[pwd72s]

A few years back, popped a tendon in my left foot. Now walk with a slappy foot. Uncomfortable and goofy, but I can still deal with it for the most part. Pretty obvious that my 100 yard dash days passed some years ago anyway.

What REALLY bugs me is that I can't do the clutch work I used to. No more heel and toe, I have to try to stab at the clutch with leg muscles only, ankle not involved, difficult to hold the foot at the right angle. This a real esteem blow. Hell, since my first car, I've always had a manual transmission. I learned to drive manual in no synchro machines...a WWII surplus jeep, a 1950 F-1 pickup.

This is NOT a for sale ad. Strange as it sounds to those here, I already have willing buyers for my 30,000 miles old '09 Mustang Bullitt lined up. I've been net researching the new Mustang GT premium with performance pak one and the new 10 speed automatic with paddle shifters. Love the mechanicals, 460 horsepower, independent suspension, brembo brakes, torsen rear end, etc...HATE the electronics and the star trek dash. Ford knows it's demographics...the younger guys in their 30's seem to love this stuff.

So, the dash is enough of a turn off for me, Mustang is sliding off the list. I guess my question to the group is for what else to look at? $50K or less, decent performance, auto trans, and hopefully not having to learn how to operate a star trek dashboard to drive. My searching seems to reveal that all the makers love this stuff...probably because it sells.

Sigh...maybe it's time to put a wooden stake through the heart of my inner car guy, and buy a luxobarge Buick? Gawd! Just shoot me now...