Back in the day, I consider A/T a LUXURY but with the worsening traffic condition, it's now a NECESSITY. Both my Trooper and MB 240D are A/T. I would not mind owning a M/T if it'll just be an alternate (coding) car or Sunday car.

I have not back read the thread but I would assume a forumer (such as Muscat) have already posted that an A/T requires regular maintenance (change tranny fluid and filter) for a transmission overhaul would extremely be expensive.