Manual transmission hatchback/wagon for under $300/mo?

Ask the Hackrs
1

So many cars are automatic-only these days, but I really want a manual transmission. I am open to hatchbacks, wagons, or SUVs.

I would spring for a 3-series wagon or a V90, but they aren’t available in manuals in the USA. I really like the Golf Sportwagen (available in manual trans), but they lease really poorly.

I haven’t looked that much into the Kia Soul or the hatchback versions of the Civic, Mazda3, Cruze, or others. I am open to most of this stuff, but I haven’t dug into the lease specifics. I would like to hit the 1% rule, and I would prefer to stay under $300/mo. I love getting a great deal (I get a kick out of those sub-$100 leases, but I don’t necessarily need to go that cheap.) 10k/yr is plenty of miles for me. I am flexible on lease duration.

Advice?

2

Try VW Alltrack…you should be able to be under $300

3

Mini Clubman/Countryman? Won’t be under 300, but definitely the most fun to drive. Or a Subaru Crosstrek?

4

WRX might be around $300/month.

Edit: Nvm, it doesn’t come in hatch anymore.

5

Thanks for the suggestions.

I think I should rephrase my question a bit. What I’m really thinking is:

  • I like the Golf.
  • I know I can lease a Golf for $250-300/mo
  • But, has anyone been able to put together one of those famous $100-200/mo deals on a car that is available as a manual hatchback/wagon?
6

manual cruze hatchback w/ or w/out current lease will put you there. diesel or gas.

7

Just make sure you drive it first. The diesel may be fine, but I was totally underwhelmed with the driving character of the Cruze gasoline with a manual. Lag, lack of power/torque, etc.

HK

8

I would highly recommend the Mazda 3 GT manual. We have the automatic because my wife can’t drive stick but I test drove the manual too and it had a lovely clutch/shifter combo. It won’t be a smokin deal but you can get a well equipped GT manual easily under $300.

9

Any Subaru - Impreza hatch, Crosstrek, Forester, Outback

10

The crosstrek is an absolute dog as far as performance is concerned but if you want to run it off road it might be fun. I had a Cruze manual hatchback and it was pretty fun but had significant turbo lag. If you do a lot of highway driving though I was really impressed with the fuel mileage there. Not as much around the city though. What about a Focus ST or if you could swing the RS that would be fun but I know both of those typically lease horribly. The Mazda and VW Golfs are also great I hear but I’ve never driven either of those.

11

Drove the Elantra GT Sport yesterday. What a fun car. Mazda3 GT as well, but I think Elantra is better.

12

I had a Mini Cooper S 4-door with a manual trans, loaded, and in look-at-me-yellow for $130 a month. It was an absolute hoot to drive. But that was a once-in-a-decade-deal that I know absolutely cannot be replicated anymore.

Currently now driving a 330ix wagon with an auto. It’s actually kinda fun with the paddles, sport+ mode, and traction control off. Get’s rear-biased and the paddles are extremely responsive. I thought it’d be pretty dull in an auto. Would I still prefer a manual? Absolutely. But the awesome looks, decent power, and sportiness of the wag can’t be denied even in auto form.

EDIT: This one maybe could be a decent lease deal. Based on the initial registration of the car I’d be inclined to say this is an executive demo car despite the carfax saying a personal lease: https://www.miniofmontgomerycounty.com/used-Gaithersburg-2017-MINI-John+Cooper+Works-Hardtop+2+Door-WMWXM9C3XH2F65952

13

GTI. If you want fun + manual + affordable + hatch/wagon. Civic Type R fits the bill, too, but it’s quite a bit more money. It’s also another level of performance. If you’re open to a small sedan, the Civic SI is stick only.

Oh, Focus ST or RS as well. The ST is a steal for what you’re getting.

These are all small hatches. The only wagons available new are auto only…

14

This past weekend, I was quoted for 289/month for Mazda 3 GT (auto). I thought they could do better (they refused) so I walked out.

15

Agreed, I leased a loaded GT HB almost exactly a year ago for $270 (including 8% tax with only 1st month’s payment due at signing for 36/12).

16

where was this? I am looking for something like this, perhaps with a premium package.

17

That’s an insane deal on a Cooper S. I too am looking for a sub-300 payment on a manual hot hatch in the Michigan area. Public A-plan offer on Fiesta ST is $965 drive-off and $320/month on a 39-month lease, but I can’t help but wonder if I can do better…

18

hi Tricia, do you have manual cruze hatchback diesel?

19

just diesel sedans …

20

Relative rarity (6MT)? Check
Sporty cars? Check
Don’t lease well? Check
MF much higher than purchase APR? Check
Drive less than 30k miles in 3 years? Check
Flexible on ownership duration? Check
Cult cars that probably hold their value better than OEM-predicted residuals? Check
Possibly discontinued soon (leading to even better value retention)? Check

Sometimes the stars align and spell out B. U. Y. instead of lease.

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