Welcome Colin,
I have an auto and it is fantastic.
I was dubious at first incase something went wrong with it, but it is bullet proof. It is not slow at all, and makes day to day driving a pleasure, as well as fast road driving excellent.
The only place where it does lack is on track... but for the couple of times a year i get to track it, im not too concerned.
I've had mine for 2.5 years now.
There is nothing in particular to look out for that im aware of...
Insurance is slightly more expensive being an import, but maybe only £50 - £100 a year.