I have driven both standard and automatic jetta tdi's over long distances. I like the ideal of changing things out to get less frequent belt changes that was mentioned. Fairly expensive by the way to do properly normally. One reason the automatic gives poorer milage is not really slipage but primarily the final gear ratio. At least on the highway the revs are higher than the standard. Before commiting on one get a price somewhere on a replacement automatic. In canada it is a pretty high price. Perhaps cheaper in the states. Maybe a scarce item used as well except at a premium price. But overall a good choice for your son and the bodies are structially tough as well as having the best warranty and rust protection of any car made I believe by far.