Who makes and what model are the easiest to drive manual tannies now? Not for me, as I have driven them for 40 plus years, thinking more for my kids. Given up on the wife driving one.

 

I'd say Honda and VW.

Tho the new Mini's are quite easy and have clutches with less feel than before.

If you're getting your kid a newish car, you/them really shouldn't have to spend $1,000 just to be lazy.

 

$1,000 lazy? Don't get this. Appreciate the Honda VW info.

 

A new VW Jetta auto comes at a $1,100 premium over the manual.

The new VW's are all turbo. All have low end torque.

 

Honda...
VW IS NOT BAD....have one now, but when push came to shove got a model with a DSG, and love it tranny wise.
Lots have been said about VW reliability wise....I'd call it MINI like, but the new small turbo motors they have (just like Honda for 2016+ on the civic) are pretty impressive...
But a stick and a turbo combo and a new driver makes me wory....low hp and a new driver and stick is a good combo for a first car IMO.

 

It will be my car, just going to teach daughter how to drive it. I'd more likely have her drive a Leaf or similar. She is just turning 15 so not in a big rush, just doing some long range planning. I wish I could decide what to get.