of course people with automatics don't mind the cupholder. they're arm doesn't have to pop it up every 2 seconds. i broke mine about 3-4 months ago. my story's just like big papa's. i just got in and it wouldn't close, so i tore it out. ever since, i've been loving my car. so much nicer to shift without being stabbed in the arm by overpriced plastic. although, i have a large, crappy gash in the middle of the armrest, it's the best thing that ever happened. i'll eventually replace it with the storage bin. after all, i don't drink in the car anymore. my carpet is almost 50% dr. pepper anyway because of the cupholder. it cut right through paper and styrofoam.