[johnmorl]

Over the years I've driven both, and they've had their plus and minus points. My original reason for changing to auto was it was my first relatively high mileage second hand car purchase, and I felt an auto was less prone to having been thrashed, plus all the other bits of the drivetrain are under less stress. It was an Audi A6, and not the smoothest auto, but then I spent a year in the US with a Camry 2.4 Auto which was wonderful, especially with their roads. Then back home and into an 850 2.0 20V auto, and while it was a bit sluggish the box was a lot nicer than the Audi. Now with the diesel auto I think the setup really suits my driving style, nice and relaxed round town and for the open road there's always sport mode and kickdown!
I do have to admit to never having driven a Volvo manual - perhaps for my next car!