Automatic vs. manual transmission in a used Honda Civic?

I am trying to find a good used Honda Civic hatchback with a manual
transmission in the Seattle area and so far haven't been having any
luck. I have found a few with automatic transmissions. The reason I
was looking for a manual is that it's a cheaper repair if/when it
breaks than an automatic (this is a car that I want to be able to drive
for a long long time) but since it may not be possible to find one I
was thinking maybe I should compromise and go for the automatic
instead.

Can anyone tell me more about how likely the automatic transmission is
to break down, at what approximate mileage range, and how much that
repair costs when it happens? Vs. breakdowns and repairs with the
manual transmission?

Thanks!

 

Hey Dave, another multi-poster!

Does it ever end? (no)

See my rely to this identical message in rec.autos.makers.honda.

Jackie dear, learn how to cross-post.

 

Since I don't even know how or why to cross-post, what is up wit dat?
bob

 

How depends on the newsreader you are using. Usually it's just a matter of
listing the multiple groups in the destination line.

Why is so that replies to the message get seen by all applicable groups and
people who follow multiple groups will only need to see the post once (once
it's marks as read in one group the newsreader automatically marks it read
in the other groups it's cross-posted to as the message as the same header)