More than a decade.

Only one of my cars has ever been an automatic and it was considerably more powerful (3.8L V6) than the others (2L, 2L, 1.8L, 2L). Never had to replace a clutch, except in the last (Porsche 924) and that wasn't from my driving!

Actually until fairly recently, it was fairly difficult to get a good performing automatic box on a small engine. This was not helped by buyers not knowing what to look for. I wouldn't drive an auto on an old Mini and I'd rather not have an auto on a Lancer, but I'd consider an auto on a recent small BMW or VW.

Wade.