The Acura Integra is a small car that is fun to drive and is known for being reliable. It has a version that comes with a manual transmission, which means you can change gears yourself instead of the car doing it automatically.
A dual-clutch transmission is a type of automatic transmission that can change gears very quickly. It uses two clutches to help the car shift gears faster than regular automatic transmissions.
A two liter four cylinder engine is a type of car engine that is small but can still provide good power while using less fuel. It has four parts called cylinders that help it run.
The BMW New Class is a new line of cars from BMW that focuses on modern looks and smart technology. They want to keep their reputation for making great performance cars while appealing to new buyers.
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a fast and powerful car that you can get with a manual stick shift, which is rare for modern cars. It's designed for people who love to drive.
A V8 engine is a type of engine that has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's powerful and often found in fast cars, giving them a lot of strength and speed.
A V6 engine is a type of engine that has six cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's a popular choice for cars because it provides a good mix of power and fuel efficiency.
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that can handle rough terrains. It's popular for outdoor adventures and has been updated recently to include new technology.
The Ford Super Duty Lariat Tremor is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and drive off-road. It's built for people who need a strong and reliable vehicle for tough jobs.
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough car that can drive over rocks and through mud easily. People love it because it's great for adventures and exploring the outdoors.
The Honda Civic is a small car that is very dependable and good on gas. It comes in different versions, some of which are sportier and faster than others.
The Hyundai Elantra N is a sportier version of the regular Elantra. It has a more powerful engine and special features that make it more fun to drive, especially for those who enjoy speed and handling.
The Hyundai Elantra is a small car that is affordable and has a nice design. It's a good choice for people looking for a reliable car without spending too much money.
The Jeep Gladiator is a pickup truck made by Jeep that can go off-road like the Wrangler. It has a truck bed for carrying things, making it useful for both work and play.
The 3.6 liter V6 is an engine type that has six cylinders shaped like a 'V' and is 3.6 liters in size. It's popular because it offers a good mix of power and fuel economy.
A mid-engine car is one where the engine is placed in the middle of the car, which helps it handle better when driving fast. It's a popular design for sports cars.
The Nissan Z is a new sports car that looks cool and goes really fast. It's part of a long line of Z-cars that many people love for their speed and style.
The Nissan Murano is a roomy SUV that looks nice and is comfortable to ride in. It's a good option for families who need space and want a stylish vehicle.
The Porsche Cayman is a fancy sports car that is fun to drive and looks really cool. It's designed to be fast and sporty while still being comfortable enough for daily use.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a super-fast sports car that is very rare and expensive. It's famous for being one of the best cars to drive because of its amazing speed and handling.
The Subaru BRZ is a small sports car that is really fun to drive because it's light and quick. It's designed for people who love the thrill of driving.
The Subaru WRX is a sporty car that can handle tough weather and roads because it has all-wheel drive. It's loved by many for being fun to drive and fast.
The Subaru Outback is a car that can drive well on different types of roads, including rough ones. It's great for families and people who like to go on adventures.
The Toyota Tacoma is a tough truck that can handle rough roads and heavy loads. It's popular because it's reliable and can be used for many different activities.
The Toyota Supra is a powerful sports car that many people admire for its speed and cool looks. It's designed to be fun to drive and is often seen in car shows and racing events.
The Toyota GR Corolla is a sporty version of the regular Corolla that is built for speed and fun. It has a powerful engine and can handle well on the road.
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that is easy to drive and has a lot of space inside. It's popular because it's comfortable and can be fun to drive, especially in its sportier version.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that is easy to drive and has a comfortable interior. It's a good choice for everyday use, especially in its sportier version called the GLI.
LIVE
Next on list we've got we've got Ian's favorite brand of course Ford. That's right
Well, maybe back in the 60s. It was wouldn't it be nice to get like a Ford super-duty with like a five-speed again
Right, just a big. Yeah with the big power stroke big diesel of manual
What do I know? What do I know? I don't know. They didn't they didn't talk to us. Nope
Welcome back life plus cars community. We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday
We are recording today as a follow-up to our holidays plus cars episode
And we are now looking ahead to the new year. Yes, and with a new year comes new
Cars, isn't that right Brendan? Yeah, now we're talking now. We're talking level of that new car smell, right folks
That's what it's all about. Just the as Ian puts it the off-gassing of materials
Nothing like it that much the weather. Oh, yeah, so yeah, we are as Ian said we're gonna talk about is for 2026 a
list of cars
For you and me and our listeners
For what you can get brand new
2026 that you can get a manual in there
Yeah, oh
so thanks to a
wonderful article from
Well, actually, there's a couple different sources, but I'm gonna reference car buzz
They have all the manual cars that you can get in 2026 and Ian and I are gonna go down the list together
so
Okay, I'm ready. I don't know if you have that list pulled up or not. Oh, yeah
Absolutely start naming them off. So number one on the list, it's gonna go alphabetical the Acura Integra
You can still get it with a manual and when I we say manual
We don't mean dual clutch or any of that BS or paddle shifts. We're talking
three-pedal
qualified
manual stick shift in your hand like real
Manual so the Acura Integra and we talk about looks of cars. I like the looks of the Integra
I like it. Oh, yes. Yeah, I I would I would go ahead and buy an Integra. I think that would be very
Very high on the list
Yep, there. It's a beautiful looking car. It comes with a six-speed manual
It's got the two liter four cylinder and a base price 38 grand
I mean and you can get up to
320 horsepower with these things. I mean, oh god, it's awesome and they do they have the looks
They really do have the looks
Yeah, especially on that type s. I mean, but any trim even the Bay I would be happy with the base like a like a spec
Integra and it's a hatch. So it's usable
It does everything you need and it's fun
Absolutely, and I do really like like they really it's a driver's car like it's a cockpit. It's just designed around the driver. So
Very much like the Acura Integra
So moving down the list the next one is I've got to give my tip my hat and give credit to
BMW even though I think most of their new cars look like Alfa Romeo's on the way they designed the front end of them
It's like BMW. You lost something between like
2000 and 2025 and six you lost something. It's like what what are you doing?
So anyway, yeah, I'm w in 2026. All right, and you can get the M2
the M3
the M4 and
There's still keeping the Z4 with a manual a tried and true manual is still available in all of those cars
And they all pack the three-liter i6 the inline six with a six-speed. That's how you do all rear-wheel drive
That's excellent, and we're talking
gasoline
Freakin
450 plus horsepower
Big torque. Oh
Nothing like it. So thank you BMW. Oh, it's just amazing
Yes. Oh my gosh. I mean, yeah
questionable styling
Just overlook that get in the car and drive it and oh my gosh. I love the fact that
the
Manuals can only be had with the rear-wheel drive models like these are the true enthusiast spec
Yes models here across the board Z4 and 3M4. Yep, they're all six-speed inline six
Rear-wheel drive. Oh, it's great
Yeah, and you know like I've harped on their front-end styling that looks like alpha male, but I will say this
I think the new BMWs
Rear ends on their cars are some of the best we've seen in years
It's true. Actually. Yeah, I really think
Especially on the M3. Oh now that three sedan keister right there. Let me tell you
Would they so yes, if you're looking for a tried and true manual that's really fun to drive that by today's standard
Isn't super expensive like everyone rants and raves about the M2
So I would say go look at that for the listener, but I mean I always like the Z4
Just because it's fun to put the top down
You can't go wrong with any one of these
Absolutely, so BMW, there you go. Thank you for providing us with four different models
Wow. Yep. Oh
Now next on the list is a personal favorite that I've talked about quite a bit
Oh, you must be excited. Most people would be like wait, they make a manual
Cadillac
That's right folks for in the CT5
V blackwing you can get a tried and true six speed manual
Rear-wheel drive configuration with either of those cars
I have personally and Ian's driven a CT5 V blackwing with a six-speed and we can both attest to the absolute sheer
joy and performance that the car offers
Cadillac really really did a nice job with these
astounding cars, I mean just
blindingly quick and so composed and you're just
Swept up in the grace and glory of this car. I loved it
Yes, it is it's the driving experience that we just you crave and just it leaves you wanting more. Yeah
So much power on tap so refined and hard to believe it's coming out of Cadillac, but yep, right
Get a v8 or v6 with big power and a manual. So Cadillac on the list. Don't
Don't let that escape you if you're looking for a manual and you want to spend between
16 a hundred grand go check out Cadillac
Go do it man. It looks like they have a new that new orange color from
2026 maybe I mean at least these pictures that looks like a pretty stunning color
Oh, yeah, GM always has some crazy ones for some of the high-performance cars. Yes
Like was it like a brazen orange or something like that?
Yep, like that
Yep, good-looking cars good-looking cars
All right next next on list we've got we've got Ian's favorite brand of course Ford
That's right. Yeah
Well, maybe back in the 60s it was
Yeah, well, there's still some good ones out there
Yeah, well, hey, if you're looking for some with a manual Ford still offers a couple which
Really is to which is the Bronco and the Mustang
The only two vehicles they offer that you can get a manual with anymore, which it's a shame
It wouldn't it be nice to get like a Ford super duty with like a five-speed again, right?
Just a big yeah with the big power stroke big diesel a manual, you know, but nope
What do I know? What do I know? I don't know. They didn't they didn't talk to us. No
Yeah, I mean you can get the Bronco and then of course the Mustang which I'm happy the Mustang still offers that that
Pure driving experience that we know and love from a Mustang six-speed manual and then the seven-speed with the Bronco
Interesting reading how the
Bronco
Can be had in almost every trim with that seven-speed manual including like the big like heritage model
Yes, I agree with that. I think it's really important for a
High-performance off-roader like the Bronco like they're marketing it to be to have a manual transmission because there's some right that
They will only take the Wrangler a Bronco or whatever with a manual off-road. So you can do that with your new Bronco
Absolutely, I mean that's pretty good to a two-car solution right there a Bronco and then a Mustang if you want to truly keep it in
The Ford family. It's not bad. Yeah. Yeah, it's not and they're nice-looking cars
Mm-hmm. I don't know. I'm torn like I'd have to drive one. I still probably gravitate towards a Wrangler
Yes, I do like the looks of some of the Broncos
But like I said, I'd have to drive one, but it's nice that they offer those in a manual for sure
They haven't given up on it. Yes. All right. So next on the list we're going from SUV and
Performance stands from Ford to Honda which we have the Civic Si and the Civic type R
That's right. So the Honda that glorious six-speed manual that we all love and
Offered in both this Si and the type R. Yes, both you can get a six-speed
I've always liked the type R
I mean as soon as you start getting up towards 300 horsepower with a car that size all the amount of fun you can have
Oh, it's crazy. I mean looking at the specs here like the type R is zero to sixty and five point three seconds
Like that's amazing
For today's standards on a car like that. That's pretty impressive, right?
And that is a lot of car for around 50k. It's a lot of car
Yes, it's amazing what you can get for that and then crazy about the big wing on it
Yep, they've got that. Yeah, very much that tuner look with that crazy wing on the back
Yes, they almost prefer the looks of the Si, but I wish I could get the motor in the looks of yes
Just marry the two there. Yeah with the Si and the the type S
And the type R so the accurate type S and the type R here from the Civic
They both have that crazy like three three port exhaust that looks a little bit like a trio of like trumpets coming out the back
Oh, yeah
What I think of when I see it there
Yes, exactly
It just screams performance and screams. Yes
So I think those are both great options great performance cars and once again tried and true manuals. We love it
Thank you Honda. Yeah, thank you. It's the Honda. Yeah
I think if there were if I were considering a replacement for the all-track, I would look seriously at a Civic Si
I mean full price point and all that
It's funny you say that because I was just gonna say that out of this entire list the next one on it is
The one that I would buy and it's a Hyundai
Laundra N
Mm-hmm. Now. I haven't driven one of these but I saw one at that
Manual rally that you and I went to that's right. I was I couldn't keep my eyes off it
I was very intrigued and I mean as any of the listener knows it's been with us
I always say like Kia and Hyundai they have gone
Above and beyond in the last like 10-15 years like they've just gotten so much better
And they've just released some amazing stuff, but I love the Elantra N is a good-looking car
It's a good price point
It's bigger than like the Civic or the Civic Si
It's you know, definitely like mid-sized sedan and it's got wicked performance
It's got a two-liter four cylinder with 276 horsepower. I mean and it's got this the house
What else for?
Actually now you pointed out like it's not that much more than the Si and I feel like you get a lot more car
Oh, yeah, I mean just look at the interior on the Hyundai
It just seems so much more premium which is amazing considering its Hyundai right, but it's a good-looking car
So that that would be the one like if I was gonna buy a new one today out of all of this list
That's the one I picked when you take everything into account performance price looks everything
Yes, I think it's a good pick. Yep, but next on the list is the one that he's up for his next car
Oh, yes, we're back to the Wrangler. Yeah Jeep Wrangler. So just like the Bronco
Our our fabulous Jeep off-roader the Wrangler that's been around for since the 40s or even before that 30s is
Yeah, you can still get that with a manual transmission and you can get not just in the Wrangler
But I'm pretty sure you can still get it in the gladiator too, right?
I think so. Yes bolted to the 3.6 liter v6 tried and true
Yeah, no, I mean, you know, I mean, it's yeah the Jeep is the Jeep
I've you know, everyone knows what a Jeep Wrangler is but yes, it's it's nice that you can still get it with a manual
Yeah, that you can spec like the two-door and four-door
Yes, I really hope that they don't change that anytime soon. Mm-hmm. And thank you Jeep for still offering the two-door
I know it sells. Thank the Lord. Yeah, I do not like the Unlimited
It sells in probably minuscule number as compared to the four-door, but thank you for keeping it around
That's the way to do it. Very nice. Yep. Yeah, I do love do love that Wrangler. Oh
Yeah, they're good-looking
Just keep manifesting the Jeep. Yep, make it happen
Yep
Well before can we buy a Jeep the next one on the list
is a little bit out of reach for
Probably most people but still on the list because you can buy it and they're pretty plentiful is the lotus now
Nice saying it right the Amira. Yeah, that's correct the Amira. Okay, 2026 Amira
And this is a car from Lotus. They're only vehicle offering it this time
But there's a six-speed manual with a v6 its rear-wheel drive and 400 horsepower
So there you go. You want three pedals and you want to be a little more exotic pulling up to the country club?
Boom, that's the big lotus and it's a mid-engine car
That is impressed. It's a really good-looking car big
Swooping lines and those big aired air ducts on the side. Yeah, yeah
It is a good-looking car not not good enough to be a hundred and three thousand good-looking hundred grand
Yeah
For that much money
I'd much rather the black wing because the black wing, you know, you're right drive every day. Yes, and it be comfortable
Yeah, so the Lotus we got that and the next one we're getting into another one of Ian and my favorite is Mazda
Zoom zoom zoom
Some zoom
Mazda hatchback and the MX-5 Miata
Thank you Mazda for still making the Miata with a manual. Oh
one of these single
Best performance cars in terms of bang for your buck to this day and honestly probably always has been
Yes, I mean without question. I mean you can buy a 2026 Miata with a base price of under
$30,000 and you get so
Much performance because of its size
It's so small and it's suspension. It's just oh, it's an amazing car to drive. Yeah truly
just the yeah the perfect recipe and
I love that Mazda has kept that
Unchanged and just tried and true
One of our yeah, one of our favorites
Yes, and I'm very happy that they offer their manual like they don't just reserve it for the Miata
They actually have it. You can still get their Mazda 3 with the manual. So I'm nice. They offer that
I'm happy to see that too. I thought that had gone away
Cody friend of the show who was on the three pedals episode a while back
Used to own a 2022 Mazda 3 hatchback with a six-speed and that was a slick little car very well
I mean, I mean so nice inside Mazda's are so well appointed
I mean the amount of luxury you get for the price point plus you can still get a stick with this base
Mazda 3 so very happy to still see that plus the MX 5 Miata
The original doesn't get better than that
Absolutely, absolutely. Thank you Mazda. All right. What do we got? So next on this?
We got the Nissan Z Ian the Zed Nissan Z
Nissan's flagship sports car now that the GTR is out of production, which is a huge mistake for Nissan
But regardless, we are talking about the Z that comes with a tried and true six-speed manual
So, I mean, that's good
Yeah, and I mean, yeah, 43,000 for the base sport trim. I mean 400 horsepower
Reboot drive 300 V6
It is a lot of car for what you get
I had a moment where I was just scrolling through these one night thinking do I need a Z
I mean, it was the it was the Nissan in me that like, oh
Yeah, yeah, I actually I like the looks of it
The only thing with it that gets me is every time I see the rear end of it. I think Mustang
Every time I see the back of it. Yeah, it doesn't look very
Original it looks it looks very Mustang from any other angle. It looks like a Z but
Very interesting car and I mean, I'm just very happy that Nissan is still doing some type of performance car
Right since they're not right here anymore
So, I mean the GTR was like, you know, you could call that like almost the epitome or
Whatever you want to say for like a tuner car like, you know import. Oh my gosh
I mean GTR. Oh my gosh, like incredible and most incredible performance. You could think of it ruled the world for years
in terms of just performance and
Absolutely, and I mean like that's a
Recognizable and iconic car. I mean, yes, yes culture and
Car guys all over the world car women doesn't matter like it. It's amazing car
So I'm just happy that Nissan still has something that kind of like semi honors the heritage of that
And I really hope that they come out with more offerings to have a manual
I mean, we talk about all the time, but like even their new Murano that's coming out
Like what if they just gave it the same motor in that transmission? They could easily do it
Why not?
Right they did that crazy like thousand horsepower infinity SUV
Custom build that I saw and that's a long ago. It's like, hey, yeah, they can go wild
Yeah, why not? All right, so next on the list
I'm gonna have to introduce because I know you've talked about you would like to have one of these babies
I would yes on our holidays plus cars episode. We talked about which brand new car
We'd want in our driveway with the big red bow on it. Which car would we want Santa to deliver?
And I said a
2026 7-8
Cayman, which is the next car on the list Porsche. Thank you Porsche for staying true to your roots keeping the essence of
Enthusiast driving alive. So yes, you can still get the 2026
718 Cayman and Boxster and the 9-11 Carrera T and the
9-11 GT3 with a manual so the six-speed manual and
Boy, I do love the Cayman. That is such a great driver's car
The 9-11 has gotten a little bit ballooned for my liking to balloon for my liking
The Cayman though, I think still holds on to that core Porsche essence. I completely agree
Yeah, and I mean, I would love to drive a GTR or a GT3. Yep
At some point, but I'll tell you right now that I would be just as happy with the Cayman or the Boxster
Or a base 9-11, but I'm not gonna pay
$230,000 which is the base price GT3
I mean, don't get me wrong if you can afford it buy it because you will have quite possibly the
Greatest performance car you've ever driven
Mm-hmm, but yeah, it is I as you said Ian like Porsche just thank you so much for being
True to what it means to be a driver's car. So I think yeah, you still have you now have to opt for the 9-11 for the
Flat six I don't think you can you can get the flat six and the Cayman or Boxster any longer, but still
They're all they're great engines. They are the flat four. Yeah, of course. Yes
Porsche does not skimp on its engines
No, no, they never do
They make beautiful cars and that's one thing that we've talked about design a little bit
One thing I really give Porsche credit for is I mean some people might be like
Oh, they haven't like chains are designed too much or blah blah blah like I
really appreciate
That Porsche has taken the
Iconic Porsche look of their vehicles over the years. Yes expanded upon it and
Made it better, right? So they have like a lot of manufacturers will take something right and they'll like they'll
They'll go totally off the rails or try to come up with like, you know
Let's reimagine like the Ford Mustang for example, right total departure from what it was from its roots and like make it look new
It's like no Porsche has always said like no
Like the 9-11 or the Boxster or whatever like when these came out back in the day
You're like this is what they look like and now today when you see one, there's no question
You know what it is when you see those headlights and the the tail end of a
9-11 Oh, yes, Boxster or whatever it is like, you know, that's a Porsche immediately
So from that standpoint, I am very proud of them
For keeping with that and just expanding upon that original idea and look because it's such an iconic look
Yep, iconic is the word and yeah, just so recognizable and
Yeah, it's the recipe that works. So don't change it up. So thank you Porsche
Beautiful cars
Gorgeous gorgeous
So now that the next one we take a serious step down in the price department, but yes, it's still fun to drive
It's a lot of fun. We're into Scoob DeRuz one more time. We've got the BRZ and the WRX
Subis
So both of these are pretty much the same offerings. I think the only difference is WRX has all-wheel drive, right?
Yeah, the BRZ is a proper rear-wheel drive little sports car
It's actually the only rear-wheel drive offering in Subaru's lineup that
Right put another way. It's the only car in Subaru's lineup that does not have a wheel drive. Yeah. Yeah
Interesting. Yes being that it is a twin of the Toyota 86
That those two cars are manufactured side-by-side. Yeah
I mean, I appreciate that the BRZ is still exists that you can go out and get one of these
Little over 30 grand not that not that bad. It's just a pure drivers car
We will drive two plus two. They're very fun. Oh, yeah, absolutely
And it's you know, that's the other thing Subaru is you know
Even for their weird electric cars are coming out with like hopefully they keep these because I mean even just
WRX there is yes, such a following for the WRX. Oh my gosh crazy
I mean, I'd never buy one, but I I can appreciate him. I can absolutely appreciate him
right as far as a daily driver that is
rugged and
mean drive through anything fun and
Fun to just whip around
Yeah, they I mean it does they have a loyal following. I see
So
So many WRX's around New England
It's
One of the top cars as far as if you want something that's a little bit more spicy to drive than an outback
Oh, yeah, and they're and they're not that much more money than like an outback or a forester or anything, right?
They're they're inexpensive and really fun
You know in the grand scheme. So yeah, Subaru. Yeah, keep it going
All right. Well, so next on the list. I'm oh, I'm happy we got the Toyota. So
Toyota
Yes, I
Have to tip my hat to Toyota. I am so proud that they still offer the Tacoma with a manual
That's right. That's amazing to me like that having a small pickup with a manual like you know like you said earlier
You're in like I talked about like the Chevy s10 with like a five-speed
Like there's still people that want that like they want just like a basic pickup with a manual
Just bare bones like if you if you could get the Tacoma with roll-up windows and like none of the screens or any of that
BS would be like, all right. I'll buy that. Yeah, it's an honest-to-goodness
mid-sized pickup truck that is a manual and is basic too
So yeah, kudos major kudos to Toyota that that would have easily been written off that like who's buying the nut
Who's buying this anymore?
Nope, they kept it around and I feel like there's it must there must be enough of a take rate for
Those steadfast toy like Tacoma people that still want that manual
I mean, I think it's part of the Tacoma's identity to have that that manual option. Yep, absolutely
And I mean so to area that like like I said, I love that they get the Tacoma, but then they also have their GR 86
Mm-hmm our Corolla and then the Supra
But my understanding is they aren't making this for a past 2026
So if you want one, this is the year to buy one now. Is it sadly?
Call your dealer and order it now get it now. We've got a future collectible on our hands folks
It's the last year of the Supra, which is
Sad to see though until they bring it back in another 10 years, right?
For the sixth generation. Yeah, and then the GR Corolla, which is just an epic little monster of a hatch
I do love that thing
It is so absurd. I'm just thinking the same thing as like I really like the GR Corolla way better than the GR 86
Yes, I agree
It's such an unassuming car
But then it's got a 300 horsepower
3-cylinder motor and it's it's got a zero to 60 that's almost as close to my 2006 GTO, which is insane
Yes
We're talking. Yeah, just under five seconds zero to 60. It's crazy
Things a little monster. I love it. I love that the GR Corolla exists
Absolutely
So, yeah, it is it's fantastic that that Toyota
Has those offerings and yeah, I really do appreciate the truck
I wish there were more trucks with manuals, but there really aren't no there
They are the only truck of that size in that segment that you can get with manual
So again people out there you need a mid-sized truck with a manual Tacoma is the play
Yep, get them while they're still available
Yep, yep, and then the last on our list here to reel in the manual cars
For 2026 you can get is one of our favorite brands here at life plus cars
But it's also a little for me and it's just a little tiny bit of like melancholy
Talking about this brand and having this be their only option for manual
Because I'll tell you right now that not having a golf R on this list
Really depresses me. What we're looking at is for 2026 Volkswagen
Has the only manual you can get is their Jetta GLI is their final manual model in the US, which is
Absolutely ridiculous because as Ian knows when you're driving like a golf GT or golf R
Oh, yeah, nothing better than ripping through the gears in one of those cars
They're just so tiny and so sporty. It was the most fun you could ever have for the price point. It's so much fun
And Volkswagen decided to just give their Jetta the five speed or six speed. It's a little it's disheartening
Yes, I agree with the Brendan that I mean I'm reading here that they got rid of the manual in the GTI due to low sales
I still I just have a hard time believing the so the Jetta GLI with the manual
Soul better than the GTI with a manual that just I think crazy
I just that's so surprises me that again, I mean, it's the same car. It's the same engine same transmission
I know it's just too bad another one of these cases where it just comes down to numbers and they're just looking at it strictly from
You know a cost point and
Nope, not buying them in the GTI get rid of them like yes, but remember where you came from
Volkswagen remember what the GTI stands for and now
Exactly, you can't even get it with the manual anymore. It is very sad
Well for me like the golf R is a great example. It's like that vehicle is a performance car for a driver
Yes, the fact that they get rid of the manual. It's like it. I don't care if the automatic is
technically
Can shift faster. I don't care. It's the high idea of having the actual
Shifter in your hand and pushing in your left leg getting that clutch going. That's what it's all about
So yeah, I mean Volkswagen hasn't completely
deserted this list so you can still get a brand new one the GTI with a manual so
You have to at least give them some credit that there's still a car on this list
There are many brands who don't have a car on this list
So for what it's worth folks. I can still has one offering in the ring
And at least they still have one
There were a lot of other cars who were not on this list when you think about it, so it's true
Well, that's the sad reality right Ian is I mean, you know
We love our manual cars and we are car-centric people. There's no doubt about that
And this is actually if you think about this is actually a pretty short list of manual cars that you can buy new in
2026 and
It's just changed so much in the last what 20 30 years
Yes, I mean it used to be that it was the manual was like
It just came with a manual and if you wanted the automatic
It was like another few thousand dollars to get it automatic, right? It's like, oh, right
Yeah, that the odd that the manual was the economical choice. That's how it was
I mean, yeah, it's obviously a very different time. We're living in now 30 years later
I have to be grateful that there are any manuals on this list because it would be
Very easy for I feel like any of these manufacturers to just say, you know what?
We're just not gonna bother any more
Hyper brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini
They've just walked away from any kind of manual transmissions anymore
The fact that we're still talking about here like Honda and Toyota
And Subaru and these cars that still are I mean every day cars that people go out and buy that's that's encouraging
Yes, it is. It's uh, you know, I mean
We've gone through all of them on the list for manual cars from
You know 100,000 to 250,000 to 30,000
20,000, I mean if you have any type of budget and you just want something fun to drive you can find it for sure
Yep, yeah, there's actually quite a bit on this list between yeah, I'd say like the 25 and 50,000 range
Oh, yeah, I mean like for me it would be
Either the Elantra type in or the Acura
The Integra right like those those two
Would be the ones that I would absolutely consider buying if you wanted a new car that was a manual
You get a really good balance of performance for price and comfort creature comfort
Yeah, I think I'm with you on those two choices
I'm gonna echo that the I think those those two would be
top of the list to go and test drive
I think followed by the the Civic si. I think I would test drive all three of those
Yep, or you could just get that
gr Corolla
Yeah, that's that's true that that like snorting little beast of a hatchback. I do love a hatchback. That's true. That is the
It's like the only real hatch on the whole list now. I'm thinking about it. Yeah
Yeah, that is true. I mean the Integra is a is a
Is a
Secret hatch. You don't you don't know it looking at it. Maybe I'll just go buy that wrangler. You keep saying it
So I wish you would
I wish you would yep, then I could drive it
Right
Just come down here. We'll take the doors off
Take it to the beach. It's be great. Perfect, man. Perfect
It's all we need. Yeah. Well, what do you think listener?
Which of the cars we listed today?
Would you
Pick out which one of these manual cars would you take home?
Yeah, or if you have bought one of these
Cars and you've experienced it. We would love to hear your review or what you think of it
That's right. Yes. We'd love to hear owner
owners
perspective on
Whatever car you might be driving
We'd love to get your take on your you know life plus your
Day-to-day car or special car, whatever it is. We want to hear what it is
And yeah, so thank you very much for joining us while we talk about these cars for 2026 that are coming up
There's some redesign some new ones. It's pretty exciting
Uh, yeah, keep us posted with anything you may or may not end up with or if you're just keeping your late
2000s Volvo on the road or driving here in 2016 all track till it bites the dust just you know, we're interested to hear
Whatever it may be. Yep life plus cars at gmail.com
Send us your stories and check us out on social on life plus cars
And as we're wrapping up here, thank you listener for
Tuning in and listening to our content here. We kicked this whole thing off
Back in the summer and we're wrapping up 2020 25
here with almost 30 episodes
Um of us sharing car stories car content and a lot of a lot of laughs along the way
Oh, yes, it's it's been an amazing time
And i'm just looking forward to keeping it going and I didn't realize it was that many episodes, but it makes sense
What was our first one was what round july 4th, right? Yeah, uh, yes our first one
Yeah, july 1st. We we kicked things off there. So look at that with a
Going back to a tale of 266s if any og listeners out there remember
Yes, so as Ian said we uh, we're honored as we're reeling
You know coming to a close on 25 and we're going into 26
Honored to have you along with us and thank you for the support and like he said before like we're serious about
Anyone that's listening if they have a car story big or small
Please share it with us because we will
Talk about it. So i'm in it if it's exciting and big things happen. We might have you on like uh, we we had our
guest
Caitlyn come on talk about all of her travels in different countries and the things she did in the military
And and she found us by listening to the volvo episode because she loves volvos
So please please reach out. We won't if you like cars or have car stories
We want to talk about it because ian is the best at curating these car stories. Let me tell you
Well, I I thank you brendan and you you've played a part in that too. So
Oh, I just I have a really pretty face for radio. So that's why i'm here. Yeah, right. So I would keep you around. Yeah
Oh, yeah, we have fun here. So and we look forward to
curating more of those conversations in the new year with you all and
We look forward to talking more in 2026
We'll talk soon. Can't wait. Happy new year to all. That's right. Happy 2026
About this episode
Looking ahead to 2026, this episode dives into the exciting lineup of new cars that still offer manual transmissions. Ian and Brendan discuss a variety of models, from the Acura Integra and BMW M series to the Cadillac CT5 V Blackwing and Honda Civic Type R. They highlight the importance of manual options in today's automotive landscape and share their personal favorites, including the Hyundai Elantra N and Jeep Wrangler. The conversation reflects on the dwindling availability of manuals and celebrates the brands that continue to cater to driving enthusiasts.
Happy New Year from the hosts of the Life Plus Cars Podcast!
To kick off 2026, hosts Brendan and Ian run through the list of every new car that you can buy with manual transmission. That's right, folks- you can still buy a car with a stick shift in 2026! Which cars, do you ask? It may be more than you think!
Plus, is Brendan getting any closer to convincing Ian to buy a new Jeep Wrangler?
Listen in to find out...
What do you think, listener? Which of these brand new stick shift cars are your favorite? Do you think you will buy one of these cars in 2026? Email us with your car stories at [email protected]
