Newbie Question... Why NO 5/6 spd in V6 model?

[Sondance]

Hi guys,

Been lurkin around a bit, ran a search and wanted to get your thoughts as I thought Toy made a 5 spd in the V6 model.... you all have been around awhile, I know very little about the Toy camp, pretty much been an Honda/Acura guy so...

I'm in the market for a Coupe with 5 spd and a decent engine... where the heck did these things go??? Very few models to choose from anymore unless you want a 4 door and personally I don't care how they package them, a 4 door cage is not a "sporty" car... I just can't imagine a v6 with stick is not a popular option.

Coming out of an Acura Type S, and no they didn't have the 5 spd when I got this, and now they don't make the flippin things! And try as I may, I just cannot fit in the small little two doors, S2000, Celica's, etc...

Anyway, thanks for the feedback, great site, a lot of real good info out here!

Peace.

Rob

[nkx1]

Who knows why Toyota didn't make a manual transmission in the new V6 models. My assumption is that based on their experience with the 1st Gen, it wasn't a popular option. It's not like you're out of luck though. You can still buy a used 2003 Acura CL-S 6spd for around $24k (maybe less), with very low miles. You could also check out the Infinity G35 coupe or the 350Z. If you want to go domestic, there's the new 2005 Mustang coming out, and I've seen new Corvette coupes advertised in the paper as low as $37k. Or, you could hold out hope that Toyota will change it's mind and offer the new Solara V6 in a manual down the road. Good luck with the car shopping!

[nkx1]

Who knows why Toyota didn't make a manual transmission in the new V6 models. My assumption is that based on their experience with the 1st Gen, it wasn't a popular option. It's not like you're out of luck though. You can still buy a used 2003 Acura CL-S 6spd for around $24k (maybe less), with very low miles. You could also check out the Infinity G35 coupe or the 350Z. If you want to go domestic, there's the new 2005 Mustang coming out, and I've seen new Corvette coupes advertised in the paper as low as $37k. Or, you could hold out hope that Toyota will change it's mind and offer the new Solara V6 in a manual down the road. Good luck with the car shopping!

[Sondance]

Yeah I hear ya, I'm just venting and thought maybe one of you Solara guys might know some inside info...

1. I want to make a change. Not a big fan of my local Ack dealer, and frankly I've had my Ack and Hondas for awhile now... boring, ready for something different. And surprisingly, I'm finding very few used ones out in the marketplace right now, at least in FL..

2. Drove a Corvette, nice, but not real good for getting in and out as a primary vehicle, much better as a second car, I wish... my second car is currently my motorcycle.

3. Z is too small, and G35, well, that might be an option.... I was kinda hoping though to reduce my auto costs a bit, y'know? Same goes for a BMW coupe or something along those lines.

4. Mustang, yes, nice engine but everybody has one, they ride like garbage, and start rattling and sounding loose after a relatively few miles.

Boy am I picky, eh? Haven't looked at the Mitsu Eclipse yet, but don't really know a lot about them... and possibly the Mazda RX 8 I suppose... sigh.

Thing is, I like the Solara, nice lines and never owned a Toy, if push came to shove, I suppose I could go with the 4 cyl, but wow, what a difference to my Ack...

Good thing I'm in the initial stages here.. When was the last year they made the Solara in a V6 stick? 2001 or so? I could always look used, I suppose...

Thanks guys!

[Jackass-Jeff]

02 was the last year for the v6 5 speed solara.

They discontinued it because not enough units were moving

[Sondance]

Thanx fellas

[onefiend]

Wait for the new model Celica in 2005....

[SolaraT]

yeah i heard the Corola is moving to a new engine and all wheel drive option like the matrix. I guess since they are focusing so many modles with 4cyl compacts as their "Youth Market" they are focusing manual transmition w/5/6speed on them only.