[4valve 4tw?]

Machy uno hit the nail on the head. Why lightening over Mach? What's the Mach lacking(automatic part you've made clear but that's null and void since they're auto Mach's) that the lightening has in spades, or only slightly. The other thing few do is what are you REALLY giving up by switching to a lightening... besides mpg lol. You're giving up handling but are you really ok with that? Do you favor the lightening's looks that much more then a Mach's? As he said, you switch to a lightening cause its new, will you be missing the Mach in 6 months?

And if you do want something larger with an auto, don't automatically count out the trailblazer/Silverado SS. Available in rwd or awd for that added little confidence if you want. I'd suggest the srt8 jeep as well, but you're shelling out $25k for one that's in meh condition with those. I've seen them as high as high 40k for ones with 10,000 miles or less.