The cruise control disable/prevent feature is easily observable. The Sport mode before manual mode rule and the ambiguous light is not something I could have even guessed. That's good to know as I autocross in A/T Sport Mode / Full Off traction-VSC (3 second left button) / Manual Mode. Fortunately, I engage them in that order so I should be good. Thanks for sharing that.

I decided to test out the downshifting to 1st gear at higher speeds on my commute home, and got different results. According to the shift indicators on the dash, you can downshift to 1st all the way up to 34 MPH. I tested this once, at 32 MPH, and it immediately went down to 1st, and revs went just shy of the redline.

That was in Sport mode, in M. Didn't try "normal" mode.

Perhaps the allowable shift range is shorter in normal mode (limited to shifts that will end up <6k RPM), which is why you couldn't do it faster than 29 MPH? If this is the case, and your tests in sport mode were not really in sport mode (because you have to select the mode in D), that would explain the discrepancy.

I'll have to try this out, thanks for the tidbits.

After owning an 06 Si and an ap1, I can't go back to AT. It's not the same, MT ONLY! Till im old and my left leg gives out on me, that will be the day I switch to AT. Not to hate on anyone that drives a AT or anything it's just automatic IMO is so boring to me and doesn't require any skill. :burnrubber:

Two words why auto is good.....traffic jams

Manual is good for: you're more in tuned with driving, on other cars better mileage (doesn't apply to twins), easy and cheaper to replace a clutch and change fluids, longer lasting, and YOU decide when to downshift.

Manual not so good for traffic, bad knees, time to sell (most people are scared off by manuals). Engine braking isn't what t's cracked up to be because replacing brake pads is a lot cheaper than engine work.

Automatics are good because anybody can drive it (including parking lot attendants, designated drivers, and thieves). Don't have to worry about riding or burning out the clutch or stalling (even though that goes away as you get used to it). You can focus on other things like your driving. Less road rage while getting stuck in traffic, on the twins the snow setting (then again why would anybody take a rear wheel drive car out if there's a chance of snow?). Paddle shifting is more fun that straight automatic driving.

Automatics aren't so hot because in case they need severe servicing or replacement it'll be like driving another car. The idea of bunch of gears and rubber bands sloshing around in something that looks like cough syrup in the long run is unsettling. You're in less control of the car. Everything is more expensive on a auto, more maintenance is required (make sure there's no debris or burnt varnish on the dipstick, change the fluid + filter every x miles and etc).

Ask yourself: how long do you want to keep the car, how often do you get stuck in traffic, is this a DD or weekend car, will I be the only driver, and is this car just a mode of transportation or am I a driving enthusiast?

Thought I would share this link.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ic_first_test/

I love stories like this. I mean I know I drag race from EVERY light, drift around EVERY turn, and drive EVERY mile in 1/4 increments to see how fast I can get there. The comments at the bottom make the whole post worthwhile, Buy a 370z or Audi A4 for 10k more. Also "this car should be for enthusiasts and Toyota/Subaru don't care about us, they only want to sell cars" umm no kidding, you mean you make money by selling MORE cars!? Let's see offer the car in auto and manual and sell far more cars or offer it in manual and cater everything to a small segment of enthusiasts...hmm not a hard business decision there. Same debate over the badge on the car (real men buy the Subaru, kids buy the Scion), they are the same car. Buy the manual or the automatic, they are both fun to drive and in the end you don't answer to anybody about your transmission or car choice. If they want you to answer to them, tell them to pay your car payments and then they can talk.

Sign me up for this please.