Hello Peter:

Well based on that it sounds like an Amazon might be the ticket. Our feelings on Honda sound remarkably similar as well.

I was thinking back on what you said about your wife's concern with driving in general and I thought about something that might be worth considering. Obviously one of the nifty side effects of driving stick is a higher involvement in the driving process. In my case, I feel more aware of what is going on around me when I drive stick vs. an automatic. I also feel more in control and I also believe I am a more careful driver.

I am not an automotive psychologist but I think that teaching your wife to drive stick might be beneficial to her. Since the car is just a putt-around she could drive it at her leisure and get more comfortable. You might even consider getting a Japanese beater for $500.00 and teach her on that before moving up to the Amazon.

Cheers,

Jeff Pucillo