A lot of vehicles are not available in manual here unless you special order, and that runs into money.
People always seem surprised when I can not only handle a stick shift (go ahead and say it Bob!) But can also drive a 4 horse trailer. I dont see what the big deal is, but guys always seem surprised when a fat old lady hops down from the cab to deliver a horse.
I need to be careful when switching vehicles that I dont mash my foot on the brake pedal in the auto thinking to hit the clutch.
I dont buy the extended protection any more. Never fails, issues dont come up till after whatever coverage I have expires.