I have a 3.0 manual, and have driven both.

If you live in a large city I would go the auto, as first is quite low and you would be changing gears alot in stop/star driving. I live in a city that got 90 000 so it's OK for me. If you are a 'driver' then definately go for the manual as I feel it is a far more rewarding drive.

If you go the manual definately get the clutch damper removed (easy) job.

I'm getting 26 mpg on the highway in my manual, with an average of 20mpg


Cheers Matt