Yeah I was considering going one way or the other. My Impreza (92x) wasn't bad at all, but was slow. So choice A) get something that's REALLY efficient and boring or B) get what I wanted that's acceptable

Auto isn't so bad . . I honestly don't think I'd be able to react quick enough to make a manual worth my time. Launching would be more fun with manual though. My primary reason for selecting a manual is for tossing the car around on back roads, but I just don't get the feeling that I wanna do that in such a heavy car. I can't imagine WANTING to do that. It handles well though.

I've been using 92 or 93 oct premium. I've read that some people have used nothing but 87 for the life of the car with no issues. The label does say "premium RECOMMENDED for maximum performance" - not required. My 97 240sx had the same label. I never used premium. I'll use premium just in case... It's a few bucks more per tank, but...

 

Haha this car is 100X more fun then my last manual car (02 Jetta Wagon Vr6 5spd). That car was fun but this car is on a whole different level!

For the 3-6 bucks extra a tank it costs, I would much rather do that then know I didn't and for something to go wrong.

 

City driving with a manual isn't all that bad. I DD mine in NYC rush hour traffic with a stiff clutch and its livable; I do wish it was a Automatic sometimes....

Congrats on the car, OB is a great color, just have to take care of it.

 

I'm of this opinion as well. I don't think driving in traffic with a manual is any worse than an auto. You either have to press the brake, or the clutch. My left ankle will probably atrophy and rot away now.