The modern, high-tech world has some people thinking that manual cars are a thing of the past. However, as an enthusiast, driving a manual car gives you thrilling fulfillment. You get to have a real connection with the car when shifting up and down the gears.
With multiple technological advancements, automatic transmissions have improved, with some impressive examples like Porsche's PDK. However, no matter the technological advancement, automatics cannot give a visceral manual experience.
Even though manual cars are slowly fading away, the used market still offers some great options, especially if you're on a budget. Below are the ten best used manual cars for gearheads on a budget.
10 Ford Fiesta ST - $16,500
If you're not looking for ample interior space, the Fiesta ST is another excellent manual car. Even though it's a bit pricier, it's fun to drive, thanks to its charm and driving characteristics. The Fiesta is a great hot hatch, making it the perfect pocket rocket for enthusiasts on a budget.
It shares some visual similarities with its 100-hp 1.0-liter 3-cylinder sibling. Under the hood of the ST is a punchy turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine producing 197 hp and 202 lb-ft of torque. The ST also boasts an overboost feature that works between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm to offer more power.
9 Audi S4 - $13,800
Besides getting a lovely manual transmission, the B8 Audi S4 offers a supercharged engine at a relatively low price. The B8 generation boasts decent tech, a gorgeous design, and a four-door sedan setup. Like the WRX and 335i, it's also a great daily driver, especially if you love carrying more than one passenger.
Over the years, the B8 hasn't suffered many issues like some older Audis. However, it's still advisable to visit your mechanic before buying. The S4 has a refined ride, even with its punchy 3.0-liter V6 powerplant producing 333 hp.
8 BMW 335i - $11,500
The E90 generation is among the best fun, manual daily driver options. It's the middle point between the base 3 Series and the potent M3. The 335i uses the N54 twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter inline-six engine producing over 300 hp.
If you're looking for ample space, German luxury, and plenty of driving fun, the 335i is one of the best options in the used market. Before buying the 335i, look for common issues like oil leaks and ignition coil problems.
7 Subaru WRX - $11,000
Like most cars on this list, a used Subaru WRX is the best choice for cheap performance. The WRX offers year-round performance and comes standard with a turbocharged engine and AWD. The WRX boasts a 265 hp turbocharged boxer engine, an all-wheel-drive system, and a 5-speed manual.
All these features give the WRX sports car performance that you can enjoy with four other passengers. Even though the used version might seem a bit outdated, the WRX is easy to customize, thanks to many go-fast parts in the aftermarket scene.
6 Nissan 350Z - $10,350
Since its introduction, the 350Z has been one of the best sports cars for enthusiasts on a budget. Like its sibling, the 370Z, the 350Z has aged gracefully. Over the years, Nissan made minor changes to the 350Z, making it a better sports car.
Among those changes were mechanical updates that increased horsepower to 300 hp for the 5-speed manual variants. These changes made the Z a fun and fast sports car that you can easily use as a daily driver.
5 Porsche Boxster - $9,000
Yes, it's possible to buy a modern Porsche for under $10,000. Even though most enthusiasts consider the Boxster as 911's baby brother, it's a great sports car. It features the same mid-engine layout as its 911 sibling, making it a great handling car.
Even though it might lack a bit of outright speed, the Boxster is light and fun to drive, especially with the manual transmission. Like with any other used Porsche, you should look for a service history to be sure that the Boxster has a clean service history.
4 Hyundai Veloster Turbo - $8,900
The Veloster is one of the best Korean hot hatches. The first-generation Veloster Turbo is a rakish and affordable option. Even though it has a front-wheel drive layout, the Veloster offers excellent handling and cornering.
Even with its odd proportions, it's a fun-to-drive hot hatch. The 6-speed manual helps make the Veloster more fun, especially with its turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. The powerplant produces 207 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.
3 Mini Cooper S JCW - $8,700
The Volkswagen Golf GTI has been the go-to choice for most hot hatch buyers. However, most tend to have automatic transmissions and a steep price tag. The Mini Cooper S JCW presents a better hot hatch and a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Mini has a reasonable price in the used market, unlike the GTI or even the Veloster. In addition, the Mini Cooper S JCW is among the best-looking three-door cars on the market, especially in the convertible trim. Under its hood is a supercharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine that adds to its fun character.
2 Ford Mustang GT - $7,500
Most enthusiast cars go through various stages in their life. They start off being fresh models featuring the latest and greatest features. After a while, they become great used car options for most people thanks to their low-price appeal.
The S197 Mustang GT remains one of the best enthusiast cars you can get on a budget. Unlike the modern versions that produce over 450 hp from their V8s, the S197 variant got a 300 hp 4.6-liter V8. It retains the legendary Mustang styling and features a lovely 5-speed manual transmission.
1 Mazda Miata - $5,500
The Miata is one sports car that every gearhead needs to drive. It has always been available with all you could ever want in a sports car, a manual transmission. Sure, it might not drive like a Boxster, but it's cheaper and fun.
Over the years, the Miata has become the bestselling two-seater vehicle, thanks to Mazda offering a small, classic, balanced rear-wheel drive sports car. Like the WRX, the Miata has exceptional aftermarket support, giving you plenty of options to increase performance.