I don't need to get even more estimates, in case there's a better deal somewhere? OK then.

Cars with manual transmissions tend to be cheaper than the same model with automatic transmissions. The gear box for the manual transmission tends to last longer than the "slush box" for the automatic transmission. And, depending on how you drive, cars with manual transmissions tend to get better mileage than those with automatic transmissions. So I'm a fan of the stick shift.

The tide is changing on this. The latest generation of automatic transmissions are more fuel efficient in most cases. They also tend to offer more gears, 8 speed autos are coming out on more and more cars, and there is at least one 9 speed automatic now. With the exception of a possible 7 speed from Porsche coming out, manuals tend to end at 6 gears. The cost savings on purchase is going away as well. Since manuals are less in demand they are now an upcharge on some cars, such as the 5 speed on the Titanium trim Focus.

High end performance cars have moved largely away from manuals in favor of dual clutch automatic transmissions. This is the case for BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and the top end Porsche cars.

Jesse I am pretty sure I got no quotes and just bought from one.

Then Progressive it is! I thought they might do the comparison thingie for me, but I guess that's not for renters.

Used to be that manual transmissions were lighter, and that was one reason you got better mileage with them, or so my dad used to say.

I love having a manual transmission, but NSM in heavy traffic, or as David says, when in traffic in SF. Bah on the way there are lights at the top of the hills!

Also my Mom had a perfectly good manual, but as she got older she lost the upper body strength needed to buy one, had to sell it and buy an automatic. She would have been a lot better off financially if she had had an automatic to begin with. If you are middle aged or older, or if your health is not great I highly recommend an automatic just because it is easy to lose the ability to drive shift if your health takes a turn for the worse.

My four-cylinder truck is considered underpowered by a lot of people, but a stick shift can make up for that. I had a diesel Rabbit with a stick and loved it, but the automatics were almost undrivable. They went from zero to 50 in about a day.

I had a diesel Rabbit

that is what I learn stick on.

Not an Onion headline: Todd Akin Claims Breastmilk Cures Homosexuality [link]

Not an Onion headline:

He's going to put The Onion out of business.