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Hi, I'm looking for a nice looking, practical vehicle (good boot room/reliable/under $10k) so started looking at Legacy/Avensis/Altenza/Caldina wagons based on the Q's on this forum. We viewed and paid for an AA report on a Subaru Legacy 2.0R 2001 (70ks, $10k. tiptronic) in nice condition. However, a mechanic has since advised he would stay away from tiptronic as they are more costly to repair. Would you agree? Is this just with the Legacy or all tiptronic vehicles?

Any alternative good value-for-money recommendations in this category would be appreciated!

Thanks,

A

Many people seem to get confused with the terminology when it comes to automatic transmissions.
Tiptronic is merely a feature of most modern automatic transmissions that allows you to shift gears manually if you wish. The reality, is that a vast majority of people will never use the feature. I wouldn't be put off by a tiptronic transmission (as it applies to almost all modern automatics).
I think your friend may be confused with CVT transmissions. Earlier model cars with CVTs were problematic and very expensive to repair, although the technology has evolved in the last 3-4 years, and nearly all Japanese manufacturers have adopted the latest geraration of CVTs. However, I wouldn't advise buying a 10 year old car with a CVT, but the Legacy of that era didn't have a CVT.