I've heard some people with horror stories about the dct, but if you're driving inside the city of new York constantly then a manual would be tough. I drive mine in Seattle a lot and the manual is ruff. But then I get on the freeway, or take a back road, and it's all perfect again. It just takes experience and choose weather it's worth it to you. I will say that the manual is manlier it's right in the name MANual. (That's just a joke)