Exactly, I think you'll be happy with the automatic, many have modded their Foresters and stuck with the stock auto. Don't forget to lavish your new car with some servicing in this area. So many cars never have their transmission fluids changed, it's a good idea to do so if you have no service records to go by. It'll keep your car moving....forward and reverse.Congrats! I think, if that price was worth it for you, then who cares what anybody else says. Plus when there aren't many available, price is a little higher.
Lots of great info on this forum. Good reading to you.