The Best Used Manual AWD Cars
If you’re looking to have fun, there are few things better than a car with a manual transmission and all-wheel drive. Pairing the satisfying tactile feeling of running through a manual gearbox with the unbeatable grip and traction of AWD, a manual AWD car will put a smile on your face whether you’re at a rally weekend or just driving down the block for groceries.
Luckily for you, several excellent options offer both all-wheel-drive and a manual transmission option. So let’s get into these incredible options and explore how you can have fun with a manual transmission car with the grip and all-weather capability of an all-wheel-drive system.
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2017 Subaru Impreza
Horsepower: 152
Torque: 145 LB-FT.
0-60 Time: 7.5 seconds (with manual)
Average Price Paid: $16,100 to $20,000
The first vehicle on this list is relatively basic but offers a hefty dose of “fun to drive” goodness. The Subaru Impreza, like all vehicles made by Subaru, offers all-wheel drive in every single one of its trims and configurations.
Having been fully redesigned for 2017, the Impreza offers a ton of good stuff for the money. Situated at the bottom of their lineup, the Impreza is sold in various body styles, including a hatchback and a sleek-looking sedan. Although most of these cars are purchased with the continuously variable automatic transmission, Subaru thought enough of its enthusiast base to offer a solid, six-speed manual option that showcases tight ratios and an easy-to-use clutch.
Even though it’s down on power compared to its rivals, the manual transmission makes up for this and allows the Impreza to feel downright spunky on the road. Throw in an impressive array of safety equipment and an interior that looks like it belongs in something a couple of classes above, and you have a recipe for a fantastic vehicle.
2018 Imprezas are remarkably well priced and represent the best value in the class.
THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET
Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals.
2018 Subaru WRX
Horsepower: 268 to 310
Torque: 258 - 295 LB-FT.
0-60 Time: 5.5 to 6.1 seconds (with manual)
Average Price Paid: $23,200 to $32,211
Next on our list is the 2018 Subaru WRX. Those of us who are enthusiasts know these three letters well because they have represented a vehicle bred from rally racing and have been a favorite of enthusiasts for decades.
Turbocharged engines, all-wheel drive, and a tenacious suspension setup represent an almost undeniable package for any enthusiast. One of the best things about the WRX is that while it offers punchy power, corners incredibly well, and looks great, it also happens to be reliable, functional, and downright practical by offering a large interior and a large trunk.
The WRX is big enough for a small family and can easily accommodate kid seats and strollers in the trunk. There are several different versions of the WRX available, including the blazing STI model, but the best value remains the standard WRX.
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2018 Golf R
Horsepower: 292
Torque: 290 LB-FT.
0-60 Time: 5.2 seconds (with manual)
Average Price Paid: $34,200 to $36,950
At the top end of the spectrum is the great Golf R. If you’re into “hot-hatches,” the Golf R is the descendant of the GTI, which invented this class. For this country and many countries around the world, the GTI and Golf remain the standard of what a small car should drive and offer to its buyers.
The Golf R sits at the top of the lineup and offers Volkswagen’s bespoke 4 Motion all-wheel-drive system. It also loops in and has an engine with nearly 300 horsepower, large brakes, and many go-fast bits. It also happens to be a hatchback, which means it can carry the cargo of all sizes, dogs, people, kids, and basically whatever else you want to throw in its back.
This is basically an Audi S3 with a Volkswagen badge on it. It commands a higher price because of its premium interior, high-performance all-wheel-drive system suspension, and engine setup. Honestly, if you’ll have the cash to spend, the Golf R is well worth your money.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Horsepower: 152 hp
Torque: 145 lb-ft
0-60 Time: 7.8 (with manual)
Average Price Paid: $28,800 to $35,996
We have another Subaru manual AWD model for you, which isn’t surprising since Subarus come with standard AWD. If you’re looking for a used outdoor-focused crossover, the Crosstrek comes highly recommended.
The 2021 Crosstrek doesn’t have the most powerful engine, but it offers plenty of off-road chops, comfort, safety, and fun-to-drive qualities. If you want a more energetic engine, you’ll have to get the 2.5-liter four-pot engine, only available in Sport and Limited trims. However, this engine can only be paired with a CVT transmission, which is a bummer and beats the purpose of this list.
The beauty of the Crosstrek lies in its simplicity, making it an ideal adventure vehicle for young drivers. However, it would be best to remember that the manual transmission model has a lower fuel economy. The Crosstrek is also packed with modern and advanced features for infotainment and safety, even on the base model.
The 6.5-inch screen on the base model is rather small-ish, but it does have Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. For safety, it earned a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and is a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.
Get A Curated List Of The Best Used AWD Manual Cars Near You
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