I have driven a V that shifted fine. Could it be that you haven't driven a manual for a while or didn't quite get used to it in the amount of time you had with it? Anyway I'd get the warranty, they're known for blowing out rear ends. Awesome car though, and I don't know what kinds of prices cars are in your neighborhood but if that were in Minneapolis I'd offer 25K and not accept paying any more than 26K. V's are incredible. Actually, I'd offer 23 and see if they came back laughing or not. The worst thing that's going to happen is that they'll say no.