Since i've been driving i've always preferred driving automatics by far and i think you can really have a good control on when you want it to shift just by lightly releasing the gas pedal, at least on all the automatic 4 and 5 speed Mercedes i had. However, i don't know if i am the only one but being an extremely distracted person, I've come closer to accidents way more often with automatics and never, ever with manuals as it keeps me more concentrated on what's going on ahead of me at all time. For me an automatic brings confort and pleasure to drive, however, a manual has low maintenance cost on it's side, and for me, safety. The two cars i now have are 5 speed manuals but manual old Mercedes aren't exactly fun to drive. I am thinking about getting an automatic again but would like know about other aspects i should consider before making the move, and if it is wise to start with. Also, what are the best, most reliable automatics available besides the good old Mercedes 722.4/6, what about Vovlo and BMW? If i get something else than a Merc it would be something from the 90s or early 00s.