I was going to trade it in...

[SKurj]

Well the 86 landed sooner than I thought it would, so I went down to the dealership to buy one...

I made 2 deals, first was for a scion FRS (not the Toyota that I really would have preferred) and as soon as I said my 2009 Yaris was an MT they said they didn't want it...
I eventually cancelled that deal as I decided I preferred the upgraded trim of the BRZ Sport Tech.. again the dealer didn't want the Yaris..

I don't get it in these days of $1.25+/L for gas... but in the end I am keeping the yaris for winter duty and perhaps my nephew when he finally hits 16 in in another 3-4 years.

Had an echo 3dr before the current Yaris 3dr and they have been great for me. They are my first recomendation to anyone looking for decent, reliable cheap transportation and with a few upgrades a great fun car.

[Flipper_1938]

It's amazing how under appreciated the Yaris is (especially one with a manual trans).

Congratulations on having the stars align and tell you that you show keep yours a little whille longer. :smile:

[narly charley]

It's amazing how under appreciated the Yaris is (especially one with a manual trans).



You're telling me! I'd love to keep mine, but financially, I need to sell it. I can't believe it hasn't sold yet. It has a 5 speed and has 35,000 miles, I get 40+ MPG's! I'm curious why no one wants one!

[Altitude]

These days people want a hand free so they can use their smart phones while driving...

[DevilGirl]

These days people want a hand free so they can use their smart phones while driving...

More so it's that people don't know how to drive stick. I can count on 1 hand the number of people I know who actually know how to. And that includes myself and my husband, who both drive MT cars.

[nookandcrannycar]

These days people want a hand free so they can use their smart phones while driving...

You are probably right, but this leaves me SMH, SMH, SMH and :thumbdown:.

[nookandcrannycar]

More so it's that people don't know how to drive stick. I can count on 1 hand the number of people I know who actually know how to. And that includes myself and my husband, who both drive MT cars.

I grew up in a very affluent, academic town, nestled in a hilly area. Only wusses (a term I rarely use) didn't learn to drive a manual as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

[ilikerice]

This makes me laugh, me and my fiance was just joking the other day. I didn't lock my doors when we went into the store and didn't realize that til we were already picking food out. "dammit, forgot to lock my car". She said, "its a manual, nobody can steal it even if they got in." I laughed but realized this is becoming more true as the years go on.

[edmscan]

She said, "its a manual, nobody can steal it even if they got in." I laughed but realized this is becoming more true as the years go on.

I had my car stolen about 20 years ago and it was a standard. I heard thru the grapevine that the car was seen being driven around. The thief apparently didn't know how to drive a standard .. but they tried. They were seen "grinding the gears". So .. it is unlikely to have your standard vehicle stolen, as given a choice I am sure they would prefer automatic cars.

[Altitude]

More so it's that people don't know how to drive stick. I can count on 1 hand the number of people I know who actually know how to. And that includes myself and my husband, who both drive MT cars.

Yes. Fewer and fewer people are developing the skills. The worst part is that even fewer seem interested in learning how.

[nookandcrannycar]

The worst part is that even fewer seem interested in learning how.

^^^^^ This.

[matti]

I don't want to sound critical, but why would you care if someone didn't know how to drive a stick shift? (assuming it wasn't a family member, etc. that had to drive your stick shift, too).

[shrek]

People are looked at a little weird if they only have their automatic licence here in AUS. There is no difference in the test to get it, except if you do the test in an auto, you get an auto licence. Do it in a manual, you can drive both.
Some people are just lazy.

What if there was an emergency and you needed to drive an manual??

[thebarber]

http://lolsnaps.com/upload_pic/CarAntiTheftSystem-77299.jpg

[nookandcrannycar]

I don't want to sound critical, but why would you care if someone didn't know how to drive a stick shift? (assuming it wasn't a family member, etc. that had to drive your stick shift, too).

For two reasons (off the top of my head):

1. Fewer people knowing how to drive them = more likely that fewer will be made = greater chance of extinction = fewer, if any, for me to choose from when I want to buy a new car.

2. I think manual transmission drivers are more aware of their own cars and what is going on, in general, around them. I want as many drivers like this as possible on the road and as a percentage of total drivers on the roadway.

[why?]

I don't want to sound critical, but why would you care if someone didn't know how to drive a stick shift? (assuming it wasn't a family member, etc. that had to drive your stick shift, too).

not being able to drive a manual is like buying a computer and refusing to learn how to use photoshop.

[nookandcrannycar]

People are looked at a little weird if they only have their automatic licence here in AUS. There is no difference in the test to get it, except if you do the test in an auto, you get an auto licence. Do it in a manual, you can drive both.
Some people are just lazy.

What if there was an emergency and you needed to drive an manual??

What a fantastic idea! This is the way it should be in the U.S. An earlier poster suggested that drivers be required to take the test with a manual. I like that idea, but it would be too hard to implement. With this Australian approach, more people might be goaded out of their laziness, and that can only be good for a society.

[nookandcrannycar]

not being able to drive a manual is like buying a computer and refusing to learn how to use photoshop.

:bellyroll:

[nookandcrannycar]

http://lolsnaps.com/upload_pic/CarAntiTheftSystem-77299.jpg

:thumbsup:

[Altitude]

For two reasons (off the top of my head):

2. I think manual transmission drivers are more aware of their own cars and what is going on, in general, around them. I want as many drivers like this as possible on the road and as a percentage of total drivers on the roadway.

Nailed it.

[matti]

For two reasons (off the top of my head):

1. Fewer people knowing how to drive them = more likely that fewer will be made = greater chance of extinction = fewer, if any, for me to choose from when I want to buy a new car.

2. I think manual transmission drivers are more aware of their own cars and what is going on, in general, around them. I want as many drivers like this as possible on the road and as a percentage of total drivers on the roadway.

Good points, especially #2. Thanks for sharing.

[nookandcrannycar]

Nailed it.

:thumbsup:

[nookandcrannycar]

Good points, especially #2. Thanks for sharing.

You're welcome. :thumbsup:

[DeathBeard]

Frs and brz are a dime a dozen, I see at least 10 of these a day, played out. I don't like cars everyone has....viva vitz

[why?]

Frs and brz are a dime a dozen, I see at least 10 of these a day, played out. I don't like cars everyone has....viva vitz

yea, but you live in image conscious LA. odds are most of the ones you see have drivers who have no idea how to drive them.

the more that are sold, the bigger the aftermarket will be. I love my Yaris, and I love MI, but I would have loved the type of aftermarket attention the BRZ and the FR-S is getting for the Yaris in 2007.

[DeathBeard]

Yes this is also true

[SKurj]

I have been waiting for the latest revision of the 86 for years, I don't give a damn about how many other people are driving them.. I've had 2 echo/yaris's and there are a ton o those on the road as well. Of maybe a small note for every 9 FRS sold only 1 BRZ is sold (subie only allowed to sell 1 for every 9 toyotas.. rules.. in some countries.. looks like NA mebbe 1 in 3) so you may have seen lots of FRS +)

Either way I am keeping the yaris anyways

[Superfly]

Every one of my friends laugh about how having a manual will save their car from theft and guess what? People who jack cars know how to drive standard at least here in the inner city they do. In fact, those cars are often sportier models leading them to be taken more often. Maybe people just do not steal Yari? :biggrin:

[why?]

Every one of my friends laugh about how having a manual will save their car from theft and guess what? People who jack cars know how to drive standard at least here in the inner city they do. In fact, those cars are often sportier models leading them to be taken more often. Maybe people just do not steal Yari? :biggrin:

if a professional thief wants your car you are screwed. But as for joyriders? Wouldn't be surprised is most had no idea how to drive a manual.

At the rate technology is going in a decade the only reason to buy a manual will be because you want it. Computers and newer computer controlled transmissions will be able to do everything , including gas mileage better.

[Kal-El]

Well the 86 landed sooner than I thought it would, so I went down to the dealership to buy one...

I made 2 deals, first was for a scion FRS (not the Toyota that I really would have preferred) and as soon as I said my 2009 Yaris was an MT they said they didn't want it...
I eventually cancelled that deal as I decided I preferred the upgraded trim of the BRZ Sport Tech.. again the dealer didn't want the Yaris..

I don't get it in these days of $1.25+/L for gas... but in the end I am keeping the yaris for winter duty and perhaps my nephew when he finally hits 16 in in another 3-4 years.

Had an echo 3dr before the current Yaris 3dr and they have been great for me. They are my first recomendation to anyone looking for decent, reliable cheap transportation and with a few upgrades a great fun car.

What country are you in? I've never heard of a situation (in the US) where a dealer refuses a trade in. A dealer will take anything, even complete trash. They may not give you much, but they'll take it.

Frs and brz are a dime a dozen, I see at least 10 of these a day, played out. I don't like cars everyone has....viva vitz

I have yet to see a single FRS or BRZ in the heavily populated northeast.

not being able to drive a manual is like buying a computer and refusing to learn how to use photoshop.

An odd analogy since most people don't know how to use Photoshop and computers don't come with Photoshop preloaded. It costs $700 (legitimately).

[edmscan]

The OP is from the Toronto area ... aka GTA.

[Kal-El]

......

At the rate technology is going in a decade the only reason to buy a manual will be because you want it. Computers and newer computer controlled transmissions will be able to do everything , including gas mileage better.

It's already the case. Most of today's automatics are more efficient and faster than manual counterparts. With 6 speed autos commonplace, it's no surprise.

An exception is the Yaris because Toyota carried over the archaic 4 speed auto.

[Captain Slow]

Even if there are a few automatics which are technically getting better mileage than 5spd manuals....compare that to a 6 or 7 speed manual and you will see once again that the manual is more efficient. There is more drivetrain power loss through a slushbox and it also weighs considerably more than a manual box.

Not to mention that manual gearboxes are cheap and easy to fix should anything go wrong. Couple that with the better control it provides for performance or economy driving and it's a no-brainer. Manual transmissions will always be the choice for gearheads and for good reason.

I remember in the 90s folks saying that the automatic-equipped Supra turbo was actually slightly faster in a drag race than the manual counterpart....yet everyone I knew lusted after the manual because it was more fun :)

[Captain Slow]

as to the OP, it is hard to believe they didn't want it, most dealers here will take anything to get you to buy a new one.

I know dealerships always hate trying to sell manuals because there are so many people who are too lazy to learn but still.

I promise you one thing, if manual gearboxes are still around when my daughter gets her license (she's 3 right now) her first car will absolutely be a manual. If she doesn't like it then she's free to not have a car. It makes you pay more attention to what you are doing and that is a good thing.

[Fenanorn]

I've never experienced a dealer not wanting a car at all. That's pathetic.

[devananne]

I've never driven a manual before and purposefully sought out one because I wanted to learn how. Dealers were amazed that I specifically requested a manual, and often didn't have one in stock (one dealer I went to had 9 automatic Honda Fits, but no manuals). They were probably hyped to get the one they had off their lot!

#1 reason to learn: I had to get in a car with a drunk driver one time because I needed a ride and had absolutely no idea how to drive his car. After that was when I asked the family for a tutorial.

[detroiter]

There's a reason it's called a STANDARD transmission

[why?]

What country are you in? I've never heard of a situation (in the US) where a dealer refuses a trade in. A dealer will take anything, even complete trash. They may not give you much, but they'll take it.
I have yet to see a single FRS or BRZ in the heavily populated northeast.
An odd analogy since most people don't know how to use Photoshop and computers don't come with Photoshop preloaded. It costs $700 (legitimately).

Yea, but who gets it legitimately except graphic artists? At this point though the term photoshop is a generic for any picture manipulation software. Some mistake MS paint for it.

And the reason it is a good analogy is because you don't need it to run a computer, but almost everyone that heavily uses a computer finds out that it does come in handy.

It's already the case. Most of today's automatics are more efficient and faster than manual counterparts. With 6 speed autos commonplace, it's no surprise.

An exception is the Yaris because Toyota carried over the archaic 4 speed auto.

I disagree. There are some high tech automatic transmissions that are better than manuals, bet they have not filtered down to be mainstream yet. Most mainstream vehicles still use old fashioned slush boxes instead of high tech automatics.

Even if there are a few automatics which are technically getting better mileage than 5spd manuals....compare that to a 6 or 7 speed manual and you will see once again that the manual is more efficient. There is more drivetrain power loss through a slushbox and it also weighs considerably more than a manual box.

Not to mention that manual gearboxes are cheap and easy to fix should anything go wrong. Couple that with the better control it provides for performance or economy driving and it's a no-brainer. Manual transmissions will always be the choice for gearheads and for good reason.

I remember in the 90s folks saying that the automatic-equipped Supra turbo was actually slightly faster in a drag race than the manual counterpart....yet everyone I knew lusted after the manual because it was more fun :)

That is the thing though, there are automatics that provide better control and get better gas mileage. They shift faster and legitimately do everything better than a human could. At this point most of them come on a Ferrari. Although MB's 8 speed auto is rather amazing as well, as is VW's double clutch auto. These types of transmissions will eventually filter down to all cars.

Oh and yes, at this point you cannot buy a brand new Ferrari with a manual. Think on that.
There's a reason it's called a STANDARD transmission

because it was standard 60 years ago. The first automatic however did come out in 1904, and the Model T had one in 1908. So not so standard. Nothing in automotive tech is truly new. electric cars came out in the 1890's and at the turn of the century the fastest cars were steam powered.

[nookandcrannycar]

Yea, but who gets it legitimately except graphic artists? At this point though the term photoshop is a generic for any picture manipulation software. Some mistake MS paint for it.

And the reason it is a good analogy is because you don't need it to run a computer, but almost everyone that heavily uses a computer finds out that it does come in handy.



I disagree. There are some high tech automatic transmissions that are better than manuals, bet they have not filtered down to be mainstream yet. Most mainstream vehicles still use old fashioned slush boxes instead of high tech automatics.



That is the thing though, there are automatics that provide better control and get better gas mileage. They shift faster and legitimately do everything better than a human could. At this point most of them come on a Ferrari. Although MB's 8 speed auto is rather amazing as well, as is VW's double clutch auto. These types of transmissions will eventually filter down to all cars.

Oh and yes, at this point you cannot buy a brand new Ferrari with a manual. Think on that.


because it was standard 60 years ago. The first automatic however did come out in 1904, and the Model T had one in 1908. So not so standard. Nothing in automotive tech is truly new. electric cars came out in the 1890's and at the turn of the century the fastest cars were steam powered.

Call me paranoid, but I want to have a car, if possible, that is light enough for me to push by myself and has a manual transmission....so that I can compression start it on my own if necessary. Every manual transmission car I've owned fit this criteria.

[nookandcrannycar]

I've never experienced a dealer not wanting a car at all. That's pathetic.

In my case with the Swift, that was the last year that model was going to be sold in the U.S., and the Toyota dealer knew it. Add in a Blue Book value of zero and replacing the steering rack, and I can't say that I blame them.

[Superfly]

Five years. I give it five years before multiple mainstream car manufacturers produce a superior automatic transmission that they begin to equip their cars with. I am betting on Ford and the Chrysler Group being the first too. The mandate on fuel efficiency is going to be the driving factor along with the continuing urban-ification of the states.

AFAIK, some dealerships will decline to take a trade-in, but not many. The dealership I bought my Yaris from generally avoids anything over 100k miles because they have difficulty moving the car. Not many people trade in a 100k mile car though. Dealerships want used cars because it is a better source of revenue and with the way the economy is, people are looking for more affordable cars. New cars are just getting way to expensive.

[InfamousDragon]

I would take it over my auto but I like the 4 door version of the 2012 LE. The car has grown on me

[SKurj]

As far as dealers not wanting the car I have 2 thoughts...

Either they knew I would refuse whatever they offered knowing that they couldn't give me a lot for it... The car is in awesome shape and only just over 100kms
OR
They know the FRS and BRZ are selling as fast as they can get them so just plain selling it outright with no trade perhaps has more advantages to them? (just a guess)

[Kal-El]

Most dealers have wholesalers they work with to unload high mileage/old cars that they don't want to sell on the lot. These wholesalers often just auction off cars at a local auto auction. There's a buyer for just about anything unless the car is ready for the scrap heap.

So it's very odd that they wouldn't even take a clean late model car. A manual Yaris isn't that hard to sell.

[DeathBeard]

I saw a 2010 fully loaded type-s hatchback, manual in yellow. Toyota certified with only 6k miles on the clock. Was owned by a Toyota exec who only had it a year. The dealer was asking 15k, I called the dealer and said the most I would offer is 11k, he took my info and said it would "never" happen, anyway got a call a couple months later dealer called me and said "come and get it"..apparently 5 speeds and yellow aren't popular in California which is fine by me:smile:

[nookandcrannycar]

Most dealers have wholesalers they work with to unload high mileage/old cars that they don't want to sell on the lot. These wholesalers often just auction off cars at a local auto auction.

^^^^^ This. I imagine in my case it would have been virtually impossible for 'my' wholesaler (who happened to be at the Toyota dealer at the same time I was) to not have made money. Since I was on a solo trip, he made my issue of an extra car go away (and I don't think I'd have gained that much if my car had happened to give out 'safety wise' in my home area rather than on a trip).

[nookandcrannycar]

apparently 5 speeds and yellow aren't popular in California which is fine by me:smile:

Yellow has the second longest wavelength (after Red), but is considered the most stimulating color...all the better to catch the eye of LEOs re some non radar violation :frown:. An insurance agent in California once told me that it costs more to insure a Yellow car in California (than other colors). However, I can see why you wanted that car :biggrin:. I used to see a Yaris that looked just like what you describe often parked in front of the Borders in San Rafael, CA. It looked great. Owner = ? I never did see anyone near the car.

[nookandcrannycar]

The mandate on fuel efficiency is going to be the driving factor along with the continuing urban-ification of the states.

I agree. I don't like the continuing 'urban-ification', but I do like the mandate on fuel efficiency (Obama significantly increasing future CAFE standards...one of the few things he's done that I agree with).

Dealerships want used cars because it is a better source of revenue and with the way the economy is, people are looking for more affordable cars.

I agree.

[nookandcrannycar]

Yea, but who gets it legitimately except graphic artists? At this point though the term photoshop is a generic for any picture manipulation software. Some mistake MS paint for it.

And the reason it is a good analogy is because you don't need it to run a computer, but almost everyone that heavily uses a computer finds out that it does come in handy.



I disagree. There are some high tech automatic transmissions that are better than manuals, bet they have not filtered down to be mainstream yet. Most mainstream vehicles still use old fashioned slush boxes instead of high tech automatics.



That is the thing though, there are automatics that provide better control and get better gas mileage. They shift faster and legitimately do everything better than a human could. At this point most of them come on a Ferrari. Although MB's 8 speed auto is rather amazing as well, as is VW's double clutch auto. These types of transmissions will eventually filter down to all cars.

Oh and yes, at this point you cannot buy a brand new Ferrari with a manual. Think on that.


because it was standard 60 years ago. The first automatic however did come out in 1904, and the Model T had one in 1908. So not so standard. Nothing in automotive tech is truly new. electric cars came out in the 1890's and at the turn of the century the fastest cars were steam powered.

Last night I was looking at the April 2013 issue of Motor Trend and skimmed the article on the 2014 Subaru Forester. Subaru seems to be following the trend you discuss in your post above. The article mentions the 170 HP naturally aspirated version and the 250 HP turbocharged XT version. The article states that the 170 HP version is available with a 6-speed manual or a CVT, but that the 250 HP version is only available with the CVT. IIRC, there is quite a bit of difference in acceleration 0-60 between the two (6.2 sec vs 9.0 sec).

I picked up some brochures at an auto show here last month. I didn't sit in the Forester at the show (and didn't look at the sticker,) because the only Subaru I'd get is the base Impreza Hatchback. I looked at the brochures for the first time since the day of the show, and did find a 2014 Forester brochure. According to the brochure, the Motor Trend article is correct re the engine and transmission choices.

Another article I found online states that the CVT transmission in this Forester has a 6-speed manual mode and an 8-speed manual mode.

[why?]

A Subaru WRX is a good deal, the STi though is a bit overweight and overpriced. BRZ is awesome too. I have been a huge Subaru fan for a long time, the fact that everything comes with AWD is a gigantic plus for me. I wish more manufacturers would do that.

I will say the new CVT's are amazing. My mother has a 2003 Murano, and It is great to drive. The original transmission lasted 260,000 miles or so, and getting another one actually was about the same as any other automatic. The gas mileage on the car is not really good, but she has a lead foot, and it is a gigantic and powerful engine.

With the new transmissions and electronics coming, you could even program in how good you want your gas mileage. Like the throttle controllers you can buy, but straight from the factory, and able to limit power and acceleration, or make it better.

[muffin_top]

the fact that everything comes with AWD is a gigantic plus for me. I wish more manufacturers would do that.

Umm.. Everything has AWD?

[nookandcrannycar]

A Subaru WRX is a good deal, the STi though is a bit overweight and overpriced. BRZ is awesome too. I have been a huge Subaru fan for a long time, the fact that everything comes with AWD is a gigantic plus for me. I wish more manufacturers would do that.

I will say the new CVT's are amazing. My mother has a 2003 Murano, and It is great to drive. The original transmission lasted 260,000 miles or so, and getting another one actually was about the same as any other automatic. The gas mileage on the car is not really good, but she has a lead foot, and it is a gigantic and powerful engine.

With the new transmissions and electronics coming, you could even program in how good you want your gas mileage. Like the throttle controllers you can buy, but straight from the factory, and able to limit power and acceleration, or make it better.

The article in Motor trend also hinted that Subaru will also likely put this turbo engine from the 2014 Forester XT in a future BRZ Turbo and in a WRX.

[nookandcrannycar]

Just thumbed through the April Car and Driver on a quick trip to Kroger before they closed. The cover story caught my eye --- 25 cars worth waiting for -- 2 intrigued me the most ---- The 2014 Fiesta ST --- only available with a 6-speed manual......and the 2014 Ferrari F70 -- approximately 900 horsepower and lighter than a Yaris....and with an automatic transmission.

Toward the end of the issue is a test drive of the Fiesta 1.0 ( bronsin dream car? :biggrin:) -- a 3 cylinder turbo with 123 HP and 43 MPG hwy and high 30s city. To be 15k base (14k base plus 1k for the 3 cylinder engine option).

[why?]

Umm.. Everything has AWD?

yea, before the BRZ anyways, all Subarus came with awd. And good awd, not phoney fake part time awd.

[tk1971]

The Nissan dealer took my mom's 96 Geo Prism with 280k+ miles on it and a salvage title in trade for their new $10k Versa sedan.

They gave her $200 for it, but they took it. I don't get how dealers get to be choosy, other than the fact that the BRZ / FRZ are probably selling like hotcakes and they're not making any deals. Maybe they were not interested in haggling over trade-in values. Just full MSRP in / out, and calling out "next".

[why?]

The Nissan dealer took my mom's 96 Geo Prism with 280k+ miles on it and a salvage title in trade for their new $10k Versa sedan.

They gave her $200 for it, but they took it. I don't get how dealers get to be choosy, other than the fact that the BRZ / FRZ are probably selling like hotcakes and they're not making any deals. Maybe they were not interested in haggling over trade-in values. Just full MSRP in / out, and calling out "next".

Dealers can do anything they want. One thing that was not mentioned is whether the car was modified or not. But either way, it is certainly unusual for a dealer to not at least make a lowball offer.

[nookandcrannycar]

The Nissan dealer took my mom's 96 Geo Prism with 280k+ miles on it and a salvage title in trade for their new $10k Versa sedan.

They gave her $200 for it, but they took it. I don't get how dealers get to be choosy, other than the fact that the BRZ / FRZ are probably selling like hotcakes and they're not making any deals. Maybe they were not interested in haggling over trade-in values. Just full MSRP in / out, and calling out "next".

Yep. Having something that is hot or hard to find means they don't have to make accommodations that they think don't make sense. My General Manager knew I wasn't doing to walk away if they refused a trade and had me sell it to their wholesaler (for $50.00...Blue Book = zero...couldn't keep it...I was on a trip).......he knew he had one of only 5 manual transmission 3-doors in the entire Northeast.

[SKurj]

Dealers can do anything they want. One thing that was not mentioned is whether the car was modified or not. But either way, it is certainly unusual for a dealer to not at least make a lowball offer.

The car actually is slightly modified but the dealer didn't even look out the window at it and I didn't tell them that, I just said AC, Cruise 5spd 2dr HB, indash satnav etc.

I'll be quite happy to keep it for winters, though financially it will be a little tougher.

[tk1971]

The car actually is slightly modified but the dealer didn't even look out the window at it and I didn't tell them that, I just said AC, Cruise 5spd 2dr HB, indash satnav etc.

I'll be quite happy to keep it for winters, though financially it will be a little tougher.

Sounds like you've already made the choice to keep driving your Yaris for now.

Why not wait until the FRS/BRZ is no longer THAT hot? If/when the stars align for you, one thing that helped me in selling my Yaris was over $4 gas. When gas gets expensive, my Yaris sold (to Carmax) for $1500 more than I was expecting to get. I asked then why so high... they said when gas is $$$, 4-cylinder anything sells.

[husaynkhan]

What is the best reliable site to order a car from Japan?

[El Kapitan]

What country are you in? I've never heard of a situation (in the US) where a dealer refuses a trade in. A dealer will take anything, even complete trash. They may not give you much, but they'll take it.

i've had a couple dealers laughingly turn down my 1992 civic with 400 000 miles, but i expect that reaction and it's mostly a joke that i try to trade it.

[El Kapitan]

Even if there are a few automatics which are technically getting better mileage than 5spd manuals....compare that to a 6 or 7 speed manual and you will see once again that the manual is more efficient. There is more drivetrain power loss through a slushbox and it also weighs considerably more than a manual box.

Not to mention that manual gearboxes are cheap and easy to fix should anything go wrong. Couple that with the better control it provides for performance or economy driving and it's a no-brainer. Manual transmissions will always be the choice for gearheads and for good reason.

over in the hypermiler forum and the mitsubishi mirage (best regular gas car mileage car) forum, all of the most harcore people drive standard, even though the CVT for the mirage does better on paper.

[attrapereves]

Manual transmission cars sit on the lot far longer than autos here in the US.

The dealer came off $2000 off the asking price because it had been on the lot a while and because it's a manual.

Personally, I'll only ever buy a manual tranny car.

[ern-diz]

Surprised to read they wouldn't take your Yaris on trade. Last I looked into it around here, these cars were holding value quite well and reselling for not a whole lot less than I paid for mine new.