Get a manual transmission. Generally the reliability of a manual vs an auto tranny is 10:1. My 96 mystique has over 268 000 km (167 000 miles) and has never had any sort of powertrain problem. Actually I can't think of one benefit to an auto transmission besides the lazzyness factor.
My Cars
1999 Silver Frost SVT - 80,000km #2603/2760 Aug. 10, 1999.
1996 Mercury Mystique LS V6 MTX - retired @ 323,151km.
1995 Ford Contour V6 MTX-sold @ 214,000km
