My first 2 cars, 83 Mazda 626 coupe and an 89 Mazda MX-6 Turbo 4WS, were both autos. The MX-6 had a 'kick down and lock' switch which helped make engine braking and the turbo more useful.
Next came a manual 94 Impreza, owned for 12years, this was loads of fun even though a lowly 1.8.
After this a 02 Liberty RX, also in a manual. The extra power was noticeable and the manual tx added to the fun. Da Man was in control. Sports mufflers and fancy gold wheels and I was set.
Reckon I was having way more fun that my MX-6 Turbo. I am a manual man.
Move along to late last year. I get a call while in Sydney playing Defence Soccer
You're car has arrived. OMG ! Nearest train takes me straight to the CEVA depot.Car looked great and I was happy. It was an exponential step up from my 02 RX. But that's a given.
The gearbox - After driving the 08 for a few months I can, with hand on heart, state that a 'manual driver' will not be disappointed. Albeit there's one less gear, the paddleshift gives you a 'similar' level of control over your driving experience that the manual does. In normal auto driving I regularly use a downshift or two to help with engine braking or to increase revs for hills and the like. Subaru allowing the use of the paddles during Auto mode for a temporary Manual Mode has been a real plus. When the car senses you're back to 'cruise' driving it reverts back to normal auto mode.
Sports Sharp (S#) in Auto is not pretty at all. You take a breath prior to pushing the accelerator. That breath is sensed and the gearbox kicks down a gear or three in anticipation. Lots of noise but nothing happening.
However in full manual mode it's a different game. Pure gold.
Sports (S) mode doesn't get much use. I've either having a good time in S# or putting around in Intelligent (I) mode. I mostly do open road driving though so 'I' mode been more than acceptable.
Prior to buying I did drive an 06 3.0 but didn't like the gear stick semi-auto no where near as much as I have enjoyed the paddles.
Long story short - If you think you are only a 'manual driver' because it's so much more fun than an auto and keeps YOU in control then think twice about about rejecting paddleshift 3.0 cars.
Don't get me wrong, if a manual was a available with such low klms as mine, and the right price too, I would have gone for it. But I have not regretted getting the bargain the auto was and have had more than enough fun since.
Anyways, as a previously prospective buyer who was curious the above has been my experience. Although if you want to BOOST your 3.0 the Auto is shit lol
Cheers
