I guess I don't understand the debate b/n a 250 MT and a 350 AT. That seems like a no brainer - 350 for sure. Now if you're debating a 250 MT vs 250 AT, then yes, get the manual. At least they'll be some amount of fun driving it. Otherwise, a 250 is just plain jane.

 

Everyone over here like 'The IS250 is so slow.' And I'm sitting here with an 83bhp Mazda 3 HB.

 

350 no question about it... if I want to drive a stick I can drive my toyota truck!
In traffic its a bother driving a stick stop light to stoplight, traveling on the highways I'm not shifting anyways.

 

ISF you can find for like $22k.