[jaffazoom]

Thought you were asking a question whether to go auto or manual but you seem dead set on a manual, why?

I swore I would never own an auto and I never wanted Air conditioning even though I use to service them. Now days I refuse to not have aircon and I drive an auto though a spinal injury brought that about even though I can still drive a manual.

The newest of Autos can shift better and get better fuel economy than a manual in some vehicles. An auto turbo diesel doesn't struggle with any low down lag issues either.

Off road I reckon the auto gets the power down smoother as well.

Maybe you should try an auto if you haven't already, then again if you really only want a manual thats fine, just putting it out there. Good luck with what ever you get.