Manual trans. on new V70 a rarity?

In the US Volvos with manual transmissions have been very few and far between since the late 80's, it sucks, but the majority of the population seems to want an automatic, I can't even think of an even somewhat upscale domestic car that's even available with a manual. I always find it strange how car dealers advertise an automatic transmission like it's some sort of great feature, can't stand the things myself, they're everywhere though, not exactly a rare option.

There's no problem in getting a V70 with manual transmission in Europe - so Volvo *does* make them. It's obviously a marketing thing whereby US customers - rightly or wrongly - are deemed to be incapable of coping with a clutch pedal and manual gearchange - possibly in the same way that they're incapable of coping with a manual staircase when there is a lift (elevator) anywhere in sight.

I think what they're trying to say is that nobody keeps one with a manual transmission in their new car stock, that the car would have to be special ordered. It certainly shows the manual transmission as standard equipment on the US Volvo website. I don't know if the manual transmission is better now than it was back in '98 when I bought my V70

- I thought that the automatic was better, and so bought my first car with an automatic. I wanted one with the cloth seats - even though leather was an option, every stock car had it. So I had to special order my car to get it that way, which is what you'll have to do.

Volvo sends the dealers what they think will sell best. Anything else is special order. If you really want the car you can special order it. No problem. If you want to save money, you can get the exact car you want through European Delivery and save more money that what the trip costs. In fact the last couple times I used European Delivery, they paid for my airfare and hotel, customs fees, home delivery and I still saved about 10% on the price. Also, I got exactly what I wanted: no leather, no sun roof, and no option other than shiftronic and the winter package.

If you are serious about a manual transmission, try the shiftronic. I love it. When I am accellerating, the automatic mode is better than a manual. When I am decellerating or descending, the manual mode is better.

John Scarpulla wrote: : My wife and I are interested in buying a ndw 2004 V70 volvo wagon with : a manual transmission in southern california. So far two dealers have : told us that "ther ain't no such thing" and that the care would have to : be ordered special. How come volvo doesnt make this car with the : manuall trannsmission? We like the 2.4 L engine with no turbo, but the : 2.5L with turbo would have been ok too. Just can't get them. Are : these dealers BS-ing me? they say that los angeles volvo drivers don't : buy manual transmissions. sounds like baloney to me.

: thanks1

: John

Not to knock your desire for a manual, but the constant shifting in stop and go traffic gets old fast.

I'm sure it's not his first car with a manual, not all of us have to deal with stop and go regularly, and when I do there's rarely a need to shift, just idle along in 1st and hit the clutch when I get too close to the car in front.

They have a V70 2.4L at the dealer I go to with a 5 speed stick. I don't think the 2.5T can be had with a manual tho.

So, there is an additional cost to have a dealer custom order the car the way I want it, instead of picking any old slag from the lot?

How much are we talking about here?

The only problem is the wait. The may find one somewhere if they're smart enough to know you're serious, or it may have to be build specially for you.

No. In fact in some areas there is a premium for picking up a car off the lot since there is no time in the penalty box like there is with a special order. By the same token, there are usually no discounts on special orders either. Sometimes there are discounts on cars on the lot if the dealer isn't moving his inventory.

The dealer will say that you elected to wait. He will also require a downpayment.

Hmmm - the manual transmission is supposed to be the default state with the auto extra on the plain Jane V70 for 2004. We just bought a 2.5T V70 which has the auto by default (we got the geartronic auto - works well). In looking at several we saw 5 V70s with manual. I'm sure you can find one if you look.

All that having been said - the geartonic is a great option - you shift it just like a motorcycle - no clutch. This 2.5T scoots like a frightened cat.

If you can pay the price you should drive both before deciding.

Bill