can you lease a manual transmission car

[AshlynAnn]

Yes, you can lease a manual transmission car, but your options are extremely limited and the process requires significant effort. Due to very low consumer demand in the U.S. market—estimated at less than 2% of new car sales—most dealerships do not stock manual models on their lots. Finding one typically involves a factory order, which can mean a long wait. Furthermore, leasing companies often assign manual cars a lower residual value (the predicted worth of the car at the end of the lease) because they are harder to sell as used vehicles. This can result in higher monthly payments compared to an equivalent automatic model.

How to Find a Leasable Manual Car Your search should start with brands known for offering manuals on enthusiast-oriented models. The table below lists some current models where a manual might be available for lease, though availability varies wildly by region and dealer.

Model	Transmission Type	Typical Availability
Subaru WRX	6-Speed Manual	Limited, often requires order
Ford Mustang (EcoBoost/GT)	6-Speed Manual	More common on performance trims
Toyota GR Supra	6-Speed Manual	Very limited, high demand
Honda Civic Si / Type R	6-Speed Manual	Easier to find than most
Volkswagen GTI / Golf R	6-Speed Manual	Limited, but occasionally stocked
Jeep Wrangler	6-Speed Manual	Rare, specific trims only
Chevrolet Camaro	6-Speed Manual	Available on certain trims

The Pros and Cons The main advantage is driving engagement; a manual transmission offers a more connected and controlled feel. The downside is purely practical. Beyond the challenge of finding one, you may face higher costs. The lower residual value directly impacts the lease's money factor (essentially the interest rate), leading to those higher payments. You'll also need to be confident in your driving skills, as excessive clutch wear could lead to fees at the end of your lease. In short, leasing a manual is a niche pursuit for a dedicated enthusiast willing to hunt and potentially pay a premium for the driving experience.

[DelWillow]

It's a tough find. Most dealers won't have one on the lot because almost nobody asks for them anymore. You'd probably have to special order it, which is a hassle. And honestly, the lease deals are rarely good. The math usually works out better for an automatic. If you're dead set on it, your best bet is a performance car like a Mustang or a WRX. Call a bunch of dealers and be ready to wait.

[DelRyan]

As someone who learned to drive on a manual and still prefers it, the hunt is real but worth it. That direct connection to the machine is something an automatic can't replicate. I special-ordered my last car, a manual sports sedan, and had to wait three months. The payment was a bit higher than the auto version, but for me, the joy of rowing through the gears every day makes up for it. It’s not just a transmission; it’s how you experience the road. You have to really want it.

[LaCooper]

From a purely financial standpoint, leasing a manual is often not the optimal choice. The fundamental leasing calculation relies heavily on the car's projected future value. Manuals have a much smaller used-car market, so leasing companies assign them a lower residual value to mitigate their risk. This results in a higher depreciation cost baked into your monthly payment. You're essentially paying more for a feature that the broader market does not value. Unless the driving experience is a non-negotiable priority, you will likely get a better financial deal on the automatic transmission model.