Hmm, I rarely shift below 3K - hehe . . . just can't do it. I average 15-18, so I don't think I'm doing too bad - on the highway I tend to stay at 65 or under, and I think that's the main difference.

As for rock crawling, if I was still in the southwest, I would have a set of the calmini gears. Problem negated

I love my 5 speed, but with the new 5 speed auto and the extra power on the '05, if I upgrade to the newer X it will be a tough decision... I still will probably go for the 6 speed tho. If I need a commuter, I'll just get a car THe X is my fun vehicle...