Auto v manual, now that's a decision. Again I've had both . My present one is a manual but in all honesty I preferred my auto.....it was just nicer and more relaxing to drive. The trouble is you don't know the service history of the auto. They are a very good box in good condition but plenty of stories around of blown ones shortly after purchase. Manual ones if faulty are usually obvious, so logically you'd go manual, they are also cheaper when they go wrong......unless you can do an auto rebuild yourself, you'll have a hefty bill.
It's all down to choice, but if your worried about fuel consumption.....ie cost.....then go for manual as you'd sh@t yourself if you blew an auto.
After all that d rather have an auto.......but that's just me
Bag 'O' Sh*te No1 2.2 petrol 2000
Bag 'O' Sh*te. No2 3.2 petrol 1998