Final Chance for a Manual: Smart Under-$40k Picks for a Fun Family Ride

A Chicago reader wants a manual, four-seat car under $40k that can handle winter and family duties. Experts suggest several strong options, including a 2003 BMW M3 (E46) under budget, a 2005 Porsche 911 S Cabriolet, a 2013 BMW M3 E93 convertible, and a 2017 BMW M2, underscoring that stick-shift cars are fading and the best choice depends on whether the priority is everyday reliability, a convertible experience, or maximum driving engagement.