My last 3 cars, all daily drivers, have been manual. It's really not a big issue to continually operate a clutch in traffic IMO, and you at least have the option to have some fun when the roads open up. Add in the fact that you'll be getting better mileage in a manual than in an automatic, and I think it's a no-brainer. I don't know if I'll ever own another automatic car again.

 

Daily driver + heavy traffic, means you should buy an Automatic.
Not that long ago, I had two Mustang GT's - a 1987 GT (Manual) and a 2001 GT (Automatic). I purposely bought the automatic because I was tired of shifting. But, I still had the manual Mustang if I had the urge to hot rod. My next Mustang(2010 or 2011) will be a weekend driver, and its going to be a Manual.

 

add to auto advantage: You won't spill your gin and tonic

 

Flip a coin: Assign heads to auto. and tails to stick. Tell yourself "I have to live with whatever happens in this flip."..after the result....you will know what you really want. Becuase if you are forced to go along with something you dont want, you find out what you really do want. I take this approach to making decisions at least once a week.

 

I think.. if you have to ask the question or if you're on the fence at all, you should go with the manual.

I've seen a handful of threads about people wanting to convert their autos into manuals, but haven't run into anyone who wanted to convert their manual into an auto.

I think going with the manual is the path of least regret. (I say the same thing with the GT vs V6 debate.. one costs more and eats more gas, but if you're on the fence at all, go down the path of least regret. The path of least "what ifs". Warning: this philosophy may be hard on your wallet or left knee. But you probably won't regret it.)

 

Many drag racers swap from manuals to autos. Gives them the edge.

 

I chose an automatic for some of the reasons you've seen stated here: my car's a daily driver and about half of that time is spent in stop & go traffic. It was convenient but felt a little sluggish off the line, and I wondered for a while if I'd made the right choice.
But there was salvation.
For anyone getting an automatic I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND getting an aftermarket tune (Diablosport or SCT or whatever) and a CAI, like I did. Those relatively simple mods made a huge difference. At the very least, you will be able to keep up with (or beat) just about any stock Mustang w/a manual tranny. Plus, you improve the mileage.

Just my .02.

 

Mine has been a daily driver for over 3 years now with a manual trans. Like other people have said, stop and go in traffic it sucks but for just everyday driving its just fine. The only thing i have noticed is that if I do a hard work out at the gym and my legs feel like jello its a pain trying to get home.

 

what if you break your left leg?...

 

Shift with your crutch.

 

 

Heavy traffic 5 out of 7 days---go with the automatic.

There is PLENTY of snap / fun factor in the automatic on these cars. You won't lose anything except cramps in your left leg.

It comes down to personal preference. However the constant shifting in traffic 5 days a week will probably get old, fast.

 

I like manual. Driving becomes a lot more involved, and therefore fun (for me at least).