We have two automatic 944s and they're great! The 944 I had before my manual was also an autobox and that had about 300,000 on the clock - was still going strong till a drunk driver ploughed into it. Never , ever had trouble with their boxes and the kickdown is pretty damn quick too. I'd get around 30 mpg - town and motorway (enthusiastic) use. Of course, our gallons are bigger than your gallons (for some reason).
When you're paying $10 / gallon like we are over in the UK I'll feel some measure of pity for your concern re mpg!
