Amen to that.  I started driving stick at 14, and have owned 1 automatic.  An 88 volvo 240 (in 2009 mind you) with 300,000km that got me to/from the train station a mile away for 3 months whilst my own car was in the States 
 
I would say if you're looking to save gas an Eclipse isn't exactly the way to go 

.  I feel like they chug gas.  I did better in an inline 4 with a turbo than a V6 eclipse. My current car is a NA inline 4 with mods.  Goes well, is loud, and gets 25mpg/highway.  Not great, but I knew what I was getting into when I modded the car.*
And have you had leather interior before?  I only ask because it seems to be something everyone likes the IDEA of but doesn't actually like.  I replaced my interior with custom leather when I first got my car and oh my god do people complain when they ride in it!  It's too cold, it's too hot, wahhhhh.  Doesn't matter because it's my car, I love it, and it gives me 30 minutes a week to baby my car cleaning and conditioning it.
*On a side note, my living room looks like a parts shop. I have coilovers, SS brake lines, sport brakes, and angel eyes waiting to go in.