Manual Cars Are Disappearing. Should You Still Learn to Drive One?

Manual cars are becoming increasingly uncommon in Australia, but they still hold value for certain drivers and industries. While automatics dominate the new-car market, manuals remain available in the used market and continue to serve specific needs.

Manual Cars Are Becoming Rare

• Manual transmissions now account for around 1% of new-car sales in Australia.
• Most new vehicles are now offered with automatic transmissions as standard.
• The growth of hybrids and electric vehicles has further reduced the number of new manual options.
• As fewer manufacturers produce manuals, buyers looking for one are increasingly turning to the used-car market.

Why Does a Manual Licence Still Matter?

• A manual licence allows you to drive both manual and automatic vehicles.
• Learning manual earlier means you have the skill available if you need it later.
• Some trades, construction, agriculture, mining and transport roles may involve driving manual work vehicles.
• A manual licence can be useful if your career eventually involves utes, vans or trucks.
• In Queensland, an automatic-only licence can be upgraded to a manual licence by completing the required practical driving test.

Could Fewer Manual Cars Affect the Future Workforce?

• As the number of manual vehicles continues to decline, learning the skill could become less accessible to the next generation of workers.
• Younger drivers may want to learn manual but have fewer family or personal vehicles available to practise in.
• This could become more important in industries such as trades, construction, mining, agriculture and transport, where manual work vehicles may still be used.
• Someone could have the right licence but limited experience because they simply haven't had regular access to a manual vehicle.

What Does This Mean for the Used-Car Market?

• Fewer new manuals entering the market means fewer manual cars will eventually become available as used vehicles.
• Buyers may have less choice when it comes to model, age, kilometres, price and features.
• If you're looking for a particular manual model, you may need to be more flexible about the vehicle you choose.
• Older used cars can offer more manual options than today's new-car market.

What Used Cars Still Come With a Manual?

• Hatchbacks: Models such as the Mazda 3 and Suzuki Swift can still be found with manual transmissions.
• Sports cars: The Mazda MX-5, Subaru BRZ and Ford Mustang are examples of performance cars available with manual options.
• 4WDs: The Suzuki Jimny is one of the better-known manual 4WD options.
• Utes: Some work-focused models, including the Toyota Hilux, continue to offer manual variants.
• Commercial vehicles: Selected vans and light trucks can still be found with manual transmissions.
• Older models: Previous generations offer a much wider selection of manual cars than you'll typically find in today's new-car market.

What Does This Mean for Younger Drivers?

• Less choice: As manuals become less common, finding one that suits your budget, lifestyle and preferred features may become more difficult.
• Older vehicles: Many of the affordable manual options available on the used market are older models.
• Safety: Older cars may not have the latest driver-assistance and safety technology found in newer vehicles.
• Technology: Features such as smartphone connectivity, advanced cameras and newer infotainment systems may be less common in older models.
• More research: When buying an older manual, it's worth looking beyond the transmission and considering the vehicle's safety rating, condition, servicing and available features.

So, Are Manual Cars Disappearing?

Manual cars aren't gone, but they're becoming much harder to find in the new-car market.

• The used market remains the best place to find a wider selection of manual vehicles.
• As supply continues to shrink, buyers may have fewer models and newer options to choose from.
• For younger drivers, a manual car can still be a practical choice, but it's important to consider the age, safety and features of the vehicle alongside the transmission.

Find Your Next Manual Car

Looking for a manual? Search our range of used manual cars at Big Box Cars and find your next drive.