^This. Relax and drive it. Any "increased wear" would be negligible if you are maintaining the engine and changing the oil on time. The body panels will rust through before either engine dies.

The CVT was widely reported as being buzzy in its own right and whether you agree or disagree on that point, it is at least evidence that you are not simulating anything by putting it in a lower "gear" or revving it up over 3k. It is different, plain and simple. To say you revved the CVT high on a test drive and it was loud seems like almost a moot point.

I drive on the highway to and from work everyday (60 miles) and I too was concerned about noise and high revs when deciding between the two. Now, after 6 weeks and 4,000 miles, it really is not an issue. I catch myself at 80+mph (around 4k) and don't notice engine buzz over the wind noise and tires, which would be identical in the CVT. I haven't driven the CVT at highway speeds but I have to doubt "quieter" would be my adjective of choice. I did test drive the CVT twice before buying the M/T and found them BOTH to be loud at lower speeds when the wind noise isn't drowning the engine out. The manual is more fun though.

They definitely could/should have made 6th a little longer, but you shouldn't write off the Manual just for that. The red line is at 6,750; why worry that the engine can't handle extended periods between 3k and 4k?

 

If anything, I would assume the manual's engine will outlast the CVT due to the fact that it runs higher rpm. Less carbon build up.


anyone worried really has no reason to be.

 

i just got home from my commute. i thought of this thread, and made sure to pay attention to mph/rpm. i am spinning 3800 rpm @ 80mph.

if you car is spinning 4000 @ 75mph, you will need a clutch....