[TP2SS]

A vs M is very subjective. Is this going to be your daily? Will you mind the extra work required to drive a M all the time, especially if it's a daily? Since you say you'd have to "learn" to drive a stick, I'd suggest learning before you commit to a $40k car only to find out you don't like having to shift all the time.

When I was younger, I only wanted sticks. Over time that changed as I got sick of the hassle all the time. I'll get bagged on here for that view I'm sure as people have definite opinions on this subject. I'm a sailor too, and it's the same argument in boating circles with props and anchors...everyone's opinion is the best, and if you don't agree, there's something wrong with you!

It's your car that you will be driving, a lot, or a little. Can't go wrong either way. Get what works best for your driving style and preferences, and long-term considerations.

As far as the A8, ignore the horror stories from the past. GM has figured this one out, and the fluid flush fixes the problem. I have 1st hand knowledge. Wife's '16 CTS started doing it at 40k miles. Went STRAIGHT to the Caddy dealer for the flush and it's fixed. This is not an issue you want to kick down the road as the damage can become permanent if not mitigated quickly. My SS only has 4K miles and never did it. I took it to the dealer last Fall and asked for the TSB (18-NA-355) to be done. They did it, no charge under my still-effective powertrain warranty. Most '16s will still have some of that left, and virtually all '17+'s definitely should. The TSB is free if still under PT warranty and about $450 if not. Some dealers may give you a hassle over doing it, but it clearly states "verification beyond customer complaint not required", which is how I had my SS done (as a preventative measure...it didn't do it but I told them it did). If buying from a GM dealer, insist the TSB be done as part of the deal. A good friend bought a 16' CTS last year and I told him to insist the dealer do it as part of the deal. The dealer was happy to comply. Check the Carfax for past indications that PO had the issue. Maybe pony up for an extra year or two of transmission warranty only with the dealer as part of the deal; "hey I really want to buy this car, but I have concerns over the A8 shudder issue. Cover me til 2023 on that and I'll buy it".

Lastly, make sure you understand what to look for with this issue and thoroughly test drive the car. Tons of threads here on it.

Good luck and welcome to the Forum! You'll love your Camaro if you get one!