harry7 your fact is agreable. Age is a factor and ready or not.

My personal opinion, when I got my first car, I just want to feel total in control. Am not saying that we are not in control when we have auto. Of course during the first few rounds driving, I got lil clumsy and as if someone is just out there watching every move I made. After awhile, I got the hang of it. Its just the feeling of it. Being able to decide and navigate and the feeling of the gears in my palm, the feeling of stirring and so on and so form. Its like .. in fact it is, the feeling of life in my hands.
Nonetheless, I am prepared in say about 5 years time or so, I will have auto and WILL enjoy driving in a different manner. Maybe I will have set back of used to driving manual. When and if I experience those.. bone defective as I grow older, let say in ....50 years time, perhaps....just perhaps by then, someone will be driving for me...my boyfriend...or my hubby...or my son or daughter.
Anyway, its just my personal opinion. Whatever the choice is, am sure we will have fun.