Ordering Unique Spec Vehicle

[JaseTheBass]

Has anyone had any experience of ordering a unique specced car here?

Basically, every car with a high trim level is an automatic, (DELETED), I would like to have a top of the line car with a manual transmission.

We will be asking the local dealer, but I'm sure it will take a while to get up the (DELETED) chain before we happen across a (DELETED) who actually knows for sure.

[WarpSpeed]

Not (DELETED) indeed, you should be so fortunate .. Once you do get the car though give me a shout and I'd be happy to take the time to show you how to drive that manual properly .

[billphillips]

Why would anyone wish to drive a manual shift in Thailand?
(Non (DELETED) poster, with two arms, legs and 45+ years experience of driving manual and auto shift motors, HGV and PSV included)

[IMHO]

First of all, a "top of the line" what? - many models were simply never engineered for an MT option.

Second, if you're lamenting the death of stick shift, just wait a few years for autonomous driving to do away with the steering wheel

[ignis]

one car that come to mind is the same trim level and price for Manual or Auto is the Subaru Impreza WRX STi

I am sure there are others..........

Many cars these days are Auto + have manual shift option

[seedy]

Gender and Nationality have no place in this discussion

[rotary]

I bet you cannot order a unique spec car. Problem is with all the pollution control laws even in Thailand vehicles are certified with drive trains that are tested to meet standards. If that car can be ordered or bought with that manual transmission it will be in the brochure. I bet the only way to get that manual is aftermarket.

[JulesMad]

I don't like automatic.... I like to be in control of my RPM's, be it a Honda Wave, big bike or car.....

It seems that Honda now has semi-automatic on big bikes....

[Pdaz]

It's not availble from Toyota, Honda etc.. All only do base model with manual.. But not with larger engines or higher trim spec. Attempted to do this years back as I hate autos.

As far as I can see only Mini (CooperS), Subaru (WRX/BRZ) offer performance cars with manual. The new MX5 may have manual and new Audi TT is available with manual to order - Long lead time. Lotus are manual but very pricey ( for track centric car not suited to the use I want ) and i've seen one Alfa 4C advertised

Other options a twin clutch DSG types.. Golf GTi, Scirocco etc.. But it still isn't the same as the real thing.. (yes i know the DSG is faster )

Recently been looking a grey market cars.. But all the ones in stock are always auto and have every option available ticked. Plus dubious interior colour choices ( what is the facination with red leather steering wheels ?). This not only ratchets up the price but saps performance with unnecessary weight..

Plan to go searching again soon and hoping to find that it's posible to order a grey market manual car without all the uneeded fruit.

I can get my head around paying more here than UK for a "quality" car but beng forced to have auto is f@#%$#* annoying at best.

Anyone had any experience with grey market importers ?

[lj cm]

I also like manual gear.

I believe the car companies only make that "basic" model to show a low "from price". They do that in other countries as well.

But; for the money you save, you can do a lot of after market upgrades: stereo, spoilers, GPS, wheels etc.

[JaseTheBass]

I was thinking of the Fiesta 1.6 which comes as a manual with base trim and only Ford's pseudo auto on higher trim levels. The engine and gearbox combo would not be an issue.

(DELETED)

[IMHO]

I was thinking of the Fiesta 1.6 which comes as a manual with base trim and only Ford's pseudo auto on higher trim levels. The engine and gearbox combo would not be an issue.

Well, that's more than just ordering a special gearbox - that's ordering an engine they haven't used for 2 years in TH too