They may be, but probably not enough so to offset what having a manual transmission does to the resale value of your car in the USA. I'd be willing to go with

They may be, but probably not enough so to offset what having a manual transmission does to the resale value of your car in the USA. I'd be willing to go with a manual on a used car that I am paying cash for, but, if you buy a new manual and need to finance it, you'll likely be upside down on your loan for an uncomfortably long time.