[Rickman]

Hi guys, I just signed up to get some user opinions.

I'm currently driving an '03.5 Mazdaspeed Protege (traded from a p5). I am more of a "handling" guy than a "power" guy. I'm all about the lateral G's. I come from a MKI Toyota MR2 background, and currently still have an '87 that's being rebuilt.

The MSP is great, and handles really good as well. But there's something about it that's just not ME.

I was out and about earlier today and saw a really nice black ti on the road, and it was so nice looking. Something about "ugly" euro wagons gets me every time. I think I love the VW corrado because it looks sorta like a ti.

There are no 318ti's in my area that have less than 60-75k miles on them. But they range from $5-9k depending on the year, condition etc.

I want a nice low maintenance car that gets fairly decent mileage will possibly get my monthly car payments down a bit.

Most of the 318ti's for sale in my area are automatics. How is the tranny? Will I miss shifting if I get an auto? I'm reading around here as well, but is there anything else I should look out for?

Thanks in advance guys (& gals if there are any here)

-rick