looking for a new SE manual transmission

[dirkpitt73]

I like the SE but would really prefer the manual transmission. I can't seem to find any in Texas or even surrounding states, closest according to cars.com appears to be CO or AZ. I've asked a few local dealers and they basically don't want to deal with it, say it's almost impossible to get. Any advice? Any manual transmission SE owners out there that can validate it's worth it to go to this trouble?

[Chifte]

They don't want to deal with it? Go to different dealers, I can't believe a dealership wouldn't want to make a buck, the one I work at will go anywhere in the U.S to get a customer a car they desire. But then again, you also need the cooperation of the other dealership your dealer is trying to retrieve it from.

At first I didn't think the SE even came as a manual, as I've never seen one come in, but after seeing reviews apparently Toyota does offer it.

[etherdude]

I have a 2012 SE Manual. Love IT! It is fun to drive. Shifting is solid and the clutch action is good. Most important mod is the TRD rear sway bar. Stock wheels, tires, springs, brakes, and shocks are a great compromise for spirited driving. More rear roll stiffness is just the ticket. You can drive the crap out of it and get 35-37 mpg or baby it just a bit and get up to 40. I DON'T hypermile mine, so the best mileage I have gotten in normal driving is about 40,2 mpg, but I consistently get 37.5-39.5 on summer gas and 35-37 on winter gas.

[nookandcrannycar]

They don't want to deal with it? Go to different dealers, I can't believe a dealership wouldn't want to make a buck, the one I work at will go anywhere in the U.S to get a customer a car they desire. But then again, you also need the cooperation of the other dealership your dealer is trying to retrieve it from.

At first I didn't think the SE even came as a manual, as I've never seen one come in, but after seeing reviews apparently Toyota does offer it.

Yeah, they are definitely available as new member cathycnm in Colorado put a deposit on a 5-speed manual SE (but may have to go with a Fit because of delays re the storms in Colorado, other unrelated shipping issues, and needing to deliver her current car to the friend (out of town) she sold it to...the SE may not arrive in time).

[nookandcrannycar]

I like the SE but would really prefer the manual transmission. I can't seem to find any in Texas or even surrounding states, closest according to cars.com appears to be CO or AZ. I've asked a few local dealers and they basically don't want to deal with it, say it's almost impossible to get. Any advice? Any manual transmission SE owners out there that can validate it's worth it to go to this trouble?

I've done the same search you did every 6 months or so since the first arrival of the SE (automatics in stock then). Each time I had the same end result you did. I've read some posts here on YW written by 5-speed manual SE owners and I think all of them felt the hoops they had to jump through were worth the trouble. I don't know which keywords would be best to use to bring up some of those posts...perhaps one such owner will see this thread and chime in. I don't think I've ever seen an automatic SE at a Toyota dealership in Texas without the (included factory OPTION) 'tinted glass'...so If you do require that, you might not want to go outside the area served by Gulf States (the distributor in Texas and other (which ones?) nearby states), or another distributor with the same policy.

[dirkpitt73]

Thanks all, great information here. Only makes me want the SE 5-speed more! I'd be happy to take tinted glass or any other reasonable option to get one in TX. I have contacted 5 dealers so far and none of them can locate one. I have a leasing company looking, they have direct access to GST inventory and other inventory, so crossing my fingers they can locate one and the transportation isn't outrageous. Funny, in Googling I found a facebook thread where a frustrated customer in the same boat berated GST for not being able to deliver a standard trim level car - I mean, if it's on Toyota's website as an option, why can't I actually buy one or even put a deposit down on one? Makes no sense. I hope the dealer network goes away some day and you can order direct from the manufacturer like Tesla does.

[ron3]

There must be very few customers for the SE 5 speed . I would consider resale value before I bought a manual transmission. Just my 2 cents.

[roxy1]

There must be very few customers for the SE 5 speed . I would consider resale value before I bought a manual transmission. Just my 2 cents.

resale value is going to be good on a yaris even if it is a manual. besides, the manual starts out cheaper anyway. it is doubtful that anybody who really wants to drive a stick is going to be dissuaded by the minor hit in resale value.

[Altitude]

There must be very few customers for the SE 5 speed . I would consider resale value before I bought a manual transmission. Just my 2 cents.

Then again the people in the market for a used manual would likely pay a bit more since they seem to be so rare.

Personally, I think everyone should be required to learn how to drive a manual transmission before they set foot in an automatic. I believe it makes people better drivers.

[nookandcrannycar]

it is doubtful that anybody who really wants to drive a stick is going to be dissuaded by the minor hit in resale value.

Especially with the 5-speed SE. It is such a specific, deliberate choice.

[nookandcrannycar]

Then again the people in the market for a used manual would likely pay a bit more since they seem to be so rare.

^^^^^ This

Personally, I think everyone should be required to learn how to drive a manual transmission before they set foot in an automatic. I believe it makes people better drivers.

:thumbsup: I know we are on the same page on this. I typed something somewhat similar on a long ago thread and the first reply was from you -- something like 'you nailed it'.

[chocolab]

I'm in Texas too and a few months ago a dealership in Santa Fe NM had a black one... But last time I looked, it was gone. :frown:

I wonder if for whatever reason the Gulf States Toyota region, of which Texas is a member, doesn't get as many manuals. Occasionally I've surfed around for an S Corolla manual and can never find one except in Kansas (or Missouri?) which is in a different region. (As is New Mexico.)

[NJ Drive]

Mine is for sale if you're interested.

[devananne]

I got one, but it was back in February. There were two in my area (out of ~5 dealerships). I have occasionally checked in on my dealer, and they have not gotten another one since. He gave me a great deal on it I think because he just wanted to get it off the lot.

This is my first manual, so I guess I don't have much to compare it to, but I love it. Just adds the "power" that really gets the little guy going! The three things I wouldn't compromise on was MT, cruise control, and 4 doors. Definitely love my car, good luck in your search :)

[Thirty-Nine]

The closest place to the Pacific NW that you used to be able to get a 5-sped SE was Sacramento, but even that seems to be impossible these days.

The stories I've heard are that if your region does not sell the MT SE you cannot get one. Period. I don't know if that's been the case with everyone, but from every story I've heard, that's the case.

[YeOldScallywag]

I currently drive a 2012 Yaris SE MT and I love it. It is my favorite car to drive. I can tell you that there is one more available at the dealership that I purchased mine from. It is a black 2012 Yaris SE MT brand new. The salesman I worked with is awesome. I can put you in contact with him if you like.

[dirkpitt73]

Thanks all, as much as I wanted a MT Yaris the price/logistics of getting a manual just didn't add up. I ended up getting a 2013 Mazda2 MT for about $12,900, significantly less than even a stripper Yaris. I would have preferred a Yaris SE, but GST doesn't think us folks in Texas want a MT and I could not find a single dealer (contacted 5-6) that would submit a special order request (or whatever they call it), even for a 3-door L MT which one dealer said they might be able to get but then backed off that. Mazda seems to have plenty of MTs and I have to say the Mazda2 is a nice car, handles well and the transmission is smooth.

[nookandcrannycar]

Thanks all, as much as I wanted a MT Yaris the price/logistics of getting a manual just didn't add up. I ended up getting a 2013 Mazda2 MT for about $12,900, significantly less than even a stripper Yaris. I would have preferred a Yaris SE, but GST doesn't think us folks in Texas want a MT and I could not find a single dealer (contacted 5-6) that would submit a special order request (or whatever they call it), even for a 3-door L MT which one dealer said they might be able to get but then backed off that. Mazda seems to have plenty of MTs and I have to say the Mazda2 is a nice car, handles well and the transmission is smooth.

If you ever see this, let us know what you are getting re MPG on the Mazda 2. Good Luck :thumbsup:.

[Thirty-Nine]

Thanks all, as much as I wanted a MT Yaris the price/logistics of getting a manual just didn't add up. I ended up getting a 2013 Mazda2 MT for about $12,900, significantly less than even a stripper Yaris. I would have preferred a Yaris SE, but GST doesn't think us folks in Texas want a MT and I could not find a single dealer (contacted 5-6) that would submit a special order request (or whatever they call it), even for a 3-door L MT which one dealer said they might be able to get but then backed off that. Mazda seems to have plenty of MTs and I have to say the Mazda2 is a nice car, handles well and the transmission is smooth.

I love the Mazda2. Nice choice. It'd be on my short list if my Yaris blew up.

- Andy

[dirkpitt73]

Thanks all, so far getting 31-32 in mostly city driving, but I just created a Fuelly account to track more closely. It's a fun little car.

[Thirty-Nine]

I got to wondering: Does anyone know the regions that DO offer the SE with the manual transmission?

I know the Pacific Northwest does not get it. (Portland, Seattle ZIP codes)
I know the upper Midwest does not get it. (Minnesota, Wisconsin ZIP codes)
Northern California used to get it, but I don't believe it does anymore. (Sacramento ZIP codes)
An Alabama ZIP doesn't even let me select an SE.
Austin, TX didn't show any 5-speed availability.

I tried Boston, MA and it does look like you can get an SE with a 5-speed there.
I tried Denver, CO and it does look like you can get an SE with a 5-speed there, too.
Finally, I tried Salt Lake City, UT and again, the 5-speed comes up as an option.

Is it possible the SE models with manual transmissions are only available on the East Cost/Rocky Mountain states of the U.S.? Anyone from other areas have one? I wish there was a map of the regions that offered this availability.

[428CobraJet]

Spoke with a dealer outside of Houston (Conroe) today. He said a manual has to be special ordered out of Japan as Gulf States doesn't order them normally. Approximately 4 month lead time.

[Thirty-Nine]

FYI, have found a few in San Francisco area.

[nookandcrannycar]

Spoke with a dealer outside of Houston (Conroe) today. He said a manual has to be special ordered out of Japan as Gulf States doesn't order them normally. Approximately 4 month lead time.

Great that Gullo is willing to do that. OP given different info (and it sounded as though the OP was talking to lazy reps). There are so many Toyota dealerships in our metro. If I knew which ones the OP went to (and I didn't have personal experience with any of the dealerships) I'd probably avoid them.

[YeOldScallywag]

One of the Dealerships here in Vegas seems to always have them in manual. I drive one currently and bought mine at the place in question.

[nookandcrannycar]

^^^^^ Unfortunately, there are currently only 8 new ones for sale at dealers in the U.S. -- 2 in California, 3 in Arizona, 1 in Texas (and it's in Houston....too bad it wasn't here when the OP was looking) , 1 in Oregon, and 1 in Florida.