go auto. There really isn't a big loss. The manual option will be a happy medium for you. I understand the psychological effect of accidents as I experience some after totalling my 3. I'm very cautious of people on side streets now. If your not confident wiht the MT, you won't enjoy driving the 3(or any car). If you're not dead set on a MT(many people grew up with and live for them), then there is no reason to get one if you don't want it. If you're worried about performance, take one for a test drive(get a color or combo that you're not buying so you can beat it up and not be stuck with a newly beat up car
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