@MikeKStar wrote:
One definite benefit of a manual transmission is its relative durability compared to an automatic. With the exception of the clutch pressure plate and throw-out bearings, a well built manual transmission will last for hundreds of thousands of miles without needing major maintenance or replacement.
My car with manual tranny has almost 300k miles and I've replaced the clutch just twice in 15 years. Compared to other automatic cars I've owned that needed complete rebuilds after 50,000 miles. Quality has improved dramatically but I would still prefer a stick shift over a manual every time.