What can you recommend?

Asked by kilomike Jun 14, 2017 at 01:28 AM

Question type: General

If I want a vehicle that handles and accelerates reasonably well, is a joy to drive, has manual transmission and crank windows, 4x4 or RWD, truck or SUV, older or newer technology vehicles, and other than Jeep Wrangler.  Please speak from experience and provide your likes and dislikes about it.

9 Answers

14,105

I tried many cars and trucks....Toyotas SUV seem like they are always straining to accelerate...Honda is nicely designed for females to take kids to soccer practice. Their cars are designed for people between 5'2 and 5'10". My back hurts because they are not ergonomically designed seats for American bodies. You get a lot of people who don't understand how Asian Firms borrow (actually steal) our and German technology and quickly insert in their vehicles. I have had American, Asian and European....and the most fun has been an Audi Q7 TDI (diesel) S Line....great acceleration....reasonable to drive and maintain. Can be manual or automatic. Windows are not crank....most cars are electric nowadays. my last car w manual windows is a 1984 BMW 318i, see pictures that I am selling on my profile. That is my suggestion. Buy one about 2 years old.....and u still have warranty and the price is greatly reduced. It is a well built vehicle.

1 people found this helpful.

Thank you both for your input. While you are definitely suggesting fine options, I'm still hoping to find something out there that does indeed have manual transmission AND manual windows. If I have to choose something with power windows, then I guess my number one choice would be a Toyota Tacoma double cab with manual transmission, and second choice Nissan Frontier. Third choice would probably be RAM diesel, fourth choice Nissan XTerra, and fifth - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited... And since Jeep is coming out with a pickup based on the Wrangler sometime next year, I may even wait and see that before I decide which to get. Although I'm pretty sure the Tacoma is a solid choice given its reputation and resale value, and I'm happy to get older vehicles. What are your thoughts?

14,105

I would suggest you go into your chosen car dealer (or on their corporate website) and custom order your car. Of course they are going to try to sell current inventory, but ordering a vehicle with manual trans, unpowered windows and the correct engine is a unique and fun way to buy a car. I did this 3 times in my 50+ cars in my lifetime. One was a Buick Century Gran Sport, second was the red BMW 318i and I picked up the car at the plant in Munchen (Munich); third car was a 1990 Mercedes Benz 420SEL that I picked up, thru the European delivery service, at the Sindelfingen plant in Stuttgart. You order in USA and then pick up, drive around for a few weeks//months, insurance included, and return shipping included as well. It meets all USA specs and emissions! It is a great adventure and vacation. Best of luck!

1 people found this helpful.

Hmm... is that even an option? I mean if a particular vehicle (say a Toyota Tacoma) does not come with manual windows on any trim level anymore, can I just go to my dealer and special order one just for me with manual windows, and maybe even a couple of extra non-standard choices? If so, then all my vehicle choice issues are resolved! :) Thank you so much for your helpful input!

14,105

I would go to their website and start in their "Build your truck" button. Once u go into their shop....the black crows will try to sell u current inventory and distract you in so many maneuvers. Have all ur data from the web site selected and then you will be well - armed to counter any of their off track distractions. Remember they do this 10+ times a day.....we do it maybe once every 6 months or so. Information will keep u equal to them. Most buyers only come in w a little data. Be prepared, and enjoy the ride! Darius

14,105

Here is the link to the build your Toyota Vehicle...just insert zip code https://www.toyota.com/configurator/

14,105

Here is the manual trans engine 2.7L 4-Cyl. Engine with 4x4 5-Speed Manual Transmission 159 hp @ 5200 rpm 180 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm DOHC 16-Valve VVT-i 4WDemand part-time 4WD

Thank you dariusk8! I appreciate your help. I have been checking Toyota, Nissan, Edmunds, and many other websites with help trying to understand what I will purchase next. It seems there's no one-car-fits-all for me. Guess I'll have to figure out what feature I'm willing to give up (crank windows) in order to get the other few I must have. So far it seems the best choice for new is a Tacoma double-cab 4WD with manual transmission and long bed (TRD Sport). As for used... well... I think I better stop trying to figure that one out. Thanks again, cheers!

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