[HKz]

Originally Posted by Pilot1226

Sure, I get what you mean. It becomes an issue of whether or not I keep what I have and get the fun car (BRZ), or do I get a new Outback or Legacy and get the better engine (3.6).

It's a tough call, because I do want a manual for the fun factor, and you simply can't get them on anything larger like the Outback or Legacy (in the US), and Subaru recently discontinued the 6MT option for the Forester.

I believe the Corolla and Camry don't have a MT option, do they? I'm sure if they are automatic only, Honda and others will be not far behind. Even Ford discontinued the MT in their Fusion.

I can't/won't justify spending around 40 on the Outback or Legacy 3.6 and another 25-30 on a BRZ, so it'll eventually come down to the shape of my Outback 2.5 that I own when it's time to make a decision. My biggest concerns are related to the CVT itself as it was relatively new (introduced in 2010), and the fact that the local dealer keeps insisting it's a maintenance-free part is... unsettling. I'd be fine with a 60k fluid change interval that costs a few hundred bucks - something to expect. I just don't want to shell out 5-8 thousand for a CVT repair, which is apparently what it costs.

While the manual has to deal with clutch linings and occasionally synchros or detente springs, you're really looking at a tenth of the cost of the repair bill compared to the CVT.

But, you can't buy what's not out there. You can't buy an Outback in a MT, for example. If the Crosstrek had a stronger engine (other than the FB20), I might even consider that with the 6MT trim. But I won't sacrifice practicality, comfort, and fun. I have the first two with my Outback; I was hoping to get the last with the BRZ.

sounds like ya don't know what ya want just pay off what you got and get a dirt cheap used sports car...getting the 3.6 is pretty pointless unless ya really got the money to burn but from the sounds of it that ain't the case...something like a MR2 or Miata would be quite comparable in the fun category compared to the twins.