The Oh-So-Rare Manual Transmission
#21
Yes, the 6p manual trans Fiesta ST is very much the 'fun to drive' car with power and torque and with very comfortable seats with the Ricaro's. However, those seats are both a plus and a minus since it does take a bit more effort to get in and out. And the versatility of the Fit's rear cargo area and magic seat are not matched in the Fiesta ST, nor the gas mileage. Both cars are enjoyable to drive, but I do miss the manual when driving the CVT Fit, although fun, but in a less engaging way.
#23
Good news, everyone! Looks like the 2017's are showing up in the dealer's systems as of this last week, and there are a few manuals in the mix! I'm negotiating with a bunch of dealers right now and will hopefully have a new Fit by the end of the month. Thanks for all the advice and stories.
#28
They are! It looks like there are a lot more LX manuals in my area, but I've got a fix on 5-6 manual 2017 EX's within transfer range of my town's dealerships.
#29
Have them order it, although you will have to put down a deposit.
If they're really not willing, call Corporate.
If that doesn't work ... I dunno, buy something else. Honda seems to have dropped the ball on MTs (probably someone noticed year-end unsold inventory was MTs); they're probably not requiring dealers to order any and the result is what you see here.
If they're really not willing, call Corporate.
If that doesn't work ... I dunno, buy something else. Honda seems to have dropped the ball on MTs (probably someone noticed year-end unsold inventory was MTs); they're probably not requiring dealers to order any and the result is what you see here.
#30
Cars.com lists one Fit EX at Ron Tonkin. I talked to Tonkin; the car is due in PDX very soon. Tonkin, however, is trying to gouge me for the full MSRP.
I have also talked to the Costco buying service. Got a call yesterday that their dealer out in Hillsboro is expecting some at the end of the month.
For whatever reason, the Pacific Northwest Region has the fewest manual transmission models available.
Compared to last year, though, some seem to be available, but there is some paranoia on my part. I get the feeling that the supply might dry up right after the new year, just as it did this past year.
I have also talked to the Costco buying service. Got a call yesterday that their dealer out in Hillsboro is expecting some at the end of the month.
For whatever reason, the Pacific Northwest Region has the fewest manual transmission models available.
Compared to last year, though, some seem to be available, but there is some paranoia on my part. I get the feeling that the supply might dry up right after the new year, just as it did this past year.
#33
I had ordered a '17 EX manual back at the end of June. It came in on the truck yesterday while I was finishing the loan paperwork. Glad I waited for the manual, but then I'd never really considered the CVT. I'd been watching autotrader with more and more manuals listed at dealerships, but with a stock photo indicating they were ordered but haven't arrived. It should be easier to find one now.
#34
I'm a manual transmission guy !myself. Rarely have I owned an automatic, and if I did, generally didn't last very long as I'd have to get rid of it cause it's just not me. I've had great luck in finding manual fits. I've owned a 2007, 2011, 2012 and a pair of 2013s. One of which I just bought last week with 12,800 miles on the odometer. I'm not a fan of the newer fits so I thought I'd take a shot in the dark and see what popped up. This particular 2013 was the only manual in the southwest part of the U.S. being sold as certified used. And it also so happened that it was at a dealership less than 2 miles from my home!
#37
I was all resigned to get an automatic when a 2008 sport MT showed up, in the exact blue I wanted with only 65k so I snapped it up. It's no S2000 but I can feel the shared DNA and I love it! Also love I can fit 3 bikes in the back. xD.
#38
"Have you driven a FORD lately?" The Fiesta has a dry (cheap) version of a dual clutch automatic. I rented one last year with the Select Shift automanual transmission. Takeoff from a dead stop is like a driver first learning to use a clutch, only the car never gets better. Ive driven VW's with a similar setup and it works fine. VW uses more expensive wet clutches.
Rental Nissan's with CVT annoying except on level terrain. I dont think I can live with a CVT. Another recent rental was a Dodge Dart. It had a real, conventional, automatic that worked flawlessly.
Rental Nissan's with CVT annoying except on level terrain. I dont think I can live with a CVT. Another recent rental was a Dodge Dart. It had a real, conventional, automatic that worked flawlessly.
#39
Just to close this rant/thread out: the situation has been resolved! I've been driving my new manual EX fit for a couple days, and it's great! I almost gave up and started looking for a manual LX (more of those floating around in my area), but I'm glad I stuck it out a while longer. Cheers, everyone!