Hey im looking to build a perfect road race/cross country racer. I have major knee problems which limits my cars to an Auto tranny. Im looking for either a brand spanking new or newer (99 Being the latest). Put my price limit to about 30,000 bux. Any and all feed back is welcome thanxx.  

ok lets see, that is kinda hard, truthfully there is only one good auto tranny in this world. i have talked to many trans guys and even the best trans guy in the whole east cost is located where i live. and so far they all agree that the best is the honda auto transmission. now if you want a road race car i would think maybe out the tsx, there is one right now that is racing professionally, from real time and its leading the pack check it out here http://www.realtimerl.com/  

almost any transmission can become the best, with a good transmission shop...  

you mean 30,000 is the limit for buying the car? I would consider a used audi TT with DSG.. you can get one around that price. You could also try a late model MR2 spyder with their paddle shifted transmission.

Honestly though.. if you can use the clutch a few times.. I would just learn to drive without it. It only takes practice to learn when and where you can up and down shift without the clutch.  

I'll agree with half of your post, madmachine.  

You dont necessarilly need a clutch to shift a manual box.  SCC ran an issue with Dave talking about shifting (April, 05).  He talks about the "O'Neill shift", patented by driving instructor and racer Tim O'Neill.  I can send you the article, if youd like.

Where I disagree is your choice of cars.  The MR2, even with suspension upgrades, wont cut it.  And TTs are just WAY too heavy  

not really some transmission are so flawed from the orignal design that there is nothing you can do to fix them.  

i for got something, he can get straight cut gears for the car, that way you will not need the clutch at all, they are loud and rough but you never have to touch the clutch.  

That sounds cool as hell.  Ive never heard of that before.  (oneil shift and straight cut gears).  Can you guys send me a link for info on em.  

What about a an Evo VII?  Or an older WRX?  

What about a Volkswagen Passat turbo, awd, with the tiptronic transmission. They also sell a fwd version. You could probly find a good one from 2001 or so for around 10,000 to 15,000, but in 2001 i'm not sure if they had awd.  

here is some info on honda ones http://www.quaifeamerica.com/gears/hondab16dog.htm and here is the ones you can get from quaife, from audi to volvo. http://www.quaifeamerica.com/gears/gears.htm  

Thanx for all the feed back, im looking mostly for comfort and speed for cross country, i was figuring something like an A4 or something of that nature. In the end the car wont be 100% stripped for speed. Might help you narrow down. And as far as the no clutch shifting, I know this is gonna sound stupid but ill past id rather stick with the auto. Another question is other then the Rabit do any cars come AWD auto? Not including a wagon such as outback. I had a 01 Galant on my list also.  

so you made fun of Cking's wing, but you can't drive a stick?  

Id recommend most any VW/Audi with 4Motion and any combo of the VR6, 2.0T or 1.8T. They are good, up to date, and have proven engines. Be advised however, that more recent models from the past 3 model years have been plagued with electronic problems, which has ulitmately hurt VW's rep. This coming from actual owners, not just hearsay.

I believe that some Subaru WRX's came auto too, and I now we have our own likes, but I think you are limitingyourself if you don't consider Suby.

With that said, also consider the WRX and the Mitsubishi EVO. Can we say "rally heritage"?

Are you pretty much sold on AWD?  

I would not say o'Neil patented that shift.. anybody who has owned a non-syncro trans sports car would know how to do that manuever.

Rather than straight cut gears.. ever consider a "Dog box"?  

i dog box and stright cut gears form what i know are the same thing.