Id take both an auto and a manual out to see which you prefer. For me the difference andlevel of enjoyment was huge. I didnt buy my car to be comfortable and hassle free in slow moving traffic, i wanted to be able to play with those gears take advantage of that lovely syncro rev and feel engaged in the process of taking the car around the bends.
For me the auto dulled down the experience, it really put me off the car, in fact i was glad to get back in my 350. Then i tried the manual .....and bought one.
However i will say somepeople have the auto and loveit chris-i for example so may be a good idea to pm him for his experience.