I bought my '06 Aveo new - one of the big reasons is that I wanted a manual. I've got 120k miles on it right now, and it still runs great. I think manual works better on the smaller cars, so that you can get better control in the mountains. Aveos don't have that much power, I had to come over Vail Pass in 3rd gear last week on my way back from the west coast. And it's so much easier coming down the long descents in gear, rather than having to nurse the brakes.