- #122 of 704
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Re: Drove a 2.5 GT Limited today [ecotrklvr]
by rsholland
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Jul 07, 2009 (4:14 am)
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Replying to: ecotrklvr (Jul 06, 2009 6:33 pm)
Top gear is down, below 5th. The throws were reasonable. Subaru does offer the short-throw shifter for the Legacy, if you're interested.
I can't tell you how many times and how many miles I've driven in 4th, thinking I'm in 5th; or in 3rd thinking I'm in 4th, with my new WRX. This is a result of a quiet cabin and smooth engine, and is even more of a problem when you're dealing with six closely spaced gears.
Never had this problem with older less refined cars with fewer gears, but I now very much welcome this gear indicator. I believe the new Nissan 370Z also has this feature, and I suspect it will become commonplace in the future as it will encourage you to drive more efficiently (less revs = better gas mileage).
Unfortunately a new car is not in my current budget.
Bob
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- #123 of 704
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Re: other CVT's [saedave]
by fendertweed
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Jul 07, 2009 (6:32 am)
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Replying to: saedave (Jul 06, 2009 7:37 am)
that I don't know ... the problems I heard about related to the TCU (trans. control unit) not the clutches per se, but who knows if they might be related?
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- #124 of 704
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Anyone seen a 2010 Outback with a 6-speed?
by seabrook7039
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Jul 07, 2009 (6:41 am)
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Seems like the first round are only equiped with CVTs...
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- #125 of 704
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Re: Anyone seen a 2010 Outback with a 6-speed? [seabrook7039]
by rsholland
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Jul 07, 2009 (9:03 am)
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Replying to: seabrook7039 (Jul 07, 2009 6:41 am)
I haven't seen any yet. Subaru is really pushing this new CVT, so I expect very few 6-speed to be found, either on the Outback or Legacy. When the traditional advantage of a manual disappears—better gas mileage than an automatic, which is the case here—the only reason to buy a manual gearbox is that you prefer to shift gears for yourself.
Bob
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- #126 of 704
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Re: Anyone seen a 2010 Outback with a 6-speed? [rsholland]
by seabrook7039
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Jul 07, 2009 (9:55 am)
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Replying to: rsholland (Jul 07, 2009 9:03 am)
The only advantage? How about the reliability of a multi-decade proven technology vs. a brand-new technology? The question of which offers superior 0-60 acceleration has not been settled but I'm guessing the manual will win out. Plus it seems that if a CVT does fails then it's 'repaired' by a full replacement while if a clutch on a manual goes then you're out for fraction of the cost of a CVT. And lets not forget that old but still true option: if your battery can't spin the starter you can still roll-start a manual stick car. The fuel savings of the CVT is commendable but since the manual is cheaper to acquire it could take a couple of years of ownership depending on your borrowing costs before the CVT actually saves you money.
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- #127 of 704
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Re: Anyone seen a 2010 Outback with a 6-speed? [seabrook7039]
by saedave
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Jul 07, 2009 (10:33 am)
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Replying to: seabrook7039 (Jul 07, 2009 9:55 am)
The fuel savings of the CVT is commendable but since the manual is cheaper to acquire it could take a couple of years of ownership depending on your borrowing costs before the CVT actually saves you money.
Or never, if real world...not EPA... fuel economy turns out to be at least as good. Use Consumer Reports' mpg numbers when they become available to decide.
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- #128 of 704
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Re: Drove a 2.5 GT Limited today [rsholland]
by ecotrklvr
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Jul 07, 2009 (10:35 am)
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Replying to: rsholland (Jul 07, 2009 4:14 am)
Sounds like you've got a pretty nice ride already. Enjoy it.
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- #129 of 704
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Re: Anyone seen a 2010 Outback with a 6-speed? [seabrook7039]
by rsholland
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Jul 07, 2009 (10:36 am)
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Replying to: seabrook7039 (Jul 07, 2009 9:55 am)
Ummm... The manual tranny in the new Legacy and Outback is also new. New = 6-speed, old = 5-speed; so the jury is out there too.
CVTs are gaining popularity with a number of carmakers, so I'm not that concerned about the reliability issue. Also, Subaru is a very conservative company. I seriously doubt that they would risk their excellent and hard-earned reputation on a CVT if they had any concerns about it.
I'm guessing the CVT will match or better the 6-speed in acceleration.
Bob
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- #130 of 704
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Re: Drove a 2.5 GT Limited today [dbt]
by ecotrklvr
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Jul 07, 2009 (10:45 am)
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Replying to: dbt (Jul 06, 2009 6:01 am)
Guess you and I are different. When I drive a stick shift vehicle on-road, I steer with my left hand (so I can shift with my right) until I get it into top gear. Then I can switch to two hands or left or right. That's so I never find myself driving along on the freeway in 4th by mistake (like some). So far, I haven't forgotten what gear I'm in while shifting up, either.
Tell me, how does one steer with the right hand while driving a stick? In the US, and not in a JDM vehicle?
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- #131 of 704
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Re: Drove a 2.5 GT Limited today [ecotrklvr]
by rsholland
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Jul 07, 2009 (11:12 am)
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Replying to: ecotrklvr (Jul 07, 2009 10:45 am)
Years ago, I should say decades ago, I was taught not to keep my hand on the gear shift lever all the time, as resting your hand there could cause undo wear-and-tear on the tranny. Not sure if that's true, but that's what I was taught. So, as such, my right hand is always moving back and forth from the steering wheel to the gear shift, as the driving situation dictates.
Granted, if you keep your hand there "all the time," you likely wouldn't forget what gear you're in; but that's not how I drive.
Bob
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