I'm also considering a Camry with a manual transmission. It will be interesting to see the replies to this thread.

I "built" a Camry with a manual transmission on carsdirect.com but it didn't occur to me that a manual transmission might be hard to find. There certainly aren't many used Camrys available with manual transmissions. I've been looking for those also. It seems like 95% of the used Camrys on the market have automatics.

Bob

I will probably be in the market for a new vehicle pending the outcome of an insurance appraisal. One of the vehicles I am considering is the '07 Camry since it is a bit bigger (and hopefully safer) than what I have had.

I had a stick-shift and really want one for my replacement car. However, my father tried getting an '02 Camry SE with a 5-speed and side airbags and was told that his car would have to be ordered from Japan with a 6-month total wait.

Thankfully, side airbags are now standard (as is ABS). Still, Toyota's website for my region does not allow you to build a vehicle that is not a "popular" combination (which I can't stand); consequently, the only Camry models listed are all automatics.

I was wondering if those who have been following the '07 Camry or have been in the market for one could give me an idea about how hard it is to get a stick shift right now. I would be looking at either the LE or SE trims.

 

I tried to trade my '02 automatic LE on a 5 speed LE '02. The salesperson told me that manual trannys are very rare, and because of that, they command a higher amount of money.

Of course, this is after they told me automatics don't bring in much, and kbb.com isn't a reliable source. Apparently, he said they can buy cars "just like mine" at the auction for $2500 - $3000. He tried to make me feel like I was getting a good deal if I traded my car for $3k.
I should mention that I've got a certified, very good condition, no damage, clean carfax, not to mention every receipt for everything that's ever been done to the car, even before I bought it.
If that's teh case, expect to pay a LOT more for a five speed Camry.

 

I dunno man, logically they shouldn't be too hard to find, especially if anyone at Toyota even glanced at these boards. Half the people on here who have autos want a manual. A Camry is a really good car to have a 5 spd manual in.

And I thought they put the 4cyl 5spd Camrys together in America somewhere now ... so really it shouldn't be too hard.

As for getting them used, the main reason they're so expensive is people who have them drive them forever, they don't want to let go of them, because they're nice cars.

Any rate, good luck with your quest, keep us posted!

 

I will probably be in the market for a new vehicle pending the outcome of an insurance appraisal. One of the vehicles I am considering is the '07 Camry since it is a bit bigger (and hopefully safer) than what I have had.

I had a stick-shift and really want one for my replacement car. However, my father tried getting an '02 Camry SE with a 5-speed and side airbags and was told that his car would have to be ordered from Japan with a 6-month total wait.

Thankfully, side airbags are now standard (as is ABS). Still, Toyota's website for my region does not allow you to build a vehicle that is not a "popular" combination (which I can't stand); consequently, the only Camry models listed are all automatics.

I was wondering if those who have been following the '07 Camry or have been in the market for one could give me an idea about how hard it is to get a stick shift right now. I would be looking at either the LE or SE trims.

Fitzmall.com in your area:

http://www.fitzmall.com/carfind/resultsb.asp?Search=NEW&ID=026081&photo=TO072545&loc=LFT&mall=GA&year=2007&mk_code=TO

http://www.fitzmall.com/carfind/resultsb.asp?Search=NEW&ID=024417&photo=TO072545&loc=LFT&mall=GA&year=2007&mk_code=TO

One was just sold to a guy in Houston, TX who is picking it up this weekend.

 

I tried to trade my '02 automatic LE on a 5 speed LE '02. The salesperson told me that manual trannys are very rare, and because of that, they command a higher amount of money.

Of course, this is after they told me automatics don't bring in much, and kbb.com isn't a reliable source. Apparently, he said they can buy cars "just like mine" at the auction for $2500 - $3000. He tried to make me feel like I was getting a good deal if I traded my car for $3k.
I should mention that I've got a certified, very good condition, no damage, clean carfax, not to mention every receipt for everything that's ever been done to the car, even before I bought it.
If that's teh case, expect to pay a LOT more for a five speed Camry.

I'm suprised you were able to force your way out the door with all the bullshit that salesman piled up in front of you. 5-speed Camry's are rare because only a small percentage of new car buyers want a manual. Most of the people on these boards are enthusiasts which also consist of a small percentage of owners. Let's face it, the vast majority of Camry owners have no idea that forums like this even exist. Most enthusaists would rather shift for themselves, hence the seemingly large number of us enthusaists that prefer 5-speeds. Most dealers refer to 5-speed Camrys as lot-rocks which means they sit around for a while before they sell. Used 5-speed Camrys always bring less money than an automatic, not more. 3k for an 02 Camry? Not even if it had 200k on it. These cars are still bringing real good money at auctions because everyone wants them. Keep looking like I did and you'll find one soon enough. BTW, I love my 5spd!!

 

It's quite common in California here. It's probably harder at the east coast since not many drives stick I presume?

Dealer's are asking for more for a manual camry? That's absurd! Automatics are $1000 more than manual and they want more? Talking about ripping you off.

 

'07 doesn't have to be ordered in Japan. The sales lady told me it'll be about an 8 week wait for them to deliver an 07 5speed manual trans. from the factory here in USA. I'm just about ready to close the deal on this particular car. I will have it with dealer installed leather. I own a 3.0V6 Manual trans. Camry, but the gas prices. I like the new tall and wide body shape. If u live in Philly, then u fall in the NE region that doesn't get Manual Trans. SE's.

 

All manual Camry's (not only Camry's) are built in Japan - VIN starts from J. A limited number of new manuals are availables on the East Coast. Most of dealerships have an on-line inventory, specifiyng trim, engine, transmission, etc. Sometimes transmission might be not specified, however it's easy to recognize a manual car by price (about $800-1000 less). It is not easy for dealership to sell a manual car if they have one, so you can get a really good price, MUCH LOWER than by ordering a car directly from Japan.

 

i have an 05 camry with manual transmission. it is japan built and i love it. i got it in 05 for $12999. it was president day sale and i have never seen a camry that is cheaper in price. i can probably sell it for the same amount of money which i bought it for and 20000 mileas later

 

i have an 05 camry with manual transmission. it is japan built and i love it. i got it in 05 for $12999. it was president day sale and i have never seen a camry that is cheaper in price. i can probably sell it for the same amount of money which i bought it for and 20000 mileas later

Same for me. I've paid $13,090 in April 2005. That was a good price. Such a car was avaliable everwhere for 14-15 K. I believe we'll get this price back even for 2007 model some time by Fall.

 

I will probably be in the market for a new vehicle pending the outcome of an insurance appraisal. One of the vehicles I am considering is the '07 Camry since it is a bit bigger (and hopefully safer) than what I have had.

I had a stick-shift and really want one for my replacement car. However, my father tried getting an '02 Camry SE with a 5-speed and side airbags and was told that his car would have to be ordered from Japan with a 6-month total wait.

Thankfully, side airbags are now standard (as is ABS). Still, Toyota's website for my region does not allow you to build a vehicle that is not a "popular" combination (which I can't stand); consequently, the only Camry models listed are all automatics.

I was wondering if those who have been following the '07 Camry or have been in the market for one could give me an idea about how hard it is to get a stick shift right now. I would be looking at either the LE or SE trims.

good choice. You can also get autostick as well. Have you also looked at the new corollas? You can get an xrs 6 speed fully loaded for 18 grand or so. A baby camry with a few differences, and you dont have to wait 6 months to get one. My dealership had one, sat there for 2-3 months, problly still their now, lol and the gas milage is 28/34 plus you have that vvti with lift..

 

i have an 05 camry with manual transmission. it is japan built and i love it. i got it in 05 for $12999. it was president day sale and i have never seen a camry that is cheaper in price. i can probably sell it for the same amount of money which i bought it for and 20000 mileas later

Wow for that price, Im coming down to the USA in a year and importing one here into Canada.

 

i have an 05 camry with manual transmission. it is japan built and i love it. i got it in 05 for $12999. it was president day sale and i have never seen a camry that is cheaper in price. i can probably sell it for the same amount of money which i bought it for and 20000 mileas later

See what I mean about stick Camry's being "lot rocks". The dealer gave the order to sell that car no matter what, so you made out! They were probably tired of looking at it.

 

Well I went to one dealer and they had no manual transmission Camrys (they only had about 7 Camry sedans as it was).

A dealer I e-mailed says he sells 1-2 manuals a month and said he could get me an LE 5-speed. I will probably contact him later in the week. I don't know if this means he actually has one or how quickly he can get one.

 

There are NO 5-speed SE's allocated/available in New England or the Tri-State (NY/NY/CT) area. This is crazy to me. I've got a couple of dealers trying to get one for me from the Philadelphia region. I've got a dealer in Philly with a silver one, but I really want a black one - which are even harder to find.

The good news is that they're offering me a solid price for my 2002 Camry SE 5-speed with 77k miles ($8,500) and a very good price on the '07 SE 5-speed, $21,400.

Now I just have to be patient!!! :cursin:

 

There are NO 5-speed SE's allocated/available in New England or the Tri-State (NY/NY/CT) area. This is crazy to me. I've got a couple of dealers trying to get one for me from the Philadelphia region. I've got a dealer in Philly with a silver one, but I really want a black one - which are even harder to find.

The good news is that they're offering me a solid price for my 2002 Camry SE 5-speed with 77k miles ($8,500) and a very good price on the '07 SE 5-speed, $21,400.

Now I just have to be patient!!! :cursin:

Barcelona Red and Magnetic Gray at Fitzmall.com

 

The good news is that they're offering me a solid price for my 2002 Camry SE 5-speed with 77k miles ($8,500) and a very good price on the '07 SE 5-speed, $21,400.

I bet you'd get more than $8500 for your 02 if you sold it someone on this forum!!

 

Not all manual cars are built in Japan. The Georgetown, KY plant does build a small percentage of manual Camrys.

 

Barcelona Red and Magnetic Gray at Fitzmall.com

I'm still keeping that in mind. I'm going to see what the local dealer can do first.

 

Black SE 5-speed ALLOCATED!!!

Good news. Just got word yesterday that my local dealer here in MA was able to get a black 5-speed SE allocated. Should have it within 4 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!:clap:

 

Interesting thread. What dealer is it? In the MA area, 5-speeds are more popular than in other areas. Dealers here routinely have CE 5-speeds in stock, and they discount them. SE 5-speeds are not allocated to this area.

I just bought my old Gen 3 SE V6 5-speed. I could have gotten a new one, but I don't want a car payment. Enjoy them guys and gals!

Good news. Just got word yesterday that my local dealer here in MA was able to get a black 5-speed SE allocated. Should have it within 4 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!:clap: