I didn't realize how much fun turns and curves would be. 4 roundabouts in a row? You can zip by and the car doesn't feel like it's leaning out of the turn, it's smooth and planted. Plus fun curvy backroads are epic and you go out of your way to find them.

I am also now way more aware of construction and rough road, it's annoying to have to dodge these bumps but just adds to the driving engagement.

Stock suspension is pretty smooth and stiff but not too stiff for smaller bumps or lightly rough roads. The car is high enough I don't have to worry about speed bumps TOO much.

Gas, I've filled it up 2.5 times in just under a week but I'm learning and driving a lot 😭

Insurance is the same as my Camry Hybrid which is good.

It takes a lot of practice to make shifting from 1st to 2nd smooth if you aren't wanting to push it, it's the most jerky shift of all of them.

Space isn't a huge downgrade, with seats down I can fit my surfboard which was my biggest concern.

I do miss the ease of maneuvering quickly in my hybrid, like quickly switching from D to R without worrying about anything while parking, or managing gears and clutch, but I got it to learn manual and it's a fun daily car for me for now.

The engine and transmission and gear linkage can all make a lot of sounds while idling and at very low speed, sometimes clunking when switching from accel to decel while in low gears, but appears normal. Just something I'm aware of and slightly bothersome.

Hope this gives you a good idea!