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On Fri, 15 Sep 2006 15:28:59 -0700, timbirr wrote:
[color=blue]
>
> Esmail Bonakdarian wrote:
>[color=green]
>> Hmm .. just curious, what did you get?
>>
>> I was trying to get a Subaru Legacy wagon earlier this year, and I
>> wanted the manual (which is the standard on the car) .. they were
>> in really short supply. At the end I couldn't get the one I wanted,
>> plus the dealership was so bad I decided not to buy one.
>>
>> Now I'm thinking the RAV4 to replace my 91 Toyota Corolla Wagon .. and
>> am discovering that manual isn't even an option.[/color]
>
> Sorry, I can't do better than give the reference to the newspaper
> article. I remembered reading it and when I searched today found it in
> their archives. As I remember, spokesmen from NADA and Wards bascially
> said that only two types wanted manuals. Those who liked to drive with
> a sporty feel and those who wanted the lower initial purchase cost of
> the car as well as wanted to save gas money because manuals typically
> had a slight advantage with MPG.
>
> Of course, they also mentioned that autos are getting pretty close and
> sometimes better at MPG compared to manuals.
>
> I got a camry. Made in Japan. I don't think they make any manual camrys
> in the US, at least that's what the salesman told me....but who knows
> where he got his information, if anywhere.[/color]

The last 5-speed Camry I recall seeing on the lot was a 2000...

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>
> Anyway, if he was trying to convince me to give up on the manual,
> telling me it was made in Japan only made me insist even more....Sure
> enough, it arrived with the Japan "J" VIN.[/color]


But did you look at the Content sticker?

We had a Camry come in with a "J" vin, and it was the EXACT same content
as the Kentucky built cars! 75% North American content, 25% Japan.

Usually, this means the body is made from US parts, and the engine and
transmission are made in Japan.

I posed this question last year, when I was working for the dealer.