Mid Week Match-Up: Modern Manual Sedan
DT E-i-C Vince: Today’s mid week match-up is actually me looking for ideas for a special feature that I’m writing — but the task is simple, find the best 2006-2007 model year manual transmission sedans that will seat 5 human beings. Four door is preferred, but not essential, but it needs to seat 5 and be 10 years old. Fast is good, too.
This 2007 Infiniti G35 Sport offered here on eBay for $7,400 in Pompano Beach, FL is a good start, but there are plenty of other options.
Find the best 2006-2007 sedans with a clutch — comments below.
Cadillac CTS-V:
Here's one on Craigslist
[image src=" images.craigslist.org/00g0g_3re8PAClbyG_600x450.jpg" width="400px"/].
I have a 2007 G35s like the one above; I bought it new in 2007, the outcome of a similar search (RWD, manual, 4 doors). At the time, Cadillac, Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus all (at least theoretically) had qualifying models. I began the search assuming I'd end up with a 3 Series BMW, but wanted to at least go through the motions of doing a comparison.
I eliminated the Cadillac and Mercedes right off the bat – the Caddy because the likely depreciation scared me, and the Mercedes because the C-class was about to undergo a big model change. The representative at the Lexus dealer told me he'd never seen a manual IS, and that I'd "be stupid" to buy one because nobody likes manuals. I sat down in one anyways, and discovered that at 6'2", my head was going to rub the ceiling. The BMW dealer insisted they "never" took delivery of manual 3-series because they couldn't sell them, so I test-drove a bland automatic.
The Infiniti dealer had a 6-speed G35s on the lot, and I drove it and loved it. He ordered the color and options I wanted, and I was done shopping in just a few days. I still have the car with nearly 150k miles, and it's been the most reliable car I've owned.
Johnny, I share your experience. Dealer was thrilled they could sell a manual transmission to a real human being. I've owned my G37S coupe for 6 years now: 72k miles. RWD, limited slip, reliable, 330hp NA, 6spd. Not the most agile but it is definitely a fantastic grand tourer. These things are underappreciated as enthusiast tools.
2007 Mazdaspeed 6, in Seattle 87k miles, $9.5K
[image src=" images.craigslist.org/00101_kq1dgF93wml_1200x900.jpg" width="400px"/]
Nice find, G. Write up reads well, too.
2006 Audi S4 6 Spd.
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V8 Rover! Not that kind…5 doors, 5 speeds, 8 cylinders. Midas gold!
Dustin –
Wouldn't you think the Rover seller could at least take a few seconds to walk around to the front of the car…?
– John
Dustin….wow man.
2006 Audi S4 V8
BMW 325 X1
Surprised no one has said Volvo S60 T5 or S60R, both of which were available with a 6-speed.
Some good suggestions guys — keep 'em coming! Anything from Detroit with a manual and V8 power from that era?
I'm thinking the Pontiac G8 GT came out just afterwards, around 2008.
The G8 GT was automatic only. The GXP was available with a 6 speed but they're not very common.
Is a GTO a 2+2, or was the rear a bench?
I think the CTS-V is the only four door. The GTO's back seat does look like it had a bit more room than a Mustang, so it may count.
Subaru Legacy GT…
No V8s, but there are a few cars currently on CL in my corner of the rust belt that meet your criteria and haven't already been mentioned.
VW Jetta: greenbay.craigslist.org/ctd/5804307619.html
Hundai Sonata: madison.craigslist.org/ctd/5802677201.html
BMW 325i: madison.craigslist.org/cto/5794536824.html
Subaru Impreza: appleton.craigslist.org/ctd/5793633416.html
Ford Fusion: dubuque.craigslist.org/ctd/5785800198.html
Saturn Ion: eauclaire.craigslist.org/ctd/5785724242.html
Pontiac G6: milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/5724027765.html
A couple of these ought to be able to put a grin on your face when you give them the gas, and they all have 3 belts in the back, but I sure wouldn't want to be the 5th passenger in any of them for anything more than a trip to the corner store.
– John
The Acura TSX with a 6 speed is a solid option that has not been mentioned yet. You have tuning options with the k24 engine, too.
Acura TL Type S 6MT… Done and Done.
Acura TL Type S 6MT… Done and Done.