Are Manual Transmission cars less likely to be stolen?

Question

Just wondering. Since most people can't drive manual transmission, are car theifs less likely to steal them?

Answer 1

Pretty poor excuse for a car thief who can't drive a stick, but a great point to ponder.

Answer 2

It depends on the market and the level of sophistication of the criminal. Sportier cars tend to be stick, therefore if you want to steal something super sporty a criminal better know who to drive a stick. But if the criminal is more looking for a joy ride, then an automatic would be the transmission of choice. You also find less cars that are a manual transmission these days, so I would believe that it all kind of evens out.

Answer 3

I'm willing to guess its true. It seems that more and more younger people don't know how to drive one. Personally I can drive one, but I would rather have an automatic, but my car is a standard, my jeep is an automatic. It also depends on the demand of the type of vehicle also. I think Honda Civics are in the top 5 vehicles stolen.

The vehicles that are stolen the most though are the ones that the owner leaves the doors unlocked and/or the keys in them.

I don't know much about auto theft, but it seems to me like it would be more difficult to steal newer vehicles with the antitheft, and engine demobilizer systems.

Answer 4

That's an interesting theory. I wonder if anyone has figured out the number of standards versus automatics.
I think most thieves would put the extra time into learning how to drive a standard, just so they could steal the high end sport cars.

Answer 5

Since many cars are stolen for parts, I don't think the transmission will make that much difference.

Answer 6

Makes no difference what so ever. What they target is how many extras it has, and what they are told to steal that night. They don't care which it is, all they care about is the make and model.