The instructions I gave Frank for the search for my new car stated a stick was highly preferred, but that I realized the other parameters would be hard enough to meet and I know wagons with sticks are very few and far between.

Unfortunately, the car he found does have an automatic, but it shifts more in tune with my needs than the Escort did. It has a little rocker switch marked "performance" that sets the transmission to shift at a higher RPM point, but I haven't felt the need to use it yet.

Frank told me "This car will look and drive like brand new", and he delivered. It's entirely flawless except for a missing hook for the cargo space curtain which will be replaced soon. The $5000 target (including all taxes, licenses and fees) was met. Not as good as the Escort for my work (less storage space), but for dealing with women this car is a gem.

Yup, with used cars, you do, unfortunately, have to accept some compromises.