I have drove the auto and manual and I would do manual hands down but it also depends on is it a weekender or D.D. if you sit in traffic a lot you might look at the auto. But for weather or winter I would do manual. I put a lot of miles on interstate with my 6spd. Good milage, if the auto gets better milage (which I have my doubts) it would be the only vehicle ever made that the auto gets better mpg than a manual(depending on rear end and trans gear ratios). GL with your search. I love mine just wish there was more options we could do to upgrade. Keep us updatef