Interesting delema...you buy the 5 spd..you make it faster...you change the clutch...now, you've paid for all the mods and HAVE to...repeat "HAVE TO " replace the clutch at $1k or better...thats some strong stickin to the roots thinking..yeah yeah there are a couple that say they havnt had to go this route, but there are 10 times as many that did
So, this is how I see it,,,, 5 spd and no changes whatsoever = stock clutch for life of car
5 spd with stg1 and light foot,,,good chances clutch will have normal life span..other wise it will only be about 50- 75% ( guess)
5spd with anything serious behind it and you'll be lucky to last a week before it slips....
Then you have the auto.............................................. ........
I have this argument all the time..wish I had a 5 spd..but then...I don't because I don't like having to spend money on things I hadn't intended to...as said..this isn't something we ALL can do in our driveways.. if it was, well, I'd have one.

 

Traded my 5-speed Civic for an SS auto. I'm happy with the relaxing cruise/commute that the slushbox provides, and the huge increase in power over my Honda is most excellent. Now if I could just stop shoving my left foot into the floor..

 

Funny.... I have that same problem. Used to get 28mpg all the time...now having problems getting 23.... you think its all those 3 digit passes...nah..even then it gets 17..
engine is too big, thats it,,time to trade for a 1.6..........