Originally Posted by pelked1

Here is another opinion for ya: Automatics in any car are B-O-R-I-N-G. (The new SLK350's 7-speed auto might be the only exception; anybody drive one yet?)

Do you want to be bored?

With the 6-speed, I can personally guarantee you, you will never be able to completely relax planning the next gear shift. Because it has 6-speeds, you are constantly shifting. People like me LOVE that part of the manual experience. It is that exact experience, though, that also turns a lot of people off. They just want to relax and cruise with an auto. That really is the bottom line. The manual can wear you out at times.

Are you into constantly spirited and motivated driving? Get the manual.
Are you into just relaxing and cruising? Get the auto.