To bring this somewhat back on track, (YES, I'm still Alive.) I still have my 12LGT. it just got a new shortblock 3,600 ago. Subaru covered it because i kept nagging and records of when the car was at about 40k. I'm at about 92k now with a new motor. I've been considering replacing my LGT for either a Grand Cherokee Limited or an Infiniti Q50 Sport or Red Sport. another subaru wasn't in contention until i heard of the new Legacy Turbo. We just got a new Ascent for the wife 2 weeks ago and the 2.4 motor is fairly strong. The CVT, i'm not sure i'll ever love it even if it gets better. 8 of my last 9 cars were manual. Now, i know the same engine on the Ascent will feel even stronger and lighter, with better economy, but still, mixed feelings on going to that. Even when i rented a JGC for a few weeks (my car was hit by some young asshat in a nissan truck) i was still reaching for the clutch. i've caught myself doing the same in the Ascent. (yes, i know the Q50 is also Auto) I'm keeping mine until i can make a decision to bite the bullet.