manual is the prefered option dave less to go wrong , coil springs at the rear break , front wishbone bushes & ball joints wear but there are no major issues with these cars they do the miles & take the abuse! Make sure its had the run in service done. If you see one you like pm me the last 7 of the chasis number n i will check it out. As you want a later one the big end recalls were done on the production line any earlier than 53 plate i.e cars that were sold got done in the dealerships.