Avoiding CVT and dual-clutch transmissions

My opinion is that DSG and CVT transmissions haven't yet reached an acceptable level of reliability and durability, and until I'm satisfied that they have I won't be buying one. But as you say that restricts your options. Most car makers today are offering DSG and CVT transmissions as their automatic options instead of traditional automatics, which rules those makes out. The option is a manual gearbox, which is fine for me, but not for everyone. What I would suggest is that you do your research on various makes that are selling DSGs and CVTs and establish what, it any, problems they've had and choose the one that has had the least trouble.