Author Topic: selection of manual transmission 'larger' vehicles? (Read 2661 times)

21Rouge · « **on:** April 03, 2006, 02:08:17 pm »

I do enjoy driving a 5 speed. And I do think they are definitely less problematic than an automatic....that has been my experience. As well they are more fun to drive, can obtain better gas mileage and less expensive then their automatic peers.

Currently we have a 2000 Montana minivan

(but which we need when the 5 of us go any distance) and a 5 speed stick shift in a 4 cylinder.

*If* tomorrow I was able to ditch the Montana and purchase a new vehicle that could easily and comfortably accomodate my wife and I and our 3 teenage boys AND have a manual transmission...what are my limited choices?

For example the Mazda 5, has very good room for 5 people and in a pinch can accomodate 6. It comes with a 5 speed. Are there any 6 cylinder vehicles available in NA mated to a 5 speed manual tranny, suitable for a family?

airbalancer · « **Reply #1 on:** April 03, 2006, 02:23:25 pm »

Quote from: boxgrover on April 03, 2006, 02:08:17 pm

I do enjoy driving a 5 speed. And I do think they are definitely less problematic than an automatic....that has been my experience. As well they are more fun to drive, can obtain better gas mileage and less expensive then their automatic peers.

Currently we have a 2000 Montana minivan (but which we need when the 5 of us go any distance) and a 5 speed stick shift in a 4 cylinder.

*If* tomorrow I was able to ditch the Montana and purchase a new vehicle that could easily and comfortably accomodate my wife and I and our 3 teenage boys AND have a manual transmission...what are my limited choices?

For example the Mazda 5, has very good room for 5 people and in a pinch can accomodate 6. It comes with a 5 speed. Are there any 6 cylinder vehicles available in NA mated to a 5 speed manual tranny, suitable for a family?

You can fit 3 teenage boys for a long trip in a Mazda 5 without a fight to the death happening!

articsteve · « **Reply #2 on:** April 03, 2006, 07:49:15 pm »

Quote from: boxgrover on April 03, 2006, 02:08:17 pm

I do enjoy driving a 5 speed. And I do think they are definitely less problematic than an automatic....that has been my experience. As well they are more fun to drive, can obtain better gas mileage and less expensive then their automatic peers.

Currently we have a 2000 Montana minivan (but which we need when the 5 of us go any distance) and a 5 speed stick shift in a 4 cylinder.

*If* tomorrow I was able to ditch the Montana and purchase a new vehicle that could easily and comfortably accomodate my wife and I and our 3 teenage boys AND have a manual transmission...what are my limited choices?

For example the Mazda 5, has very good room for 5 people and in a pinch can accomodate 6. It comes with a 5 speed. Are there any 6 cylinder vehicles available in NA mated to a 5 speed manual tranny, suitable for a family?

Are there any 6 cylinder vehicles available in NA mated to a 5 speed manual tranny, suitable for a family?

Kinda. Toyota Tacoma 4 door crew cab 4x4. Comes with the most unbelievable short shift 6 speed. Install a hard tonneau and you got yourself a SAFE ppl mover. Plus in 5 years you'll get half your money back.

tpl · « **Reply #3 on:** April 03, 2006, 08:34:53 pm »

bmw 530/530xit...depending on how big these three teenage boys are

barrie1 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 03, 2006, 10:19:19 pm »

Usually most auto trannies with proper service and maintenence a auto tranny will equal the lifespan of a standard tranny or the clutch as well in service life. Quite often they will outlast the clutch by itself.

auto_enthusiast · « **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2006, 01:51:57 am »

You can get a Nissan Maxima with a 6 spd. The Altima and Accord V-6's also have a decent amount of space and a manual option.

airbalancer · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2006, 07:34:08 am »

Quote from: barrie1 on April 03, 2006, 10:19:19 pm

Usually most auto trannies with proper service and maintenence a auto tranny will equal the lifespan of a standard tranny or the clutch as well in service life. Quite often they will outlast the clutch by itself.

The only car I had trouble with a auto tranny was a 80 Ford wagon over years ago.
I really do not know anyone who has a problem with their tranny in years

21Rouge · « **Reply #7 on:** April 04, 2006, 05:17:19 pm »

Quote from: airbalancer on April 03, 2006, 02:23:25 pm

You can fit 3 teenage boys for a long trip in a Mazda 5 without a fight to the death happening!

The Mazda 5 seems like the most conventional ie 'van like' vehicle that can fit 6 people...ie has 6 seat belts anyways, and is available with a manual transmission.

21Rouge · « **Reply #8 on:** April 04, 2006, 05:37:29 pm »

Quote from: auto_enthusiast on April 04, 2006, 01:51:57 am

You can get a Nissan Maxima with a 6 spd. The Altima and Accord V-6's also have a decent amount of space and a manual option.

My fault: I should have been more specific. I guess I was hoping to find a family van or likely something similar that is available with a manual transmission. It would need to be able to carry 5 and accomodate two hockey bags and two sticks

articsteve · « **Reply #9 on:** April 04, 2006, 05:58:19 pm »

Quote from: boxgrover on April 04, 2006, 05:37:29 pm

My fault: I should have been more specific. I guess I was hoping to find a family van w or likely something similar that is available with a manual transmission. It would need to be able to carry 5 and accomodate two hockey bags and two sticks

It would need to be able to carry 5 and accomodate two hockey bags and two sticks

You test drive one you'll buy it.

21Rouge · « **Reply #10 on:** April 04, 2006, 06:18:13 pm »

Quote from: articsteve link=topic=44943.msg242444#msg242444 date=1144187899
You test drive one you'll buy it. :thumbup:
[quote

Thanks asteve for the reminder. But there is no way my wonderful wife would go for a...truck.

If I scaled back the requirement to accomodate *2* hockey bags to 1 would that open up more choices? For example is the Toyota Highlander or the now larger Honda Pilot available as a 5 speed?

articsteve · « **Reply #11 on:** April 04, 2006, 06:52:36 pm »

Quote from: boxgrover on April 04, 2006, 06:18:13 pm

Thanks asteve for the reminder. But there is no way my wonderful wife would go for a...truck.

If I scaled back the requirement to accomodate *2* hockey bags to 1 would that open up more choices? For example is the Toyota Highlander or the now larger Honda Pilot available as a 5 speed?

For example is the Toyota Highlander or the now larger Honda Pilot available as a 5 speed?

No and no and if they did one would hope that they would be 6 speeds.

But there is no way my wonderful wife would go for a...truck.

Firstly, these new Tacoma and Tundras may look like trucks but that is where the similarity stops.

Secondly, it the husband's duty to steer the ship. Occasionally, mutiny may rear it's ugly head, but with proper carrot and stick techniques .... not a problem.

Don't you need to haul around some of the team on occasion in adverse weather conditions? Wouldn't your wife be glad to know her husband and 3 boys are travelling around the hinterland in something large and solid.

21Rouge · « **Reply #12 on:** April 04, 2006, 06:59:46 pm »

Quote from: articsteve on April 04, 2006, 06:52:36 pm

Secondly, it the husband's duty to steer the ship. Occasionally, mutiny may rear it's ugly head, but with proper carrot and stick techniques .... not a problem.

Don't you need to haul around some of the team on occasion in adverse weather conditions? Wouldn't your wife be glad to know her husband and 3 boys are travelling around the hinterland in something large and solid.

Articsteve, I have always been impressed with you knowledge of cars but your expertise extends into the psychology of marriage

!?

Craig · « **Reply #13 on:** April 04, 2006, 07:29:06 pm »

If it drives anything like the 4Runner, and it should, it won't drive like a truck.

The 4Runner is not available in manual, though.

maritime_storm · « **Reply #14 on:** April 05, 2006, 05:49:20 am »

2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab, 5.9L cummins of course with 6 spd Manual and more towing capacity then you'll ever need.

ktm525 · « **Reply #15 on:** April 05, 2006, 11:42:30 am »

You could get 4WD Dodge Dakota Quad Cabs with the standard up to 2004.They are rare but available, I have a 2002 w/ 5sp. I don't know if you can with the latest model.

bmorton · « **Reply #16 on:** April 05, 2006, 11:59:42 am »

Subaru Legacy & Outback wagons are available with a five-speed. Not sure on the back-seat room as I haven't sat back there but plenty of cargo space, plus AWD. No six-cylinder stick, but there is a turbo version.

sirAQUAMAN64 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 05, 2006, 04:45:00 pm »

Toyota was wise to put the manual in the Tacoma Double Cab. My friend wants a manual in a 4dr truck with a larger engine, and GM doesn't make one anymore. Poor him. He's die hard GM so wouldn't dream of it - doesn't know what he's missing.

It's a really good vehicle.

Afraid not much else out there for families. Hmmmm...

The Volvo V70 and perhaps Passat Wagon are on the larger side. Mazda6 Sport Wagon probably a touch too small. You'd have to go for the compact utes or Forester / Mitsu Outlander or something.

Mazda5 probably comes closest if you were against a Tacoma D-Cab.

articsteve · « **Reply #18 on:** April 05, 2006, 07:33:32 pm »

Ok, here it is: seats 5; huge interior, will take abuse inside and out, wife will love it once she tires it, near BMW quality 6 speed, full time AWD, slightly under 30K, awesome quality, resale will be fabulous ....

airbalancer · « **Reply #19 on:** April 05, 2006, 08:33:38 pm »

Quote from: articsteve on April 05, 2006, 07:33:32 pm

Ok, here it is: seats 5; huge interior, will take abuse inside and out, wife will love it once she tires it, near BMW quality 6 speed, full time AWD, slightly under 30K, awesome quality, resale will be fabulous ....

my wife saw it, she said it was uglyyyyyyyy!

she saw M Z4 at the dealer, and she like that alot