5-speed 2000 SW2 here, also; with about 57,000 miles on it. Never owned a car with an automatic transmission. Won't buy an SLR without DOF preview, either.
Have not been following this post but I think if Pentax were an automobile company it would be a subaru. Useful, well designed, not flashy and every once in a while a real gem comes out of the pack.... I own two subaru wagons. Had a coupe love 'em to death.... Almost as much as my LX's Vic
