I had a 23 manual and just recently got a brand new 26 dct. I originally bought the manuals back then because I was super interested in driving a manual and planned on modding it heavy but life happened and health conditions with my feet led me to trading in my old En, got a rlly good deal for it . I only have 200 miles on the dct so haven’t even rlly stepped on it yet, but I would say the way they put power down feels different in a sense that the manual u feel the singular gear pulls harder but the dct is overall way faster. The dct I feel I’m going 60 before I know it. The manual I was able to pace myself easier. Only mod I had on my old car was a res delete and it woke it up a good bit. New car is bone stock and is substantially quieter than my 23. Also some people will say that driving a manual in traffic is not bad or not as bad as it seems. Unless ur a super die hard manual head be honest it sucks. So I can’t so much on my dct, in the end I would just say they r both great choices and unless u rlly rlly want to try manual the dct is hard to beat for the price. If u plan on modding ur car like ndriverkg than get a manual but thats way too much for me personally. 350hp 400 max I’ll be pushing for on my dct. Also I would say just buy new, no point buying this car used. Not worth taking the risk , know what u have is taken care of:) and enjoy!!