richierich Posted September 4, 2006 Share Posted September 4, 2006 Considering buying a GT Wagon in the next year or so. Probably buy a used one but would like to get low mileage. My wife has always driven a 5 speed stick shift. We are thinking about getting an automatic as at some point in time we are going to go from 2 to 3/4 people. And kids take up more attention when you are driving. So how do people feel about their sport shift automatics, rather have a 5speed? Do you use the sport shift or is it useless. Gas mileage in the 5speed compared with the sports shift? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaggywerewolf Posted September 4, 2006 Share Posted September 4, 2006 My 1 week loaner had a 5 speed sportshift while my OBW was in the shop. Drove it about 600 miles during that period up to the northern LP and back. The loaner wasn't a Subaru, but I can't imagine that the experience would be significantly different if it was. The novelty wore off pretty quick, and shifting became more of an annoyance rather than a necessity. Even when passing on I75 it felt unnecessary - the vehicle had enough power to be pretty responsive anyway. And it still feels like an automatic when you shift. The only interaction is to nudge the shifter up or down, so you might as well leave it in D. At least that's how I felt about it. Maybe it's more fun with a turbo under the hood. :-p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fastwgn286 Posted September 4, 2006 Share Posted September 4, 2006 i like 5speed better than sport shift. i've spent lots of time driving mazdas, which have either manuals or the sport shifting automatics, and i must agree, the shifting gets old after a while, especially on city streets and what not. it takes one second too long to downshift (by which time you're braking anyways), and probably are more prone to breaking. manuals where always the better car to drive in my opinion. you decide when to shift, how fast to shift, and how smooth to shift. shame subaru doesn't make the 5speed gt wagon anymore.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xdeadhead Posted September 4, 2006 Share Posted September 4, 2006 Maybe it's more fun with a turbo under the hood. :-p ummmm yes it's definitely more fun with a turbo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NV Zeno Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 My 1 week loaner had a 5 speed sportshift while my OBW was in the shop. Drove it about 600 miles during that period up to the northern LP and back. The loaner wasn't a Subaru, but I can't imagine that the experience would be significantly different if it was. The novelty wore off pretty quick, and shifting became more of an annoyance rather than a necessity. Even when passing on I75 it felt unnecessary - the vehicle had enough power to be pretty responsive anyway. And it still feels like an automatic when you shift. The only interaction is to nudge the shifter up or down, so you might as well leave it in D. At least that's how I felt about it. Maybe it's more fun with a turbo under the hood. :-p Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. I drive lots of different makes/models (all new, all automatic) every day, and the Subaru automatics are really sluggish in a forced downshift (by that, I mean when there is an immediate demand for power) situation. I'm not saying the cars aren't good (you wouldn't believe the junk that's being sold out there:rolleyes: ), just that the difference between the 5 speed and the auto is huge IMO. That applies to the Leg/OB chassis..Forester/Impreza/9-2 are completely different . Just my 2 bucks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_j Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 The Sport Shift is not the best auto tranny coupled to the turbo engine. It seems delayed at times even shifted with buttons. However the 5 speed manual (I own a LGT Wagon manual ) is also a tad clunky. I guess a short shifter kit option helps. However the 5speed manual gives you absolute control of an incredible motor. It really boils down to what suits your needs. Interestingly enough though my wife a die hard standard driver took a LGT wagon auto on an extended test drive and said I want this car. She did not mind the auto however she bought the 5MT without ever driving it. Apparently we got the last new silver LGT wagon 5MT in New England. It came with 270 miles put on in swap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 I had one for about a week in Portland as a rental. It was a pretty good driving car with not much abnormal about it. The only thing about the sport shift, the worst problem was me actually. I seemed to klutz it into sport mode and be surprised when it did not shift itself. I'm sure it would be easy to get used to, try a rental for a week if they have them there and you will know if it works for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hotshot Posted September 6, 2006 Share Posted September 6, 2006 My friend has one is his new mazda3, and at first, I thought is was the coolest thing on earth. After playing with it a little bit though, I realized it feels exactly like it does when I play "manual transmission" with my 4at. Cool at first, but I would stick with the clutch anyday of the week, unless that day happens to be in some big city. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richierich Posted September 6, 2006 Author Share Posted September 6, 2006 ummmm yes it's definitely more fun with a turbo. So you like it? Do you use the sport shift? You seem like the only person with one and a turbo? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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