What ever you do get a car with soul. What kind of music do you play? Life is about living in the moment. If you try to skip out on some of life, like you think you won't have to think while driving an automatic, then it becomes too easy. You won't have a vacation from music (while you think about driving) so you dont get perspective. I beleive that it is more the worry about the car than the worry about shifting. All I am saying is dont become a bot driving a ford escape. There are plenty of cool cars out there that are reliable enough. Go get one that suits your life style (bikes are a great way to get around). Just make a definate decision that you want to drive what ever. Ok, I'm done preaching. Ty ps. Dont part out the car. Buy it back from you insureance co and put a plump trunk on that thing.