Manual Transmissions Are Dying – Should You Care?

Read time: 4–5 minutes

Remember when learning to drive meant sweating over clutch control and praying you’d nail that hill‑start without stalling? The humble three‑pedal gearbox was once a rite of passage, and for many petrolheads it’s still the purest way to connect with a car. But things are changing – fast. In 2015 you could pick from nearly 200 models in the UK with a manual transmission; now there are barely 80 [1]. A recent study found the number of cars offering a stick shift has plummeted 57% in a decade [2], and at the current rate manuals could disappear completely from showrooms by 2037 [3]. Are we witnessing the end of an era? And more importantly – should you care?

The Grim Statistics

Let’s start with the facts. According to research highlighted by Carscoops, manual transmissions are becoming vanishingly rare. The top 30 automotive brands in the UK offered 192 models with a manual gearbox in 2015. That fell to 109 by 2023, 89 in 2024 and just 82 models in 2025 [1].

CarGurus points out that manuals now make up only 29% of models sold by the country’s best‑selling automakers [4]. Several major brands – Mini, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes, Tesla and Volvo – have gone automatic‑only [5]. Even stalwarts like the Honda Civic Hatchback and Jeep Gladiator have ditched the stick [6].

Why the decline? Buyers increasingly want convenience and efficiency. Automatics, CVTs and dual‑clutch gearboxes deliver smoother, faster shifts and better fuel economy than ever before. Add in the rise of hybrid and fully electric vehicles – which by nature don’t need a traditional gearbox – and the manual’s demise looks inevitable. As CarGurus notes, an automatic gearbox is "no longer a luxury … but an expected standard feature" [7].

Why Manuals Are Losing the Race

• City traffic is brutal. Nobody enjoys juggling clutch and gearstick in stop‑start congestion. Automatics make commuting less stressful and more comfortable.
• Efficiency rules. Modern automatics are often more fuel‑efficient than manuals thanks to extra gears and clever software.
• EVs change everything. Electric cars use single‑speed gearboxes. As the UK prepares to ban petrol/diesel car sales by 2035, manuals become obsolete.
• Technology has improved. Modern dual‑clutch systems are lightning‑quick and engaging in their own way.
• Resale values. Fewer buyers want manuals, so automakers stop offering them.

Why Manuals Still Matter (for Some)

• Driver engagement. You’re part of the machine – not just a passenger with a steering wheel.
• Simplicity and reliability. Manuals have fewer things to go wrong, making maintenance easier.
• Cost. Manuals are often cheaper to buy, insure, and repair.
• A life skill. Knowing how to drive a manual gives you more flexibility, especially abroad or with older cars.
• Niche appeal. Enthusiast models still offer manuals. Think Toyota GR Yaris, MX‑5, GR86, etc.

Should You Care?

If driving is just a way to get from A to B, automatics offer a more relaxing, efficient experience. But if you love feeling connected to the car — mastering the gears, working the revs — manuals still offer something special. They’re becoming rare, and that rarity only adds to the charm.

Bonus tip: If you pass your test in an automatic, you can’t legally drive a manual in the UK. If you’re into classics, project cars, or driving abroad, keeping that manual skill alive might be worth it.

What the Future Holds

Manuals could vanish from new cars by 2037 [3]. But enthusiast cars and older models will keep the three-pedal dream alive. Even EV brands like Hyundai and Toyota are exploring simulated manual modes.

Right now, manual fans can still pick from models like the Mazda MX-5, Toyota GR86, Ford Puma, and Volkswagen Golf [8].

Keeping Your Manual on the Road

Want to keep your manual running sweet? Stay on top of clutch fluid changes, gearbox oil, and clutch replacements. If it’s time for parts, check out Trade Vehicle Parts — we stock quality MOT approved body and mechanical parts built to last.

Whether you’re on team paddle-shift or three-pedal faithful, it’s about one thing: enjoying the drive.