Thread: Value of Manual Cars

Originally Posted by 4xsama

Hi All,

I'm thinking of selling one of our cars and downsizing. The car I'm selling isn't a LR product and because I'm downsizing the replacement wont be a LR product. I will be keeping our other 'car' which is a LR product (Puma) because both my wife and I really like it. I'm actually not allowed to sell it unless I replace with a Rangie Classic!

I want to buy another manual (VW Polo) to replace the car I'm selling (also a manual). I was talking to the sales guy about the risk in getting a manual and he said reselling could be affected by 'a few grand' as no one can drive manuals anymore. So...

• Is there an opinion manuals will suffer on resale or actually become a bit rare and either not suffer or even be a premium,
• Does everyone just get an auto licence or will there be a market for people (probably parents) who will be looking for manuals for no 1 son or daughter to learn to drive in.

Both SWMBO and I prefer manuals and manuals are also a few grand cheaper than the sludge-o-matic's so perhaps its all relative at resale time (in around 10 years)

You may like to know that when GM-H introduced the VN Commodore, they planned to make the auto trans standard equipment and manual trans would only be built against dealer order not for stock. Reason? More than 85% of production and sales was auto trans and plant stock with manual trans tended to hang around the stock yards longer than autos. That was in 1987.

Originally Posted by Bigbjorn

You may like to know that when GM-H introduced the VN Commodore, they planned to make the auto trans standard equipment and manual trans would only be built against dealer order not for stock. Reason? More than 85% of production and sales was auto trans and plant stock with manual trans tended to hang around the stock yards longer than autos. That was in 1987.

As far as manual 'boxes go they weren't particularly good. For a Commodore I'd actually go auto too.

Most modern cars are auto - I think that even most cheapies are these days.

Don’t get me wrong - I have 8 manuals and 4 autos.

But the older I get, when driving in the city in start/stop traffic, I prefer a modern auto..

I know

I suppose it depends - when you aim to sell, what is your target market, city vs country ?

autos would be faster than manuals these days ... I still like manuals though. The only reason I got my wife a poogoe years ago was it was the only car I could find with a manual gearbox and diesel motor in my price range.

there will always be people that shop specifically for a manual, so I wouldn't be overly concerned. It would restrict your selling audience though

seeya,
Shane L.

Many today don't even have a manual license.

They think an auto license will be fine,until one day for whatever reason,they need to drive a manual,possibly in an emergency.

Both my daughter in laws have auto licenses,and both regret not getting manual licences.
In some states its an easy change over,but not in Qld.

One good thing about a manual is they have less chance of being stolen,as most 12 to 14yr olds only know how to drive a vehicle with two pedals.

Yes i agree,an auto car will sell quicker than a manual,but price difference,of resale,don't know,as it often depends on supply and demand.

So maybe the auto will be worth more.

Originally Posted by 4xsama

As far as manual 'boxes go they weren't particularly good. For a Commodore I'd actually go auto too.

It didn't matter how good or bad the trans was, people simply were not buying them. Most vehicles are sold in the state capital cities. You would be a bloody fool if you are driving a lot in peak hour traffic to buy a manual.

Buy what you want, you have to live with it for a decade. In ten years a buzzbox will be worth jack, regardless of spec.

My teenage daughter went out of her way to get a manual licence and now has a manual TJ Wrangler. Several of her friends have been fined for driving manuals on an auto licence. SWMBO wants a new Rubicon but they are only available as autos in Australia at present.
After owning the D3 I doubt I'd have a manual 4x4 unless I had to as was the case with the 130. To be bloody minded I ordered a company Falcon in 2006 with a manual gearbox and it was supplied as such with no issue but they were pretty rare even then.

In summary, as others have said buy what makes you happy and don't stress too much about it.

Regards,
Tote