Amen to that. I started driving stick at 14, and have owned 1 automatic. An 88 volvo 240 (in 2009 mind you) with 300,000km that got me to/from the train station a mile away for 3 months whilst my own car was in the States
I would say if you're looking to save gas an Eclipse isn't exactly the way to go
. I feel like they chug gas. I did better in an inline 4 with a turbo than a V6 eclipse. My current car is a NA inline 4 with mods. Goes well, is loud, and gets 25mpg/highway. Not great, but I knew what I was getting into when I modded the car.*
And have you had leather interior before? I only ask because it seems to be something everyone likes the IDEA of but doesn't actually like. I replaced my interior with custom leather when I first got my car and oh my god do people complain when they ride in it! It's too cold, it's too hot, wahhhhh. Doesn't matter because it's my car, I love it, and it gives me 30 minutes a week to baby my car cleaning and conditioning it.
*On a side note, my living room looks like a parts shop. I have coilovers, SS brake lines, sport brakes, and angel eyes waiting to go in.