why does it HAVE to be Manual ??

With Subaru outbacks the manual is the only one which comes with low-range option (good for steep hills, bad surfaces etc.) You don't get that with the manual.


You seem to have rejected corollas. Was there a reason?

Because we like to drive manuals. I have a manual windstar if it were possible.

Corollas -any special reason to consider them? priced slightly higher, reviews are so-so. Only Saloon are avaialable here so that would be an issue -do they even do a hatchback any more/over here? The Yaris would be the Toyota offering in the size we are looking at and that is generally poorly reviewed, but I think beest is planning to give one a go....

In Toyota's infinite wisdom the Yaris is only available in manual in a 3 door, for 5 door you have to have automatic

Oh, that was that one? See, that's why we're not into Toyota. And we won't be into Ford when we get to replace the Windstar for similar idiot reasons

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_KtjySZp4...0/man-card.jpg
http://images.cheezburger.com/comple...e2955a7885.jpg

oh and ^^^ but only a man can post that ;)

Slick i drive a 10 and 12 speed Manual , 40 and 60+Thousand lbs respectively,
so I'll be Hanging on to my Man card Thank you verry Much !!

and yet you asked why.......

because that SERIOUSLY limits your choices of new cars, That is all

Handling, safety, power, control, economy ... but really this:

Attachment 35954

Now go and do a google image search for "how I feel driving an automatic" with the quote marks. I only got two pics ... have a look at the other one. WTF?

Limited choices is good. There are way too many choices.....

Heh. No, I like manual transmission too. My CRX was a 5 speed. Loved it.

Manual transmission is superior in every situation except stop and go traffic on the highway. That gets really old after even just a couple of minutes.