Only 2 people I know who have auto haven't converted it to manual already. One of which is jus waiting on funds and parts to make the change. On another note harsh is right, ask beza how long his gearbox in his 34 lasted while using the tiptronic as a manual all the time really at the end of the day, the only time auto is useful is in start-stop cbd traffic. Give me a manual anyday. As far as practicality goes when you get your licence, don't be lazy. It's like mama always said what happens when ur in an emergency and the only car available is a manual and u don't know how to drive it? end of the day even if u end up with an auto at least u have the ability to drive anything should you need to.