I would definitely buy a manual if I could. Just more fun to drive. I think Honda civic’s lowest model might still have one. Not sure of anything else.
If “fun” is the primary advantage (I know there are others) then it’s no wonder there’s fewer manuals in the US, at least. I think for many people, myself included, a car is a tool. I don’t need it to be fun. I need it to be reliable, easy to use, and as efficient as possible.
For some cars are a hobby, but for many people they’re most another tool in our lives.
Manuals have an advantage in some situations (off roading, transmission doesn’t overheat, better performance with skill, repairability) and autos have theirs (easy, better fuel economy)
If I commuted to an office every day I’d get an auto (actually these days an EV), but working in the bush/backroads? Manual
Looking at what cars people buy, fun and prestige seem huge contributers to purchasing decision. Otherwise there is really no way to explain how SUVs are the best selling cars and how a significant portion of buyers opts for way overpowered cars.
As someone who just owned a manual Mini Cooper for about 18 years, I recommend that. The manual combined with the way the Mini is designed, with the wheels pushed way out to the corners, firm suspension and incredibly responsive steering, is a real joy. It's a feeling of complete control of the car and constant awareness of exactly where all four corners of the car are. So easy to parallel park these older Minis, too, before they kept making them larger and larger.
Hard to find this in any current cars, especially affordable ones.
