[RM7]

Originally Posted by Equilibrandt

Sticking to the realm of autos, which limits me to a GT or GT500

A "monster torque down low" SS 1LE is a great car to learn manual in. Hell, you don't really need to manual much with rev-match and no-lift-shifting, but for basic working-the-clutch, having around 300lb at 1000rpm makes it real easy to get the hang of it, vs. low power cars that require a lot of gas and finesse to get in gear and get rolling. You can also get an SS 1LE as a 10spd auto now...unfortunately IMO. It was manual-only for several years, but they finally caved in. The 10spd is supposed to be pretty good, but I bought the SS 1LE as one of the last great manual cars. Living up to the hype, I won my class last year in autoX and autoX is definitely not the best thing the car does, it simply doesn't suck at it because the chassis is very good with adequate tires. Mustang has finally gotten to equal performance with their track models, it's taken years (excluding the GT350s, which are much more expensive anyway), as their PP1 and PP2 packages were just not serious in the same way, but the mach1 or whatever is the real deal and should not be overlooked.

[Josh-PA]

sadly, they made e36 m3s in autos. That would be a solid track toy for cheap(ish)

[Piper1]

OP might have physical issues as to why not a manual. My dads got neuropathy and has no feeling in his feet anymore and has custom hand controls to still be able to drive. The doctor said it was either that or turn in his keys. So it might not be lack of wanting but more physically can’t. I’ve got a good friend too that lost half his right arm to cancer. Always in good spirits he’ll tell you he’s got a mean right hook.

[RM7]

Originally Posted by Piper1

OP might have physical issues as to why not a manual. My dads got neuropathy and has no feeling in his feet anymore and has custom hand controls to still be able to drive. The doctor said it was either that or turn in his keys. So it might not be lack of wanting but more physically can’t. I’ve got a good friend too that lost half his right arm to cancer. Always in good spirits he’ll tell you he’s got a mean right hook.

Totally get that, I’ve had ankle and knee surgery and wouldn’t have been able to get about without my auto car during those periods.

[SenorFunkyPants]

A 911 with PDK is a fun car if its in your price range.

[RM7]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

A 911 with PDK is a fun car if its in your price range.

This is what I'd recommend...or any car that has a good DCT, in the sense that certain vehicles and transmissions go together.

Porsche and PDK goes together, it's faster, it's magic. There are purists that say you have to get a manual "everything", but IMO certain cars are better matched to certain transmissions.

An old WRX or STi? Their 5 and 6 speed manuals, no question. Subaru was doing a 4EAT not that long ago on WRXs and FXTs that was horrible, as in, you were an idiot for buying the car with that transmission. Some of the CVTs are the same...but again, you can't categorize a transmission/car combo, it just really depends on the car and trans and if it is a good match.

The ZF 8 speeds are excellent...in some cars, including ones I owned. When tuned right, they are magic, super predicable, they seem to know what to do, they don't let the speed wander/run away, they downshift, etc. But in a cheap Chrysler, it was hunting for gears and clunky.

So I don't really think there is any rule here, it's just a matter of whether the type of auto trans really meshes with the car or whether it was more of a "well, we have to offer an auto too"-thought.

[Alfisti]

You know what might hustle? The old X1 with the 300hp T6, drop the ride height, stiffen her up a bit, i reakon it'd clap along.

[The__J__Factor]

Evo X with SST. Handling, looks, dual clutch gear box, tons of parts. Really great cars.

Not a lot of dual clutch cars out there for reasonable prices, maybe golf r, s3, 135i (n55). But all less capable than an evo.

Couldn't do auto especially the older 5/6 speed autos.

[nicholasn]

If physical limitations means it has to be an auto, then you should really get something with a DCT. Early 2000s Tiptronics suck really bad, haven't driven one in a 911 but have driven other VAG products with Tiptronics and they were terrible. Especially by today's standards. DCTs will outperform manuals and aren't frustratingly slow like Tip cars are.

Automatic Miatas, BRZs, etc, are noticeably slower than manuals from what I have seen. I would strongly recommend a manual especially for a track car.