It sounds like you want a stick shift - and you should get a stick shift. The V70 would be a great car - very reliable and easy to work on - in base form. Overseas delivery could work but you can also special order one from any dealer with about a 3 month lead time. In this case you at least get the rebate - whatever is in effect at the time of delivery. It's a bit of a gamble but rebates have been substantial of late and you're very likely to beat the euro delivery price by a bunch with less hassle. I've had two S60 with the same drive train - they're bulletproof. It's invaribly gadgets and trinkets that fail - just don't order any (I consider AT a gadget). Gas mileage has been excellent - 27 city and 34 highway - 20 percent better than the EPA rating. Just more car than the Mazda.