It's just a personal preference I guess, it allows me to focus on the other beginner drivers around me and not have to worry about shifting gears at the same time.

 

Manual transmissions make you pay more attention to the road and conditions and not be distracted by other things.

 

That may also be true, but economically getting a 46rh and all its parts is much cheaper than buying a replacement NV3500.

 

Are you factoring in a rebuild of that 46RH into the cost? The 46RH isn't that great of a transmission when stock and it often fails. I highly doubt a new or rebuilt 46RH along with all the parts to swap would be cheaper than fixing your NV3500. You could get a used 46RH but even if it does work you will likely be pulling it out again after it fails.

 

If the 46rh fails I'd end up rebuilding it myself. It won't stay in forever, most likely until I eventually swap the 318 out for the 360 down the road.

 

You are distracted by shifting, Also ever try to shift when the road conditions are horrible with huge pot holes bumps and patches(getting throw out of the seat). I got nothing against manuals but sometimes autos make more sense. And you can drink your coffee (or play with your cell phone like so many do)while driving and not have to worry about shifting.

 

That proves my point. If you are driving a manual you pay more attention to the road conditions to know when to shift gears, in an auto you can get distracted more easily by things that aren't related to driving.