Have driven a Ferrari (exotic rental). It was no harder to drive than any other car, and less likely to go sideways than any rear drive car from the 1980's.

The issue is the smoothness and the control.

Believe me, I have tried this. The difference is that with a manual you can quickly and smoothly switch in and out of gear and smoothly start and stop the car moving. When you put the automatic into neutral it clunks out of gear and then clunks back into it when you select drive. And you must put your foot back on the…

I don’t live in a flat area, but regardless many traffic intersections are on level ground. The rolling forward of the automatic is extremely annoying.

Counterpoint: Winter tyres work better in snow. My experience is unequivocally that all season tyres work better in the winter, that is, better handling when dry and cold, better handling when wet and cold, better wet braking, better ride quality, etc. The only advantage winter tyres have is better performance in snow.

Counterpoint: Recently bought the first automatic I’ve owned in years, and it’s extremely annoying how I have to hold the brake when stopped. I would, seriously, honestly, much rather drive a manual in traffic.

I’ve owned cars that could achieve an under 5s 0-100km/h. Yes, it’s fun, but hardly necessary. My Saab estate is rated at 9.1s, and it’s more than enough.

Let’s talk about what is wrong with the Saab, because 9-3's are great cars.

I guess I need a support group just for myself, then. 🍻

Yeah, that’s a lot of road tax. For insurance I have Allianz here in Germany and they have no problem insuring my old cars.

So, why are you getting rid of it?

Counterpoint: I’ve driven a manual Saab 9-3 for 8 years. Last year I bought a 9-3 wagon with the same engine but has the automatic gearbox. I find the automatic to be the annoyance in everyday driving.

Ah, very nice. You have most excellent taste, sir. 👍

Swedish estates, check-in! Here’s mine, definitely still needs some things to get it tip-top, and not nearly as immaculate as yours, but pretty clean.🍻

It’s beautiful. I have more jealousy and envy seeing this than I do by anyone trying to brag about their brand new car.

When I first glanced at the photo, I though I was looking at a Vectra. So either the Audi has aged badly, or the Vectra has aged well.

Gotcha--no then, you haven’t.

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bottle

“That said, the image of hitting someone on the head with a metal jug repeatedly, is pretty horrifying and should not be a matter of levity.”