My automatic has lasted 278k miles, completely problem free. A few fluids drains and fills. I don't get 42 MPG like other people here but I like it better, and it's easier to maintain. Why? I'll never have to worry about replacing a clutch! Unless a clutch pack in mine goes out.

 

No reliability concerns at all with my 2004 manual at 182,500 miles, mainly because it was properly maintained from the start... Switched to Amsoil synthetic at 2,600 miles, then replaced every 40,000 miles, as recommended. I replaced my clutch once after it started slipping when cold.

Automatics need maintenance too... A manual is your best choice for sure, as long as you can confirm that proper maintenance was done.

 

I have repeated this time and time again. With few exceptions (literally one or two) every single poster with a manual transmission failure reported no maintenance, even when asked. Also I have personal examples of high mileage older and newer C59 transmissions with no issues. I myself have a 140K 2005.

In short, these cars are super reliable and actual failures are few and far between. What I do notice on these forums in general is when someone brings up a new problem or resurrects a thread, there is an influx. The same happens all the time with the P0741 codes on the automatic models. Nearly all of them are not maintained and we go long periods of time without a thread and then a bunch at once.

 

Over time, a properly maintained automatic can be more expensive than a properly maintained manual. Plus you can get much better MPG with the manual with minimal effort, except maybe at higher speeds (75+ MPH).

Personally the Corolla auto downshifts too much for my tastes in hilly terrain. It screams through steep mountain climbs while the 5 speed manual just purrs along in overdrive, rarely requiring a downshift.

 

The only thing I know about a manual trans is that it gets better MPG than an automatic trans.
I never had a manual trans before and do not know what maintenance it intails.
My 05 Corolla with Automatic has been very reliable. The trans has been great. I keep up with the maintenance perfectly.

 

I have 277K miles on my 2004 Corolla automatic transmission. I have used Amsoil transmission fluid since I acquired the car at around 40K miles. I do the cooler line flush method. I have had zero problems so far. If you enjoy a manual transmission, then you should probably get that. I liked manual transmissions when I was younger, and still have a '87 Toyota pickup with a manual transmission, but I prefer the automatic transmission. I'm tired of pushing in the clutch and changing gears. It's not fun any more and hasn't been for a long time.

 

Manual transmissions also have better low speed acceleration.
Torque converter slip throws away power.

 

The auto cruises much better on the highway. Lower RPM and better fuel economy in top gear than the manual.

 

The top gear overall ratio of the C59 5-speed manual in my 2006 Matrix is 2.85 (0.725 X 3.94)

The top gear overall ratio of the A246E 4-speed automatic is 2.91 (0.982 X 2.96)

So for this vintage Matrix the 5-speed manual cruises at a lower engine RPM than the automatic.
My tach reads 3000 RPM at 76 MPH.

The 2006 Corolla uses the A245E 4-speed auto, with a top ratio of 2.64 (0.892 X 2.96)
The Corolla 5-speed is the same C59 ratios as the Matrix.
So the auto in the Corolla cruises at lower engine RPM than the manual. ~2780 RPM at 76 MPH.

 

I am sorta following this issue, although I am more interested in the 09-13 models. Problem is--they are all used, and with varying stages of upkeep. Seems like one could get an auto with under 100kmiles (assuming its not a city car) and with a fluid change reasonable expect another 100k. I am guessing that is true of the manuals too, even if the PO did not change the oil. But it may be less likely to go another 100k without issue.

Dunno on this issue. I prefer manual but I also prefer to not fix a car. Maintain, no prob. Change a transmission? Not so much.