I've no experience with the GM 5 speed... but I guess you should ask yourself 'how long are you going to keep the car' ?

If it's for the longer term, I would suggest buying an 04 + model.

__________________
2006 E53 Kalahari Beige, X5 3.0d Sport [sold] | MY13 Audi A1 Ambition | 2004 911 GT3| W124 Estate