Question 1

How can I tell if the clutch of a used manual car is worn?

Accepted Answer

A clutch that bites high up the pedal travel, slips when you accelerate hard in a high gear, or smells of burning under load is near the end of its life. Ask when it was last replaced, since the job is a significant expense.

Question 2

Why are manual cars usually cheaper?

Accepted Answer

A manual gearbox is simpler and cost less when the car was new, and that difference carries into the used market. Most diesel and older petrol cars have one, so there is plenty of choice.

Question 3

What is a dual-mass flywheel and why does it matter on a manual?

Accepted Answer

Many diesel cars with a manual gearbox use a dual-mass flywheel to damp engine vibration. When it wears you hear knocking or rattling at idle or when moving off, and it is usually replaced together with the clutch, which makes the repair costly.

Question 4

Is a manual a good choice for city driving?

Accepted Answer

It works, but constant clutch use in stop-start traffic wears the clutch faster and tires the driver. If most of your driving is in Lisbon or Porto traffic, look closely at clutch condition or weigh an automatic.

Used manual cars in Portugal

Triumph TR4 Roadster

BMW 2002 coupe

Nissan Qashqai 1.3 DIG-T N-Connecta LED+TT+SKY

Renault Captur 0.9 TCe Exclusive

Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost MHEV ST-Line Design

Mercedes-Benz Citan 110 CDi/27

Peugeot 2008 1.2 Style

Renault Grand Scénic 1.7 Blue dCi Limited

Peugeot 3008 1.5 BlueHDi Active Pack

Renault Clio Sport Tourer 0.9 TCe Limited