one common problem with the autos is the trannys tend to crap out pretty early. some will last but some will crap out around 60K. If your looking to tow things or to haul a lot I suggest not to get a 1500 model. go with a 2500 or even a 3500 depedning how much you wanna haul. a common problem that many people have been looking at is the plenum gasket. you can tell if its bad by looking down the throttle body with a small flashlight while on top of the radiator support. If there is oil down there then it is leaking and needs replaced. The manuals are nice but can't tow as much as an auto. But if you just need a daily driver and an ocasional haul or two then the manuals are pretty decent. The trannys in them are almost bullett proff as I have heard people say. The reason they can't tow as much is due to the clutch. They can't handle extra loads too well in a 1500 model. But if you were to get a 2500 model they are better and will last longer.