though having a bit of a shake up at the moment.. focus is going for a 2.0TDCi titanium focus (6 speed) and i am probably buying a toyota supra mkiii soon..
would never even consider an auto.. awful things..
I think everyone should learn how to drive a manual car, it takes some skill to learn how to do it properly. Like doing hill starts and heel/toe footwork. It's good for you to learn in case you ever have to drive one some day.
I drive an Automatic truck atm, However I am fully capable of driving a manual. The good old days I miss with the old manual muscle car...Manuals certainly are fun.
I drive a manual '84 Camaro Z-28. It adds to the fun of cruising around town, but I'd get sick of it if my daily driver ('03 Saab 9-5 2.3t) was a manual. I find it harder to concentrate on my driving with a manual.