2010 Legacy w/ CVT

[losdiosdeverde86]

So, my 99 LGT LTD's engine went, so I'm in the market for a new car. I'm looking at the 2010 Legacy 2.5i w/ the CVT transmission.

My only concern is that it has the CVT transmission. Does any have one of these/have any experience with these/know of any problems with these?

[stevo75]

I pick mine up today, my wife bought here 2010 Outback last week and I got use to the CVT right away. I actually like it and find it to be enough power for me to get on the highway and for passing. If you read the attach link I found the advantages and disadvantages to be spot on to how I feel.

http://cars.about.com/od/thingsyouneedtoknow/a/CVT.htm

[TGX4776]

I've heard mixed reviews about CVT's in general but I think it's perfect for automatics for non sporty applications. That link does them justice though.

[DarkPhoenix]

My ex's Altima had the CVT, and it was weird at first, but once I showed her how to use the "slapstick" she started having more fun with it. 6 "speeds" FTW!

[chaksq]

So basically from that article CVTs are better than traditional automatics, just feel weird to drive compared to what we are used to and less fun/engaging.

[stevo75]

I was a skeptic but don't notice it at all. I only realize it when I think about it. I have had a few friend ride in it and they don't notice it until I tell them it's CVT.

I was afraid I would get that motion sickness since I get them when I go on those motion rides and played games like Doom but it's worked out so far.

[98outbackpdx]

the new CVT transmisions in the subarus are chain driven, instead of belt driven so there is less maintnence with the chain driven over belt. plus the subaru CVT has the cool paddle shifters

[losdiosdeverde86]

plus the subaru CVT has the cool paddle shifters

...as an option

[stevo75]

plus the subaru CVT has the cool paddle shifters

...as an option


I'm pretty sure it's standard on the 2.5, all the ones I saw that were automatics had paddle shifters. The standards, turbo and 3.6 are an exception. I could be wrong though.

[98outbackpdx]

http://www.subaru.com/engineering/transmission.html

6-Speed Manual Mode
For a more engaged driving experience, Lineartronic™ CVT comes standard with the 6-speed manual mode complete with paddle shifters mounted right at your fingertips. This system simulates the feeling of a 6-speed manual transmission by allowing you to manually select the gearing ratio that best fits your driving situation. It comes in handy for confidently merging onto the highway, passing other cars, or descending hills, as well as making the driving experience feel sharper and sportier.

[ouch1011]

Most of my experience with cvts has been on hybrids or cng civics, and I found them all to be pretty poor. They adjusted ratios way too slowly for passing acceleration or "performance driving," acceleration from a stop was horrible since the cvt couldn't adjust the ratio low enough, so it would slip the start clutch in order to keep from really bogging the engine. The Hondas have huge problems with their start clutches chattering (same thing as a clutch on a manual) and they really seem to suck the life out of the engine. Plus holding the engine at near redline all the time on hard acceleration makes it very noisy! They also tend to be higher maintenance, requiring fluid and filter changes every 30k with very expensive specialty fluid. Think $10-$15 per qt, with possibly 8-10qts if it has a torque convertor (don't know if the subaru one has a tc or a clutch)

For just puttering around town, it will probably be fine, but if you want the car to be fun at all, get a manual if you still can.

[SpeedmanRC]

I"m sure the Subaru CVT has a TC. you still need something there to have the ability to stop with it in gear. The Nissan CVT has one. and they are being backed by Nissan for 100,000 miles. that's how much "pride" you can say that Nissan has. I work at a Nissan dealer.

Has anyone seen what warranty Subaru is saying? I love the Altima's with the CVT, so much better then the auto's. where you have the gas is where it has the optimal go, and if you just touch and leave it. it stays there till it's maxed it ratio.