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Searching for an AWD sedan with a manual transmission on a budget means you have limited options. In fact, perusing an online car classifieds section yields cars from three primary companies. However, once you wade through the BMWs, Audis, and Subarus, you come across some exciting options. If you’re in the market for a used AWD sedan with a manual transmission, don’t feel confined to the shackles of German depreciation and Japanese exclusivity. Keep an eye out for these used AWD manual sedans. 

2004 Jaguar X-type 2.5 provides refined luxury

Jaguar X-Type parked otuside
Jaguar X-Type | David Cooper/Toronto Star via Getty Images

Apparently, $6,700 gets you a lovely 2004 Jaguar X-Type 2.5 with relatively low miles. Manual Jaguars can be tough to find, so if you’re looking for a luxury AWD car that gets decent mileage, pounce on this car immediately. Though not a fan favorite, the X-Type uses a 2.5-liter V6 with 192 horsepower and weighs 3,461 pounds. It won’t be a record-breaker, but it’s definitely not a bad choice. A Jaguar X-Type has menial torque and lacks the urgency that usually comes with a luxury sedan, yet it has excellent visibility, and the seats are sublime. The leather soaks you up like a sponge, and while it doesn’t have the roar of more cylinders, the Jaguar’s quiet cabin puts you to sleep without so much as a lullaby. 

2004 Volvo S60 R: the sporty AWD sedan

About $9,000 gets you a 2004 Volvo S60 R, yes, with a manual transmission. It’s exceedingly rare, but it can happen. This sedan is hefty at 3,571 pounds but uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five that makes 300 horsepower. It’s comfortable and quick, getting you to 6 0 mph in 5.5 seconds. It also has adjustable suspension and Brembo brakes. According to Car and Driver, Volvo went all out with two intercoolers, reinforced pistons, a new cylinder head, and a new exhaust manifold. It also doubled the boost pressure to 14.7 psi. If you can find one of these, snag it quickly because it won’t last long. 

2011 Acura TL Technology is the AWD sedan for family outings

You can find a 2011 Acura TL with the Technology package and average mileage for around $9,000. The Acura won’t excite like a BMW or Audi, but it will provide a comfortable and quiet ride. It uses a 3.7-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 3,889-pound curb weight. The Technology Package includes keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, adaptive climate control, satellite communication, a navigation system, traffic rerouting, and a DVD player. The TL certainly caters to the whole family, and it’s a Honda, so it should last a while, with proper maintenance. All that for $9,000 is a price that’s easy to live with.

Are there any other used AWD sedans?

These cars came to us via Auto Tempest and were literally the only three besides a Volvo S40. Everything else was a BMW, Audi, or Subaru. BMWs and Audis suffer from depreciation, while Subarus have the market cornered on AWD sedans. There may never be a time when those aren’t the majority of used AWD sedan choices, but just know there are some diamonds in the rough. You can’t go wrong with the Jaguar, X-Type 2.5, the Acura Tl Technology, or the Volvo S60 R. 

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MotorBiscuit Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Brian Grabianowski

An automotive journalist since 2008, Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from San Francisco State University and eloquently speaks on all manner of cars, from classics to new technology, reliability, and recalls.

Brian’s mechanical inclinations afford his work a first-hand lens on the ’90s automotive market and mods. Neither his first nor last project car, a 2002 Ford Mustang GT in True Blue Metallic, his third Pony, will keep him busy when he isn’t writing, with a new suspension and final drive ratio change on the to-do list. He’s also built a racing seat for simulator video games.