It's another sad sign of the times for manuals. For a long time, a manual was a no-cost option on many vehicles, and they were often cheaper than automatics, and chosen by frugal buyers for this reason (along with the potential for better fuel economy). Times have changed and now manuals are something that only a fraction of enthusiasts even want, let alone the masses, and options have dried up as a result, among a variety of other reasons.Some companies are either capitalizing on this by offering manuals only in special editions, or are offering them in high trims or limited production trims simply because it's the only way to make the business case for offering them. But seven cars still carry the torch of continuing to offer a manual as a no-cost option on the base model, just like in decades past. Whether you're a manual lover shopping on a budget or simply don't like paying a premium for something, keep scrolling to see the sports cars that keep the "free" manual alive.For this list, we stuck to only two-door sports cars currently in production, that offer the manual as a no-cost option on the standard model. Any vehicles that require going up to a higher trim (like the Mustang) or a special edition (like the Z4) were disqualified. All quoted prices include destination and freight charges. Mazda MX-5 Miata 2026 Mazda MX-5 Not only does the lovable little Miata not charge you extra for the manual, it actually is the only option for all trims except the top Grand Touring trim, meaning the automatic is the big up-charge on Miatas. While the automatic is fine if you absolutely must avoid a manual, you will be missing out on the manual's higher redline, its fantastic feel and the wonderful engagement it adds. It definitely provides the best Miata experience.It's also a pretty easy manual to drive, so even if you're new to manuals, you'll quickly get smooth with a little practice. Like the rare no-cost manual on the base car, Mazda's commitment to it and the Miata's mission in general are rare these days. A small, lightweight, fairly basic car that doesn't chase horsepower or mass appeal makes it all the more appealing, and if you stick with the soft-top, it does it all at a nice, low price tag. Subaru BRZ 2026 Subaru BRZ Series.YellowThe Subaru BRZ is another one of the last bastions of affordable sports cars with a no-charge manual transmission. Subaru did drop the base "Premium" trim for 2026, making the price of entry several thousand dollars higher now, but Subaru claims less than 10% of buyers last year opted for that cheaper trim. Regardless, it's still just $37,055 to start for a bona-fide sports car, a bargain in this world of record-high transaction prices for new cars.And the BRZ isn't just any sports car, it's an excellent one, with tail-happy antics, great handling, a 7,500 rpm redline and a precise manual. Admittedly, that manual does take some extra finesse to be smooth with, and unfortunately there's no auto-rev-matched downshifts or any other assistance other than a hill-hold feature, but don't let that discourage you. You'll also save yourself $850 by going for the manual since Subaru charges you that amount if you want the fine (but unimpressive) 6-speed automatic. If you want a well-sorted sports car and don't have Porsche money, it's hard to beat the BRZ. Plus, with its poor sales performance, you can probably get a decent discount on one these days, too. Toyota GR86 2026 Toyota GR86 Yuzu EditionThe Toyota GR86 shares just about everything with the BRZ other than its front end, badges, and some unique tuning for the throttle and suspension. Thankfully, it also shares the BRZ's free manual. Toyota actually penalizes you more than Subaru if you choose to skip the manual, with the same unimpressive automatic costing $1,100 extra at the Toyota dealer.On the flip side, Toyota has a much lower price point for their version thanks to still offering the base trim at just $32,395. They also bring some of the pricey performance hardware from the top BRZ tS trim down to a simple $2,020 package that's available on all GR86s. These might be some of the reasons why the GR86 vastly outsells the BRZ too.Despite the tuning changes, the GR86's manual unfortunately isn't any easier to be smooth with than the BRZ's, but it's still a joy to drive as long as you don't mind occasional jerkiness on your way to learning what the manual needs for smooth operation. The GR86 is even more tail-happy than the BRZ, and combined with its quicker throttle, it feels edgier than its twin, and is another phenomenal sports car value, especially with its no-cost manual.Toyota GR Supra2026 Toyota GR Supra front three-quarterIf you want to get a Supra with the no-cost manual, your time is quickly running out. Supra production is ending any day now, and it seems like people are running out to get the last of them while they still can.Going for the manual here doesn't save you any money over the well-done ZF 8-speed automatic, but it's just great that the manual that Toyota worked hard to finally offer in the MkV Supra didn't bring an added cost with it.It's not the best manual out there, and it especially doesn't like being rushed into second gear, protesting your speedy shifts with a grind. But it has nice short gearing that allows you to do lots of shifting and makes the car even more playful. And unlike the GR86, the Supra gives you auto-rev-matching, so it's generally easier to be smooth.The rest of the Supra experience has been covered extensively throughout the vehicle's six-year run, but the highlights are the great-sounding, strong and underrated BMW B58 engine under the hood, an exhaust with more crackles and pops than the Fourth of July, and a short wheelbase that requires your A-game to stay on top of it in spirited driving. It's a lot of fun, and it'll certainly be missed when it rides off into the sunset this month. Nissan Z 2026 Nissan Z Heritage Edition The Nissan Z continues to bring the value, with one of the best horsepower-per-dollar ratios in the sports car world, especially if you don't mind the open differential in the base Sport trim. That good value continues with Nissan continuing to offer the manual as a no-cost option for all trims, including that Sport trim.If you want the 2027 refresh though, the value may get worse, with Nissan planning to reduce production unfortunately, making the Z harder to find on dealer lots and giving buyers less negotiating power. If that doesn't bother you, or you can find a kind Nissan dealer, the Z gives you retro-inspired looks inside and out, along with a heavy dose of parts sharing with the old 370Z. For some, that's part of its charm, with a more old-school and simple feel to the driving experience.It still does have some nice modern touches, like the newer twin-turbo V6 and the auto-rev-matching system that Nissan pioneered before anyone else. And thankfully, the infotainment is modern, so you don't feel too penalized, even if some of the switchgear dates back to the George W Bush administration. The manual isn't the most precise either, but at least it's free, and continues to be offered, two things most other companies can't claim, so bravo Nissan. BMW M2 2025 BMW M2 front 3/4 drivingWhile not quite on its way out yet, the BMW M2's manual is likely in its final years, according to the head of BMW M, sadly. This is another manual that probably won't go down in the history books as being one of the all-time greats, but it's another freebie, and BMW is the last of the German luxury brands to even offer one, so beggars can't be choosers here.Unfortunately, the other compromise with this one is that you'll have to settle for the base M2 if you want the manual, as the new CS version is automatic only due to BMW's manual being capped at 406 lb-ft of torque from the factory.If you don't mind all of that, you get the analog feel of a manual transmission for no extra cost in what is arguably the best M car that BMW currently makes. And unlike the non-luxury brands on this list, the BMW coddles you with a bit more luxury and higher quality materials while still allowing you to indulge in the more scrappy nature of the fun little M2. BMW M4 2026 BMW M4 action The manual BMW M4 is likely also living on the same borrowed time as the M2, so enjoy it (and its no-cost manual) while you can. It shares its same great powertrain with the M2, the smooth, strong and sonorous 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, the fine but unremarkable manual, and the simplicity of rear-wheel drive. You also get the German luxury refinement in a more spacious interior than the M2, although the trade-off is that polarizing nose that some still can't stomach, and the higher price tag.Also like the M2, unfortunately, you're stuck with only the base version if you want a manual. The rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive Competition trims, as well as the CS version, all force you into the automatic transmission. And you can't get it on the convertible version either, sadly. But with 473 hp and a 4.1 second 0-60 mph time, the base M4 should still be plenty of performance.Sources: Mazda, Subaru, Toyota, Nissan, BMW