i drive in LA traffic with my stick tC.. gets annoying only a bit, but most of the time, i'm just daydreaming and shifting anyway. not smart, but it happens after 2 hrs of stop nd go.

 

The 2008 tC = the 2009 tC. If you want the "Second gen tC" then you'll have to wait til at least 2010.

 

Personally, I would wait for the second gen. My question is: What are you driving now and what condition is it in. If it's good, wait. If not, get the 08 or 09.

Auto or Man: It's up to you. I have an 05 auto and love it.

 

I don't have a car yet haha this is going to be my first one =[

 

If your current car still physically runs, then wait until the 09 at least comes out, and see what else is new (and how much more it'll cost)... then decide which you want.

As far as the transmission, I'd say manual. Second gear has a healthy range (anywhere from 2 to 50 mph or so... but I usually don't take 2nd that high), so I don't really do too much shifting in rush hour anyways.

 

Get the base model 08 and have some fun this year. This car is bloody awesome.

If you really want to go crazy, work very hard and get a supercharger. That would make anybody smile.