Advantages of a Manual Transmission
A manual transmission is simpler, lighter and mechanically more reliable than any automatic. The purchase price of a car with a manual gearbox is usually €800–€2,500 lower than the same model with an automatic. Servicing is significantly cheaper — the biggest expense is the clutch (around €300–€700 for replacement, most often at 150,000–200,000 km), while gearbox oil lasts a long time. A manual also gives better control in difficult conditions such as snow, mud and towing a trailer.