2013 2.5i 6 speed manual transmission experience thread

[ruso turisto]

Thanks again for the info!


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[Hudsoner]

I have a 2013 Outback with a manual transmission. It does pretty well. the only complaint I have with the MT is that changing into second and third gear is a little rough (my other manual from Audi does it way smoother). I have 4000 miles on the clock now, and how that the transmission gets a little smoother over time.

I live in north west Wisconsin, and considering the experience with my 2033 Outback, I assume it will do just fine in winter conditions.

I can recommend the 2.5 1 Outback with manual transmission.

[ruso turisto]

Originally Posted by Hudsoner

I have a 2013 Outback with a manual transmission. It does pretty well. the only complaint I have with the MT is that changing into second and third gear is a little rough (my other manual from Audi does it way smoother). I have 4000 miles on the clock now, and how that the transmission gets a little smoother over time.

I live in north west Wisconsin, and considering the experience with my 2033 Outback, I assume it will do just fine in winter conditions.

I can recommend the 2.5 1 Outback with manual transmission.

How useful is the 6th gear on the highway?? Does it have any ground at 75mph or is just for flat sections of the road? Thanks for your experience


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[Hudsoner]

Originally Posted by ruso turisto

How useful is the 6th gear on the highway?? Does it have any ground at 75mph or is just for flat sections of the road? Thanks for your experience


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It is kind like a "overdrive". But this is not much different in two other cars I have with six speeds.

You still can gain speed with it, but it is not like one of the lower gears.

[wutbürger]

I suppose you're likely getting into an Outback for more than fuel efficiency..but if for some reason you're solely looking at fuel efficiency, I suggest you take a long, hard look at how long it will take you to break-even on your depreciation, additionally financing if applicable, etc. Eating thousands in depreciation plus new financing costs typically figure in the thousands, something not typically made up for years, even decades depending on your mileage

Having driving 12/13 back to back with both CVT and manual, the manual felt no different to me while the CVTs were vastly different (with my preference for the 2012 and prior CVTs as they seem smoother). Best of luck in your search!

[DerekH]

I have a 2010 with the 6 spd.

I hated the spongy manual when I test drove it, so I had the short-throw shifter worked into the purchase order. I think it was the first one in Canada... they said it couldn't be done, but I pointed to the US brochure with the same part number as the Legacy.

Round trip from Kelowna to the coast, my best average is 8.6L/100km.

With the steep rear end gearing, the tranny is actually a triple overdrive (4,5 & 6). I eventually get it down to 3rd gear climbing the Coquihalla summit, but it'll still pull about 90km/h.

Definitely test drive the ACTUAL car you intend to purchase (ON THE HIGHWAY) before you sign anything. I've had the shakes since day one. Dealer said they'd fix it, but I've moved and Subaru Canada says it's up to the Regional Manager, who refuses to fix it.

Honestly, if I was told I couldn't drive this car over 110km/h, I NEVER would have bought it. I still plan to go to CAMVAP when I find the time.

I love the car, but the shakes are a serious problem and Subaru Canada is not standing behind their product. I doubt I'd ever buy a first year model or Subaru again.

[ruso turisto]

Originally Posted by DerekH

I have a 2010 with the 6 spd.

I hated the spongy manual when I test drove it, so I had the short-throw shifter worked into the purchase order. I think it was the first one in Canada... they said it couldn't be done, but I pointed to the US brochure with the same part number as the Legacy.

Round trip from Kelowna to the coast, my best average is 8.6L/100km.

With the steep rear end gearing, the tranny is actually a triple overdrive (4,5 & 6). I eventually get it down to 3rd gear climbing the Coquihalla summit, but it'll still pull about 90km/h.

Definitely test drive the ACTUAL car you intend to purchase (ON THE HIGHWAY) before you sign anything. I've had the shakes since day one. Dealer said they'd fix it, but I've moved and Subaru Canada says it's up to the Regional Manager, who refuses to fix it.

Honestly, if I was told I couldn't drive this car over 110km/h, I NEVER would have bought it. I still plan to go to CAMVAP when I find the time.

I love the car, but the shakes are a serious problem and Subaru Canada is not standing behind their product. I doubt I'd ever buy a first year model or Subaru again.

I know exactly which summit you are talking about, I go at least once year from Calgary to the island, never had to donwshift in TDI from 5th, current truck downshift 6 to 5th was more than enough, but it's a v6. But downshifting to third is civic territory, very interesting observation. Is anyone experiencing steering wheel vibrations at high speeds on the 2013s???


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[DerekH]

I posted the ratios in this old thread:
http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/...0&pagenumber=2

2010 Gear Ratios (6MT) - Manual
First Gear 3.454
Second Gear 1.947
Third Gear 1.296
Fourth Gear 0.972
Fifth Gear 0.825
Sixth Gear 0.695
Reverse Gear 3.636
Final Drive Ratio 4.444

The H4 needs the gearing for torque multiplication. It would probably climb the Coquihalla in 4th gear at 70-80 kph... but it's more fun to gear down and pass everyone (and most of them probably have more power)!

One other point, if you plan to tow anything, the H4 is rated at 2700lbs. The H6 is rated at 3000lbs, but that's restricted to a measly 1500lbs with long grades at high temperatures. They don't have an automatic transmission cooler, you'd have to go aftermarket.

I just ordered a 2100# popup (Jayco 1207) for the spring... I plan to tug it around the valley for a couple of years, then get a better tow vehicle. I like the current Frontier, but yeah, the mileage is as bad as a full-size truck (without the space and power). It'll be interesting to see what becomes available when the 2015 CAFE comes into effect. Maybe I'll go for a new Frontier, Tacoma or Canyon/Colorado. I love the AWD though (mountains in the winter at highway speeds), so the truck would probably be used to tow, and just as a second vehicle around town. In that case, mileage isn't quite as important, so a used full-size truck/SUV might be the way to go for me. Though it would be nice to have something that's relaxing to drive over 110km/h.

[BossMaverick]

I have a 2013 premium with the 6MT. I love it. A few points about it:
-6th gear is like a traditional 5 speed with a very tall overdrive. You can gain speed but not by much. It is nice for long highway/interstate drives.
-The difference between 5th and 6th is about ideal. 5th is still an overdrive but you can still go up hills with it. My daily drive consists of a 6% grade at 70 mph and 5th gear is perfect (unless I need to pass, then 4th gear will get the job done).
-The 2.5 runs out of steam at above 10,000 feet in elevation but it still gets the job done.
-1st gear is a little tall for going over obstacles but it still can be done. 1st gear isn't as tall as what some may make it seem.
-Starting on steep hills is easy, especially when you have the hill holder on.
-The clutch needs at least 1,000 miles before it starts feeling good. I have ~4,000 miles on my car and my clutch is feeling even better. The friction zone is very easy to find now.
-The shifter has been improved for 2013 for shorter shifts so the complaints from the 2010-2010 6MT owners about truck-like shifters do not apply. 6th gear is the only gear that feels out of place now but it still isn't bad.
-The 6MT can owners will be very happy with their choice if/when the CVT's starts to have issues.

Again, I'm personally VERY happy with my decision with the 6MT. My wife would've preferred the CVT but she still puts up with the manual. I think she has only stalled it once so far and she drives it everyday.

[Gibe54]

I had Legacy with CVT for 2 years (30k miles) but now I'm driving Outback 6MT.

Since I liked very much the smoothness of the CVT, the complexity and general behaviors of the CVT's electronics scared me for a long term use. So I choose a Manual tranny for the new Outback. More, I prefer getting the 50/50 split power AWD than the FWD bias of the CVT transmission.

I was accustomed with legendary VW's manual transmissions, so I find that the Subaru MT is a unsophisticated device. As the weather is becoming cold in november, shifting is getting more and more stiff, espacially to shift in the second gear. Very "trucky" feeling ! Subaru could do better !