Manual = fun!
Automatic = practical.
If you drive a lot in traffic, the manual can be tedious. Whenever the clutch needs replaced, it's several hundred dollars, perhaps $600-$800 if a shop does it. Depending on how it's been driven, expect to replace the clutch somewhere in the 90,000 -130,000 mile range. As far as learning to drive a stick, should take about an afternoon of practicing take-offs - learning where the friction point of the clutch is and coordinating between the clutch and the shift.
A properly maintained automatic (meaning scheduled fluid and filter changes!)should last the life of the vehicle if it hasn't been abused - however, an automatic rebuild can be $1000 - $2200 if a shop does the work.
With proper maintenance, both trannies should be reliable choices - again, just gets back to a matter of your preferences.
As far as buying used - keep in mind that you're buying someone else's problem. It's important to understand what that problem is - whether it's because the person is in a financial bind and needs to unload the car, the car no longer fits their needs, OR the car has significant problems coming up that will take a wad of cash to fix. Always good to look beyond the pretty paint and aftermarket accessories to gain an understanding of just what kind of mechanical shape it's in.
