I'm a really big fan of good gas mileage. The CVT's deliver on that issue. If you like spending lots of money at gas stations, I would not buy one. We have a 2015 Nissan Altima and the fuel mileage and acceleration with the CVT are excellent.
There's no question that on a technical basis, CVTs are a great advancement in automotive technology. And if fuel mileage is your major concern, they're great. But...
I'm an enthusiast. I love to drive (and to ride my motorcycle). Cars are not appliances to me; they are an important part of my life (just as firearms are). My primary consideration when shopping for a new car is: Is it fun to drive? If it doesn't make me smile when I'm hustling down a curvy mountain road, I won't own it.
Because of that, I cannot stand automatic transmissions, no matter how good they are. Every time I drive one (in a rental car, for example) I feel disconnected from the drivetrain, not really in total control of the vehicle.
My current car is a 2013 VW Golf R. All-wheel-drive, turbocharged, 256 horsepower, 6-speed transmission, runs like a scalded cat...I love it! It burns premium fuel, and if I baby it I can average 26 miles per gallon over a tankful. (If I don't baby it, I'll average about 22 to 23.)
Not everyone likes to drive...I understand that. And for some folks who have very long commutes, gas mileage has to take precedence over driving fun...I get that too. But for those of us who really have a passion for motoring, a CVT just won't cut it.
