If it were me, and I were coming from the RX8, I'd look at a Mini Cooper S Clubman. It comes in automatic. It's a blast to drive (though less so in an automatic). It theoretically has four doors. :D: It's a blast to drive. Given your requirements, I think the S Clubman is definitely something you should look at.

http://www.carphotos.org/wp-content/...er_clubman.jpg

https://www.edmunds.com/media/review...lubman.500.jpg

Evo X.

How so?

When I test drove a regular Mini Cooper S, the manual gearbox wasn't all that great, and the clutch pedal had almost no feel of engagement point.

Obviously, I've never driven the auto-equipped Cooper S, so obviously I don't know which transmission is the best for the car.

But not every car has a superior manual transmission over their auto counterparts.

Of course there are the people that has the need for stick for every vehicles they drive.

I don't "drive" my 6 speed MT in the 8, I "enjoy" it.

Even magazine editors sometimes prefer auto transmission over the manual on some cars because it is superior.

Forgot to add... With two kids I need something midsize, like 5-series or A6 type. And obviously, four doors.

Wow, that is really gay.

Ever driven one?

Trade ya for an 07 Mazda 6i auto

The Lancer Ralliart is $27K brand new, only comes in AT w/ paddle shifters and a detuned Evo X drivetrain. I've heard its a low 14 sec 1/4 mi. and handles well. It's suspension is similar to the Lancer GTS so its not super stiff but still sporty.

Yes, on an autox course actually and it was great. But an automatic wagon version is just lame IMO.

:)

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/9...achmentsr5.jpg

Drive the new Mazda 6 GT. Super nice sedan.

Is this your car or your wifes car? Sounds like its going to be your car so if your wife is going to drive it she better learn how to drive a manual. Sorry dude, buying an auto for this reason violates man law on so many levels.

Actually it's going to be wife's car. I could keep the 8 as well, but I would barely get to drive it. OTOH, if I were to drive it, I want it to be fun. I've been thinking about A6 but yet not so sure about it.

Whats wrong with her car?

Replace her car.

Edit: Stay away from Toyota
My friends wife had the car accerate automatically about two years ago and totaled the car. The insurance company laughed at her. saying driving error.

why? I have 2 kids(under 2 and 5) and me the wife and kids do the grocery shopping in the 8.

but you shoudl seriously go drive the Mazda 6 gt. or get the bmw

the mini clubman has LESS room than the 8.

Soul + auto + 4dr...I'd say only the rx8 IMO. Fast + auto + 4dr...many of those have been suggested.

If price were no option; maybe a Panamera or a Quattroporte. That's it for soul - a M5 is an amazing car for sure, but more of an appliance than a car that speaks to you - though a sub-zero appliance. A 300C SRT8 comes close, all american muscle and attitude, but still not quite.

Soul in a machine is hard for most people to define, but those that get it, do.

Well really, the automatic wagon version of anything is lame. :D:

The manual Clubman S is a lot of fun. Not as much fun as the regular S, but pretty close.

Really? Automatic wagon versions of anything are lame? Audi S4 Avant.

get a 335i. I picked one up in exchange for the wifey's FX35. A used one would be ideal but make sure you get an extended warranty. These cars can be made extremely fast, you'll be at a level RX8's can only dream about. Invest only 2-3k in mods and you can keep up with GTR's (almost!) at the 1/4 drag strip. Don't believe me? check out dragtimes

http://www.dragtimes.com/results.php...arch+DragTimes

Dodge Charger
Anything with a V8 in it is fun to drive as an Auto. Just take it to a tunner and get the shifts firmed up, and lower the TQ management level.

Keep the 8. Get her an Altima.

And why don't you just help your wife to learn driving with a stick drive and keep the 8, the money, and the fun.

new nissan maxima MMMMMMMMM prbly more than ur budget though

Compared to a manual S4 Avant or a manual (or auto) S4 sedan - yes.

Of course not all automatic wagons are lame. Notice the joking smiley at the end? The S4 Avant and Magnum Hemi are two nice wagons in automatic, as is the V70R. I'd still rather have a manual though.

To the OP: can you explain why it is you have to get rid of the 8? I've got two kids and the 8 works great for us. :dunno:

I could keep the 8, but we would need to get another car. The wife isn't interested in learning to drive a stick, and the 8 has no room if you want to take kids out with bicycles, skiing gear or what not. So, a second car is an option, but the budget would be limited to 20K tops, besides the expense of insurance & maintenance on two cars. Alternatively, if I sell Rx8 for around 10K, I could put this money towards a better family car. By "better" I mean high-performance, good-handling vehicle. I believe there's a lot of great new or used cars there that 30K would buy, but I haven't experienced any beyond a quick test drive.