Which to Buy 3.0R Spec B Auto or Manual Transmission

[bass_straitener]

G'day Guys,

I'm looking at buying a 3.0R Spec B Liberty and am trying to decide on whether to get an auto or manual transmission.

Speaking to people I've heard some good arguments for each type:

Manual not being suited to CBD stop start driving? The STI gearbox is a ripper and really brings out the best in the car. The car is better in manual form and more collectable?

Auto is easier to live with and no difference in performance, fun and feel? Is the paddleshift a gimmick? Better fuel economy? Better everyday driver?

What do people on here have? What would be your preference? And why?

Thanks,

Bruce

[hamish_023]

6 Speed man every day of the week for me.

[bass_straitener]

What about with the use of cruise control. I travel down to Phillip Island at least once a fortnight and use the cruise. Is the manual OK with that?

[Kekotic]

What about with the use of cruise control. I travel down to Phillip Island at least once a fortnight and use the cruise. Is the manual OK with that?

Yes. As soon as you put your foot on the clutch the cruise de-activates.

Definitely get the 6MT, you won't regret it.

[Jed3.0rb]

6 speed manual.
I have driven the outback 3.0r (my dad had one) with the five speed auto and I own the 6 speed manual spec b. The manual is the way to go. Due to the different ratios ad the auto has less gears the manual accelerates better has a gear for every corner and feels SOOOOOOOOO much torquier!! The 0-100 times are substantially different and so is the usability of the engine IMO
So I'd go the manual, and it copes fine with cruise control (I use it most days)

Good luck with the decision mate

[bass_straitener]

Thanks guys for confirming what I thought.

Now for the next question:

SI tuning knob is this a gimmick or worth getting in the MY07 model?

Is there a difference in the MY05 MY06 build to the MY07 in terms of quality? Not really interested in the 1 speaker less or anything like that. I'm more interested in mechanical bits, handling characteristics etc.

Cheers

[Ric]

I love my manual.
Of course, if you do a lot of stop/start, an auto can be easier to live with.
The only time an auto would be nice would be towing a heavy load. If you are towing up near the maximum (1500-1800kg), you can have trouble getting started on a steep incline, because you just can't slip the clutch enough to get the torque up.

Is there a difference in the MY05 MY06 build to the MY07 in terms of quality? Not really interested in the 1 speaker less or anything like that. I'm more interested in mechanical bits, handling characteristics etc.

I think the build quality is pretty comparable. The suspension should be identical. I have heard that the MY06 seats give better support than the MY07. I don't have enough experience of an MY07 to comment.

[bass_straitener]

Thanks Ric for your input.

I reckon I'll stick with the manual. I personally prefer driving manual but there just aren't many for sale.

[bass_straitener]

Today I talked to a guy with a 3.0R Spec B manual with the SatNav and VDC.

Is the SatNav + VDC option worth spending the extra on?

[Brad88]

defiantly 6 speed in my eyes, i think the cruise is pretty good aswell.

i cant compare to any other models or a auto but i love the man. plus i think SI- drive is good i always flick between intelligent (economy pretty much rather sluggish but good on the wallet) and sport#

im fairly sure :intelligent opens the throttle body only 3/4 max and opens slow and smooth

sport goes to WOT same rate as you push the peddle

and sport# is WOT with AVCS and opens rate as you push the peddle

you defiantly feel the difference between intelligent and sport#

[smythie]

The difference between S and S# is the rate at which the throttle butterfly is opened. nothing more. It is fully open at about 75% throttle pedal travel in S#. It won't be any more powerful than in S as even with I you have full AVCS capability - the throttle just opens faster giving you a feel of improved response.

[ellfra]

I have an auto - it is more practical for the kind of driving that I am doing - I would probably rather have a manual - I have heard from a very good mechanic though, that the manuals tend to have big end failures more often due to hard engine breaking sucking oil away from essential services - no idea if that is true or even plausible - just thought I'd mention it. WRT the best vintage - it seems to me that FHI started some pretty cunning cost cutting after the 06s - take a look at the exhaust tips for an example of very minor cost cutting that is probably prevalent throughout the vehicle - seat padding is another example. In any case they are all good and probably the best value for money vehicles on the market (I also have an high end Audi and sometimes its difficult to justify the price difference).

Cheers,
GF

[tangcla]

IF you're not fixed on a 3.0R-B, maybe you might consider buying my turbo'd GT. It's auto.

[bass_straitener]

I've had a look at a couple more cars over the last couple of days and am now leaning towards the MY07 STI 6MT.

My insurer quoted a premium increase of $60 over the GTB and 3.0RB.

Now my dilema is whether the extra money for the car is justified.

What do you guys think?

I must add that I'm not going to be making any mods etc. Just thought it may be a bit more fun to drive.

[hamish_023]

$60 per month or ?