Manual transmission vehicles are a favorite of enthusiasts who enjoy the control and excitement of shifting gears. As automatic transmissions dominate the market, finding an affordable new car with a stick shift is increasingly rare.
This guide highlights the best budget-friendly manual cars available in 2025, explores why a manual transmission might be right for you and offers some maintenance tips.
The Best Cheap Manual Cars in 2025
- Acura Integra — Type S
- Ford Mustang — GT Fastback and Above
- Honda Civic — Si
- Hyundai Elantra N
- Mazda3 Hatchback
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Nissan Versa — S
- Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86
- Subaru WRX
- Volkswagen Jetta GLI — Autobahn
- 2024 Models (Limited Availability)
- Why Choose a Manual Transmission
- Maintenance Tips for Manual Cars
Acura Integra — Type S
Base MSRP: $53,795
This sporty model’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 320 horsepower, offering a refined yet thrilling manual driving experience. Even better, the Type S features a Sport+ drive mode with firmer damping and an option to open the exhaust valve for a more aggressive sound.
Ford Mustang — GT Fastback and Above
Base MSRP: $47,155
The iconic Mustang packs 486 horsepower in a glorious-sounding V8 engine, perfect for those seeking both V8 nostalgia and power. This coupe also has a standard tracking app, displaying performance metrics like G-force, acceleration and lap times on a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster.
Honda Civic — Si
Base MSRP: $31,045
A classic, affordable manual, the Civic Si has efficient turbo power and a sporty look, ideal for everyday driving. The seats are fitted in stunning black and red cloth, creating a unique interior.
Hyundai Elantra N
Base MSRP: $35,100
With a 276-horsepower turbo engine, this compact sedan offers a spirited driving experience for budget-conscious enthusiasts. It also comes standard with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection and more.
Mazda3 Hatchback
Base MSRP: $31,835
Known for its sleek design, the Mazda3's manual transmission provides a responsive and enjoyable ride with a luxurious interior that punches above its weight. Plus, it boasts over 47 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down and 20 cu ft with them in place.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Base MSRP: $30,170
Lightweight and fun, the Miata is all about handling and offers an authentic sports car experience. This two-seat convertible was inspired by classic roadsters, looks the part, and offers one of the best six-speed manual transmissions from any automaker.
Nissan Versa — S
Base MSRP: $18,330
One of the last entry-level manuals, the Versa S is affordable, practical for daily commutes, and comes with a five-speed manual. At 35 mpg on the highway, it offers exceptional fuel economy.
Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86
BRZ Base MSRP: $32,265 / GR86 Base MSRP: $31,085
These cars are built on the same platform and share a powertrain — a product of a partnership between the two Japanese brands. Both are lightweight, balanced and rear-wheel drive for a responsive driving experience.
Subaru WRX
Base MSRP: $33,855
Turbocharged with 271 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the Subaru Impreza-based WRX is a versatile and fun option in any weather. With four doors and more passenger room, it’s a bit more practical than its BRZ sibling which offers RWD but only two seats.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI — Autobahn
Base MSRP: $33,940
This sporty German sedan with a turbocharged engine is reliable for commutes and weekends alike. It also has luxury appointments like standard power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front sports seats, making for a comfortable drive.
2024 Models (Limited Availability)
Some 2024 model year used cars that may still be on dealership lots and could be considered cheap cars include:
Chevrolet Camaro: Part of GM’s American muscle one-two punch next to the Corvette, the Camaro packs 335 horsepower with a six-speed manual transmission.
Kia Forte — GT Manual: An economical option with ample interior space.
MINI Cooper: A nimble city car with European flair, delivering around 189 horsepower.
Volkswagen Golf GTI: This hot hatch pairs a manual transmission with a 241-horsepower turbo engine for sharp handling.
Why Choose a Manual Transmission
Driving a car with a manual gearbox offers a unique experience with several benefits:
Enhanced Driving Experience: Manual cars let drivers control gear changes, increasing road feedback and engagement.
Cool Factor: Many enthusiasts and fans of automotive culture and sports cars consider manual transmissions “cool.”
Lower Theft Risk: Although not a hard and fast rule, there is some logic to the idea that fewer people know how to drive a manual transmission, which therefore makes such cars less attractive to thieves.
Maintenance Tips for Manual Cars
Manual transmission cars require some specific care to ensure durability:
Clutch Care: Avoid resting your foot on the clutch pedal to prevent premature wear. Always fully depress the pedal when shifting.
Gear Linkage: Resting your hand on the gear lever can wear out components — shifts should be smooth and deliberate.
Transmission Fluid: Regularly check fluid levels (this should be part of your car’s maintenance regime) to reduce gear wear.
Odd Noises: Grinding sounds can signal clutch or manual gearbox issues, so address these early to avoid potentially costly repairs.
