Whether you're investing in a new car or buying a used vehicle, one of the most important decisions you'll need to make is whether to choose a manual transmission or an automatic transmission. The difference is easy enough to understand. With a manual transmission, you change gears yourself using a gear stick. With an automatic transmission, gears are changed automatically.

Both options have their own benefits and drawbacks, but here are just four reasons why you should consider buying a car with manual transmission.

1. Lower Cost

Automatic transmissions are more complex than manual transmissions, which means they are also more expensive. Whether you're buying new or used, you're generally going to find that a car with manual transmission costs less than a similar car with automatic transmission. Buying a manual lets you either save the difference or put it towards a vehicle that would have been out of your price range as an automatic.

2. Superior Efficiency

Manual transmissions don't just make cars cheaper to buy — they also make them cheaper to run. Since you can control exactly how hard your engine is working, manuals tend to boast considerably higher efficiency scores than equivalent automatics. You can even do things like shift into neutral and coast forwards to save on fuel. That means you'll spend less money topping up your tank, something that will help reduce your environmental footprint as well as your running costs.

3. More Direct Control

Talk to people with a passion for driving and you'll find that most will always pick a manual transmission over an automatic one. This is because manuals provide direct control over how a vehicle performs, so cars with manual transmissions are generally considered more fun to drive. For example, being able to shift quickly between gears is ideal when you need a sudden burst of acceleration. That level of control also helps improve safety across adverse conditions. If you find yourself having to cover icy roads, the ability to directly control power delivery can keep the vehicle under control.

4. Reduced Maintenance

Since manual transmissions are less complex than automatics, they generally require less maintenance. Even when repairs or replacements are needed, they are usually significantly cheaper than they would be for an automatic. This is an important consideration for all drivers, but it's particularly important when you're buying a used vehicle since the transmission will already have been subjected to some wear and tear.

Contact a used car provider for more info.

Share