ncbill

yeah, the forester premium looks nice but finding one with a manual near me...

Kid wants to learn to drive stick. And move from their long-in-the-tooth 1997 Legacy (200,000 city miles) to something newer. Would like to stick with a crossover or hatchback given the sports equipment they haul around. I'm assuming we're stuck with the base model on a manual lease? Anyone done the above recently? Any other feedback appreciated!

A friend just picked up a automatic 2005 Legacy i to replace his 1997 Legacy GT ($21k out the door) He had a previous (very bad) experience with a turbocharged Subie (XT), so his preference is for normally-aspirated Subies. He was very pleased with the 2005's performance - thought it was much quicker than his 1997 GT. He specifically got the 2005 model instead of the 2006 to avoid the new valve design - doesn't have much confidence in first-year engine re-designs.