Subaru Problems

No, the transmission can be used the way you use it without suffering because it's changed more than it might if it were left in auto mode.

The CX-3 is the best in the baby class and gets The Tick. It’s not great for value and could be a bit small. You should also check the latest Subaru Forester, which is much improved.

You don’t say what makes it hard to get in and out for you, so I’m taking a stab in the dark. There are a couple of possibilities, one being that the doors are too short and don't open wide enough, another is that it’s too low. A move to a mid-size hatch like a Mazda6, Honda Accord or Subaru Liberty would probably address the first, while a high-riding SUV such as a Kia Sportage, Hyundai iX35 or Mitsubishi ASX would help with the second.

The XV is underpowered, as well as having a very dozy CVT. If you are that worried I would definitely suggest a brand swap to something with a regular automatic.

My choice would definitely be the Golf, for comfort and the range and economy on the highway. The XV is all right but not great, with a tiny boot, so the VW gets The Tick.

Your budget limits your choices, but the Liberty is certainly worth considering. You could also look at a Mazda3 MPS, a Honda Accord Euro, or a Mini Cooper.

This is not the first time we've heard of this problem, although the Subaru costs seem high. Company spokesman David Rowley responds: "We will be contacting the customer directly, due to the extenuating circumstances, to try to get a fair and reasonable outcome. We're also evaluating the creation of an emergency kit of these components to lower the customer costs on the rare occasion that such an event occurs."

I've just driven the latest Liberty and Forester and can report Subaru's CVT is vastly better than past versions. The cars are also a step up in quality and refinement. I recommend getting the EyeSight safety package.