I used to prefer manual. It was interesting and gave a feeling of skill. But the thrill is gone because the thrill of driving is gone, thanks to congestion.

Economy seems to be a wash. And quite frankly, I've observed that stick shift cars tend to be driven in "fun" mode, which is probably less economical.

I like... automation. I'm waiting eagerly for a self driving car. Meanwhile, my next car will probably be electric.

While my family still has one stick-shift car, my kids will learn to drive it. My daughter already has, and my son will, after he figures out how to drive the automatic car safely.