I haven't bought my Xterra yet -- still gathering info and deciding what to buy. I noticed that Motor Trend tested an automatic trans for their 2006 SUV of the Year award. I loved my Jeep Wrangler with manual trans, then I went to an Isuzu Rodeo with auto trans, and now I'm thinking it would be better to go back to a manual with a new 2006 X. It just seems like a better way to go offroading using a stick. My buddy in South Africa is a die hard Land Rover guy, but I can't afford one. The Xterra seems like a great value.