I taught myself how to drive stick on my S. It won't be hard, I went out all night and had it down after that. As far as the gear synchro problem, just get one that is still under warranty and tell them that you want it fixed when you get it. There is a service bulletin out for it, and they will have no problems fixing it for free. I never had the problem with second gear, but my third gear was constantly grinding and they replaced that now I don't have any problems.

You'll like the type S man, especially if you are in to modding, they take quite nicely to that. I agree about the 05' styling wise, I thought that the head and taillights were the signature for the RSX and acura got rid of them. Good luck with getting one.