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> Take the Subaru BRZ. The popular sports car was once sold only with a manual transmission, but sales are now 90 percent automatic, Fiske estimated.

I find this a bit difficult to believe.

The automatic option has a reputation for being pretty good, but the manual is excellent. It was certainly never even a matter of choice for me, and for the growing number of (BRZ/(GT)86/FR-S) enthusiasts I know.

Yes, I'm in a niche, but so is the car.

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Surprised me too!

Only reason I can think of is that the real enthusiasts bought them early on. Now, most people buy them because they want a 'sports car'; only 10% are actual enthusiasts.

I can see that, but I choose to remain unrealistically optimistic in the face of reality anyway. :D

Yeah, it kinda took me by surprise too. One would think the Toyobaru twins along with the MX5 would have a lot higher manual transmission sales.

I would even understand a higher automatic take rate for the Miata, as it has a broader appeal (based on my guess that more people are willing to drive such a small car if it's also a convertible).

But the 86 siblings are really pretty focused. I love my car, but wonder how those who aren't _really_ into spiriting driving justify it over other excellent options (e.g., GTI) in its price range.

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