12 Manual Transmission Cars To Avoid Buying

Automotive aficionados often believe that if you want a really great vehicle, you always go with a manual transmission over an automatic one. Manual was the original transmission and has held its own over the years even as automatic became increasingly more popular.

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Even so, there are some cars with manual transmissions that are not worth the time or money you might put into them. GOBankingRates had a few auto experts give their takes on the 12 manual transmission cars to avoid buying. (Keep in mind that there are often automatic versions of these car models, too, but for the sake of this article we are referring to the ones with manual transmissions .)

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12. Nissan Pathfinder

“Owners of Nissan Pathfinders have reported a range of serious issues that significantly impact the vehicle’s reliability and safety,” shared Joyce Gutierrez, an automotive expert for 4WheelOnline . “One of the most alarming problems is the inability to accelerate properly, which can be extremely dangerous in traffic situations.

“Additionally, many drivers have experienced transmission slips, leading to unpredictable performance and potential safety hazards,” said Gutierrez.

11. Mini Cooper

It might be compact and a lot of fun to look at, but the Mini Cooper does not pack a punch when it’s compared to other cars with manual transmissions.

“While the Mini Cooper is stylish and fun to drive, its manual transmission models can be problematic,” said Shawn Miller, the senior writer at Modified Rides .

According to Miller, transmissions in the Mini Cooper have been known to suffer from reliability issues, leading to expensive repairs and higher long-term costs.

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10. Ford Focus

Gutierrez pointed out how the PowerShift transmission in the Ford Focus “…is known for not being as smooth as a conventional automatic at low speeds, which can lead to a frustrating driving experience, especially in urban environments.

“Owners have reported issues such as engine stalling, which can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous in traffic situations,” Gutierrez explained.

9. Fiat 500

With a sleek Italian design and engineering, drivers might expect that the manual transmission would come fully loaded to take to the roads. Unfortunately, the Fiat 500 is plagued by problems due to its transmission.

Miller commented that the Fiat 500’s manual transmission models have been reported to have numerous issues, including clutch problems and gearbox failures. “These issues result in costly repairs and downtime, making it a poor choice for those looking to save money,” added Miller.

8. Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa manual transmission commonly experiences delayed gear shifts, which can be frustrating and potentially hazardous, particularly in traffic situations, according to Gutierrez.

“Some owners have also complained about grinding noises when shifting gears, which indicate potential synchronizer problems or clutch wear,” added Gutierrez. “Strange noises during operation are another red flag to watch out for, as they often signal underlying mechanical issues.

“A burning smell while driving is a serious concern that shouldn’t be ignored, as it may indicate overheating or friction problems within the transmission,” Gutierrez continued.

7. Chevrolet Camaro

The Camaro is a classic car that lots of gearheads would love to have in their garage — if only it weren’t for the manual transmission draining their bank accounts with necessary, recurring repairs.

“Though the Camaro offers performance, its manual transmission versions can be costly to maintain,” explained Miller. “Issues with the clutch and transmission components are relatively common, leading to high repair bills and decreased reliability.”

6. Kia Forte

Gutierrez reported that Kia Forte’s manual transmission problems manifest in several ways, all of them problematic to anyone behind the wheel.

“Many drivers report experiencing vibration and unusual sounds while operating the vehicle, which can be both unsettling and indicative of underlying mechanical issues,” Gutierrez remarked. “More alarmingly, some owners have encountered stalling engines, a serious safety concern that can leave drivers stranded or vulnerable to accidents.”

Gutierrez went on to highlight that another common complaint is the transmission’s tendency to lag at random intervals.

“This unpredictable behavior can make driving challenging and potentially dangerous, especially in situations that require quick acceleration or precise control. The lag issue affects the driving experience and raises questions about the vehicle’s reliability and performance,” Gutierrez concluded.

5. Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler with a manual transmission is known for its off-road capabilities, but the transmission itself can be problematic, as per Miller’s professional opinion. “Frequent clutch replacements and gearbox issues make it an expensive option in the long run,” Miller said.

4. Nissan Juke

Another Nissan, another manual transmission and another vehicle to avoid purchasing if you do not want to spend lots of money constantly repairing it.

“The Nissan Juke’s manual transmission models have been criticized for their poor build quality and reliability,” Miller noted. Transmission failures and clutch issues are common, resulting in high maintenance costs.

3. Dodge Dart

“The Dodge Dart’s manual transmission versions have been plagued with reliability issues, including gearbox failures and clutch problems,” stated Miller. “These frequent repairs make it an unattractive option for those seeking a cost-effective vehicle.”

2. Nissan Altima

“Some Altima drivers have encountered challenges when trying to shift gears, a problem that can be both aggravating and hazardous,” recalled Gutierrez, describing how this problem often manifests as resistance when trying to engage certain gears, particularly first and reverse.

To boot, Gutierrez said that Altima drivers reported strange noises during shifts, ranging from grinding sounds to unsettling clunks, indicating potential internal damage to the transmission.

“Another red flag to watch out for is jerking movements when shifting gears,” said Gutierrez, who explained that this can be especially noticeable when accelerating or decelerating, leading to an uncomfortable and unpredictable driving experience.

“Furthermore, some Altima owners have reported hesitation when pressing on the gas, which can be particularly problematic in situations requiring quick acceleration, such as merging onto highways or navigating busy intersections,” added Gutierrez.

1. Volkswagen Jetta

“Despite Volkswagen’s overall reliability, the Jetta’s manual transmission models have faced issues with clutch and transmission components,” Miller said. “These problems can lead to expensive repairs and reduce the vehicle’s long-term value.”

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 12 Manual Transmission Cars To Avoid Buying