I LOVE driving my T5(M). I feel much more in control. I haven't met a manu-matic I liked yet (haven't driven the new volvo one yet, and have heard good things about it though). I've driven the Acura and Audi's to name a few. They all tend to second guess me. I HATE that.

Nope, to me, driving and I mean really driving, requires a stick. That's not to say I don't get tired of it on the LIE occasionally (I don't commute on that road thankfully). And that's not to say that I don't prefer taking my wife's Benz into Manhattan over my T5(M). But during my 1,000 mile trip in the mountains of VT, or even durng my 7.5 mile back road commute, I LOVE rowing my own gears. Otherwise, I feel like I'm along for the ride!!!

As for spousal concessions, mine doesn't even drive a stick. She was against my getting this one. But I got it used and got a GREAT deal on it (apparently there are others out there with my wife's point of view too!).

I'm happy. VERY HAPPY!!!

Oh, and it's a VERY solid feeling and shifting tranny. Clutch feels stong. I haven't heard of anyone having problems from weak clutches but HAVE heard of some automatics not being able to cope with the HP once it's been bumped up over stock.

Buy what you want. I did ;~)