It is very difficult to find manual transmission in a passenger car in the US now. I would like one but good luck finding what you want used. Even new, very few models have a manual option. And I think it costs more for a manual transmission now. It used to be cheaper.

The cheapest car I know of off the lot is a base model versa which comes with a manual that’s decent.

The noob trap is “upgrading” it to get the automatic. It’s maybe the worst new cvt you can buy.