5 of the Best Manual Transmission Cars Under $10,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you know how to drive a car with a manual transmission, then you know how fun it can be with the right car. However, the ability to shift the gears yourself will soon be coming to an end as only 15% of new cars today are offered with a stick. Fortunately, you can still find plenty of cars on the used market that will provide you with the driving excitement that you want every day without breaking the bank. Here are five of the best cars with a manual transmission that you can buy for less than $10,000.

1. Acura TSX

2009 Acura TSX | Acura

The Acura TSX was the brand’s entry-level sedan that featured a high-revving engine and a slick-shifting manual transmission. An automatic version was also available, but to really take advantage of what the car had to offer, the manual transmission was the best way to go. According to Autolist, the TSX was produced from 2003 to 2014, so it should be easy to find a clean example for under $10,000 in your local area. However, just keep in mind that it could have a good amount of miles on the odometer, but that’s ok, it’s a Honda.

2. Honda Accord

2008 Honda Accord in red
2008 Honda Accord | Honda

The Honda Accord has been in the automotive market for over 40 years and it’s easy to see why. In addition to stout reliability, the Accord has provided consumers with a practical and fun-to-drive nature that has only evolved over time. Part of that evolution included many iterations that featured a five or six-speed manual transmission, which you can now find for less than $10,000.

We recommend the 2008 to 2012 vintage with the V6 and manual transmission. It’s like driving a front-drive muscle car, but with all of the reliability, you could want.

3. Mazda Miata

A white 2014 Mazda MX5 Roadster Coupe
2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images

This list definitely wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of the Mazda Miata. After all, the answer is supposedly always “Miata.” And we can’t blame anyone for buying one. The Miata has been in the market since 1990 and has provided buyers with a thrilling ride for the past 30 years. We can thank the car’s nimble handling characteristics and rev-happy engine for that.

4. Scion FR-S

2013 Scion FR-S in orange
2013 Scion FR-S | Scion

The Scion brand might have died a while ago, but it lives on the used-car classifieds. Search for an FR-S and you’ll be happy that you can find one for less than $10,000. What’s even better is that you’ll get the same balanced ride, rev-happy engine, and engaging six-speed manual transmission as the newer Subaru BR-Z and Toyota 86. Now that’s a bargain!

5. Ford Mustang

2013 Ford Mustang in green
2013 Ford Mustang | Ford

If you would rather have an American-made car, then it’s hard to beat a muscle car like the Ford Mustang. For less than $10,000, you can find Mustang in the 2005 to 2014 range, which isn’t a bad deal considering they all came standard with a V6 engine. If you would rather feel the roar of the V8 engine, then you might have to look at older ones to stay under $10,000.

The thrill of the stick still exists

Just because manual transmission cars are being phased out, it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy one. There are plenty of bargains to take advantage of on the used market and as we can see, there are many good cars with manual transmission to choose from. Act now, before they all go away!

RELATED: Is a Manual Transmission More Reliable?

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J.D. Power: 2021 Ford Ranger vs. Toyota Tacoma Midsize Truck Battle

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma are both leaders in the midsize truck category. J.D. Power ranked the 2021 Ford Ranger and 2021 Toyota Tacoma in a head-to-head battle, but did either pickup truck steal the crown?

J.D. Power on the 2021 Ford Ranger benefits

2021 Ford Ranger | Ford

J.D. Power noted that the 2021 Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma are all about compromise. The mid-size nature of the trucks means these aren’t as powerful as the full-size competitors, but that also means the price isn’t full-size either. Another benefit is that the smaller trucks are easier to maneuver when parking and driving. The Ford Ranger is a fresh take on the old Ford truck, and it shows it.

The price for the new truck ranges from $25,070 to $33,160, with a $1,195 destination charge on top. It comes in a variety of trims, including XL, XLT, and Lariat. Then, the STX, FX2, FX4, and Tremor are also options. Ford also offers two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) for the trucks.

Inside, the cab’s back seat is a bit tight for people, but groceries and cargo would be fine. The FordPass app offers drivers the ability to start the car and lock it from afar. It also has an automatic collision notification option. J.D. Power notes that Ford doesn’t offer complimentary maintenance with the purchase of a new truck, which is a miss.

J.D. Power says the 2021 Toyota Tacoma has a lot of positives

J.D. Power says that the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is the best seller in the class for a reason. It has above-average safety scores and leads in resale value but lacks in areas like towing. The price range for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is between $26,400 and $44,325, plus a $1,175 destination charge. The trim levels are SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. Most of the trims offer 2WD and 4WD, except the TRD Pro only comes in 4WD.

J.D. Power notes that Toyota offers a one-year subscription to Toyota’s connected services. This includes concierge roadside help, collision notification, and remote start. Scheduled maintenance is included two the first two years or the first 25,000 miles, which is an advantage over the 2021 Ford Ranger.

Both mid-size trucks have positives and negatives

When it comes down to it, J.D. Power found these trucks are fairly evenly matched. Where the 2021 Ford Ranger pulls ahead in one category, the Tacoma pulled ahead in the next one. One important area was the safety section. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the Ford Ranger four stars for crash protection. It scored only three stars for the rollover section. The Tacoma earned the same four-star overall crash rating but had four stars for the rollover resistance rating. Both trucks scored an “acceptable” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma pulled ahead in three categories: price/value, safety/driving assistance, and infotainment and technology. The 2021 Ford Ranger pulled ahead in three categories: reliability/quality, performance/efficiency, and tow ratings/trailering equipment. For comfort/utility, neither truck had an advantage.

In conclusion, these trucks were fairly evenly matched. Both vehicles are safe, reasonably priced, and high-tech. J.D. Power says you can’t go wrong here, no matter what mid-sized pickup you choose.

RELATED: Toyota and GM Make the SUVs Most Likely to Run for Over 200,000 Miles

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Princess Diana’s Missing Ford Escort Sells for $72,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If this story seems familiar, it’s because Princess Diana’s Ford Escort popped up in the news a few weeks ago after vanishing over 20 years ago. This frugal Ford appeared because it was supposed to head to auction over in the UK. Now that the bidding has concluded, we know exactly how much it sold for. To everyone’s surprise, the $72,000 selling price far surpasses the estimated range quoted by the auction house.

According to CarBuzz, the car was sold via an auction hosted by Reeman Dansie’s Royalty, Antiques, and Fine Art Sale. As you might imagine, this Escort’s price tag makes it one of the most expensive ever sold.

What happened to Princess Diana’s Ford Escort?

Ford Escort | Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Before we dive into the auction, let’s look at Princess Diana’s Ford Escort and its history starting in the early 1980s. That’s because the small hatchback was a gift. In fact, this affordable Ford was her daily driver until 1982, says Motor1. One of the most interesting aspects of his car is the silver frog ornament on its hood, which the Princess’s sister gifted her.

Aside from its owner, this is a completely normal Ford Escort. However, after its royal owner moved on to bigger and better cars, this little hatch seemingly vanished. In fact, BBC reports that this exact car vanished around 20 years ago, seemingly overnight. However, as the car popped up for sale, its current owner revealed that she purposely went to great lengths to hide it, not even close friends know where it was.

While this tactic essentially hid the car from the world, it did manage to preserve it nicely.

It sold for $72,000 at auction

An image of Princess Diana driving her Ford Escort.
Ford Escort | Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Now that you know about the history behind Princess Diana’s Ford Escort let’s talk money. Back in 1980, CarBuzz reports that this small hatchback had a base price of around $8,469, adjusted for inflation. However, the car just managed to sell for the equivalent of $72,000, says CarBuzz. While this is an enormous sum for an old Escort, this car will likely end up stored away in a private collection somewhere.

While this is a massive sum, this isn’t the first of Princess Diana’s cars to bring in big money. In fact, her Audi Cabriolet sold for around $80,000 last year at an auction, says ladyfirst. This is quite surprising given the fact that the Princess was seen driving the Audi far more often than the Ford.

Who bought this Ford Escort?

RELATED: Unlucky Ford Mustang Ends up in Ditch Trying to Run From Police

If you’re wondering who bought Princess Diana’s Ford Escort, you’re not alone. According to Express, the person who won the bidding wasn’t a person at all. Instead, it was a museum based in South America. The museum in Chile is called “Museo de la Moda,” which translates to the museum of fashion. Additionally, this museum is known for purchasing Princess Diana’s artifacts. As a result, this car will likely get plenty of time in the spotlight.

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The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Is Special for More Than Just Its Looks

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If it has a cab and a small bed, it’s obviously a truck, right? Not according to Hyundai. The all-new 2022 Santa Cruz is here, and despite its rather confusing truck-like features, the South Korean automaker insists it’s not a pickup truck. Instead, Hyundai wants us to call it a sport adventure vehicle. Though this is great news, there’s also another surprise from Hyundai that could mean spectacular things for the future.

What exactly is a sport adventure vehicle?

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz | © 2020 Hyundai Motor America

Currently, there are trucks, SUVs, sedans, vans, and crossovers. Hyundai is trying to create a new category with the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, and it wants to call it a sport adventure vehicle. 

There can be no denying that even though the Santa Cruz has some features commonly based on trucks, there’s something that just doesn’t quite fit that definition. The grille is too broad, the cab is too wide, and the bed is too short.

It’s definitely eye-catching, however, especially when it’s going off-road. The 2022 Santa Cruz is designed for an adventuresome community that is more concerned with things like the ability to climb rocks and cross rivers. The only looks they care about are when their vehicle is covered in mud.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is breaking a new record

Hyundai may not be one of the top automakers in the world, but the South Korean automaker has come a long way. It’s become a real contender in a very crowded market, and critics are beginning to take notice. Now on top of creating a new category of vehicle, Hyundai has broken a new personal record.

The Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant has never produced five models, until now. Ernie Kim, the HMMA President and CEO, stated, “The launch of the Santa Cruz is a further testament to the trust Hyundai Motor company puts in HMMA and our Alabama home. I am so proud of our Team Members for accomplishing this achievement while the world is going through such difficult times. We can’t wait for our customers to experience the innovative design and world-class quality the Santa Cruz will bring to the table.”

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has some real power

While its looks may leave you scratching your head, its performance will not. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that can produce 190 hp with 180 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder cranks up the power to 275 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

What the Santa Cruz can’t do is haul heavy loads. The max payload is a mere 1,300 pounds. The max towing capacity goes up to 5,000 pounds. That’s enough to haul stuff around town, but for anyone who has plans to tow a sailboat to the beach, it’s not going to happen.

Despite this, there is a slide-out cover over the bed, which is designed to protect any stored items. For those concerned about security, there is a trunk under the flatbed that locks, but you won’t be able to store much there. Regardless, its cool looks are enough to overlook this.

The best part of the 2022 Santa Cruz is the price. It starts at just $25,000. For someone who isn’t exactly crazy about big trucks, but likes the look of pickup trucks, then the Santa Cruz might be just what they’ve been looking for their whole life. 

It remains unclear if other automakers will develop sport adventure vehicles of their own. It will likely depend on how well the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz performs with its sales numbers. Since it doesn’t come out until late summer, we don’t know how the off-road community will respond. However, if it becomes an off-road icon, there’s no doubt that the sport adventure vehicle category will be here to stay.

RELATED: Don’t Plan to Take the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Off-Roading Just Yet

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