Sorry I disagree.. I had zero maintenance on my 2008 Nissan Sentra and my 2016 Subaru Legacy same thing..
http://www.manchestersubaru.com/cvt-transmission.htm
I have never had a transmission repaired other than my F150 and that was electrical from a wiring harness that got too close to the exhaust manifold.. I do drive fairly fast but I don't hammer the transmission.. I have been driving for over 40 years..
I know what a CVT is.. They have been around forever.. On industrial machines we had them 25 years ago.. So far I like Subaru's version much better than Nissan's version..
From owners manual for my 2106 Subaru Legacy.. 08 Sentra same thing.. I am well aware of the special fluid however I have never needed any so I don't know what it costs..
Ray
No maintenance on CVT's.. Traded in an 08 Sentra I bought new with 160,000 miles and CVT needed nothing.. CVT is more efficient and will help with the 84MPG goal..
Don't be so sure on this.. Consider what Subaru did with their CVT with virtual gears and manual mode with paddle shifters.. Great economy and manual if you choose to use it all in one convenient easy to use package.. To achieve 84 MPG I feel CVT is the way to go and manual mode with paddle...
My 2016 Subaru Legacy has CVT but shifts like a regular automatic with 6 virtual gears and also has a manual mode with paddle shifters.. Works well so far and the economy is great.. I average 32-33 MPG with full time AWD in a mid-size car with a 2.5 liter engine which in my opinion is excellent...
Yes very impressive safety.. Many airbags in a Subaru plus engine tends to go under car in head on and not into passenger compartment.. While the Elio is safer than a motorcycle there is no way it's nearly as safe as a Subaru.. Not to mention the Legacy weighs 3,500.00 lbs.. That link I posted...
First one for me too.. This car has the highest possible safety rating from the institute for highway safety with the EyeSight package.. That was a factor plus built in Indiana..There were many pluses for me beyond that.. Subaru is big on safety..
Wife felt Elio would be a death trap and in some ways it could be.. Really wanted an AWD drive and like it so far.. Gives a decent ride too.. Adaptive cruise control is really cool!