Used Price: $25,630

The Mazda 3 is one of the easiest cars to recommend if you’re looking for something small. It could easily pass for a premium compact car, despite its super agreeable price tag. If you’re not so worried about getting a model with all-wheel drive or a turbocharger, you can also get it with a manual.

Performance Specifications

While the turbocharged model is certianly attractive, if you want to change gear the old fashioned way you need to stick with the naturally aspirated front-wheel drive model. It is no slouch, though, and offers plenty of pep. Its real party trick, however, is how finely tuned its chassis is.

Pros

• Exceptional handling
• Cabin looks and feels fantastic
• Top models are downright luxurious

Cons

• Rear visibility is below par
• Turbocharged engine is an expensive upgrade
• Can’t get the manual with all-wheel drive

6

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Average Used Price: $26,867

The Golf GTI is perhaps one of the most iconic hot hatchbacks to have ever been built. In North America, it has also outlived many of its main rivals. If you’re looking for an affordable hatchback that keeps things playful, a slightly used GTI will deliver plenty of thrills.

Performance Specifications

With things like an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and brake-based torque vectoring, the GTI is a pretty clever car and is ready to tackle twists and turns with enthusiasm. The turbocharged four-banger also delivers enough power to allow the VW to shoot off the line when you put your foot down.

Pros

• A ton of fun on four wheels
• Lighter and quicker than the previous generation
• Impressively practical

Cons

• Interior quality is dissapointing
• Infotainment system is difficult to use
• Engine drones at highway speeds

5

2022 Honda Civic Si

Average Used Price: $27,287

Based on the regular Civic, the Si benefits from the same level of practicality and comfort you would expect from Honda’s small car. However, the Si gets a uniquely tuned chassis, a stronger engine, and a ton of technology that helps it compete with other affordable sporty options.

Performance Specifications

The Civic Si was built for people who like to drive, with a six-speed manual being your only option. The Honda also comes with rev-matching technology, which makes this a really beginner-friendly car. With larger brake rotors, optional sumer tires, and a standard limited slip differential, it is well worth the upgrade over the standard Civic.

Pros

• Fantastic short throw shifter
• Handles superbly
• Stylish exterior design

Cons

• Could use a few more horses
• Some engine coarseness when pushed
• No heated seats

4

2023 Subaru BRZ

Average Used Price: $27,643

If you’re looking for a coupe, one of the most affordable and rewarding options on the market right now is a Subaru BRZ. This little 2+2 is one of the middle-class heroes keeping sports cars accessible. The 2023 model in particular also comes with a larger, more powerful engine than some older models.

Performance Specifications

While everything on this list below the BRZ is playing at sportiness, the Subaru is a real sports car. With rear-wheel drive and a sub 3,000 pound curb weight, it is genuinely quick. It is sure-footed, there is tons of steering feedback, and you can pretty easily swing the tail out.

Pros

• Super light
• Peppy naturally aspirated engine
• Incredibly fun

Cons

• Cabin is not well designed
• Road noise galore
• Rear seats are just for show

3

2023 Mazda MX-5

Average Used Price: $28,213

When it comes to fun sports cars that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on, the MX-5 has been king for decades. This little roadster looks the business and comes either with a soft-top convertible or a hard-top targa called the RF. Either way its smile will prove to be infectious.

Performance Specifications

Despite having 47 fewer horsepower than the BRZ, the MX-5 still manages to come pretty close in acceleration. This is in part thanks to its 2,345-pound curb weight in soft-top form. Handling is incredibly sharp and you’ll find few cars that are more fun or rewarding to drive than a Miata.

Pros

• Finely tuned chassis
• Fantastic steering
• You can drop the top down

Cons

• Tall drivers might find it cramped
• Noisy at highway speeds
• Not the most practical option

2

2023 Subaru WRX

Average Used Price: $28,413

The third Subaru to grace this list is the brand’s sporty sedan. Where once it was the range-topping trim of the Impreza, the WRX has been a standalone model for some time now. It definitely better harkens back to the brand’s rallying history than the Impreza, with it being a super popular choice in places with tough weather.

Performance Specifications

Why Subaru even offers a CVT on this fantastic sports sedan is mind-boggling, especially because the six-speed is so good. The standard all-wheel drive system that Subaru is best known for also makes this one of the easiest sporty sedans to maneuver in things like dirt, mud, and snow.

Pros

• Manual is the standard setup
• Handling is sharp
• Fantastic all-weather performance

Cons

• Not as fully-blown as it once was
• Fuel economy is poor
• Doesn’t sound as good as you’d hope

1

2023 Acura Integra

Average Used Price: $29,715

If the Honda Civic Si catches your eye but you want something a little more upscale, then the Acura Integra is the way to go. It features very similar levels of performance wrapped up in a more premium package, with a more luxurious cabin that is packed with comfort features, all at an affordable price.

Performance Specifications

The Integra borrows the engine straight out of the Civic Si. All models come standard with a CVT, but top trims can be specced with a manual instead. The Integra is just as lively and playful as its mainstream cousin but comes with some comfort oriented features as well, like an adaptive suspension.

Pros

• Fun in the corners
• Fantastic exterior and interior design
• More comfortable than a Civic Si

Cons

• The Civic Si delivers the same performance for less money
• Too much road noise
• Rear seats are a little bare