As your wife only drives auto these days, it sounds pretty much as if your choice is limited, however, if you really do not think she will drive it much or at all and you have come from a Seven, as I did, then as a keen driver, do not be swayed by the easy option. The more effort you put in the more you will get out.
There is no doubt that the auto Plus Four is a great buy but, and I say this with due respect for all those that have chosen an auto, but it is the lazy mans option. There is very little engagement with the drive, you are just steering and modulating the speed, travelling for the sake of it, if you like. There is so much more to using a manual box than being in the right gear at the right time.
For a stress free drive I would always choose an auto (and have), but with my recent Alpine A110 which only came as an auto with paddles, it took much of the involvement away, the same when I had an M3.
Don't underestimate the savings you appear to be making either, these things are now dropping in value like a stone, so save a bit where you can.
Having said all of the above, the Plus Four manual box does not have the greatest gearchange in the world. It is a mile away from a snickety Bullet box, or even the type 9 or MX5 boxes. The clutch has relatively long travel and is very soft and, with the standard setup, it is practically impossible to heel and toe - an absolute necessity with a manual box in a sports car. I am going to have to modify my pedals to achieve an easy pedal relationship. Easily done, but it should not be necessary if MMC had done their job properly.
Do let us know in due course what your choice is and why.
