Manual is the only way to go. The price you found on kbb is retail. If you bought from an individual you can get one in good shape for about $5000. Here's mine.

 

i got a 95 civic ex with 60k for 5500, its manual. i learned in a couple hours and now i love it, especially pealing out in the school parking lot, when my friends are in there pos slushbox's---no offenses to auto's, ok maybe a little. dont hit me

 

if you want to do performance, get a manual.

if you want a car to drive normally, get an auto.

if you're into engine work, get a manual.

if you're into electrics, or car stereo systems, get an auto.

if you race, get a manual.

if you cruise/pimp, get an auto.

if you want total control of the engine, get a manual.

if you want total control of the wheel, get an automatic.

 

Manual all the way...it'll take you an hour to learn vs taking years to get a new car. I ended up with an automatic 94 EX and I hate it (the tranny not the car) Manual is way more fun to drive in general, I'm not talking racing or anything special either.

That and the fact that when I blew up my torque converter it cost 2 grand to replace...I'd much rather have had to replace a manual's clutch any day...

 

Is that the WW RS lip kit with a different rear lip? Looks clean

 

Thanks! It's actually the rear bumper from the ww w-type kit.

 

You don't need to worry about changing the clutch very often. They last for about 7-9 years.

I say get the manual just so you can learn. Driving a manual is a useful skill. Oh, and DON'T remove your rear seats.

I'm 6'1" and have plenty of leg room in my 97 coupe, even when someone is sitting behind me.