Thanks for the replies so far. I didn't mean weird = bad, just that it has been a long time since I didn't have to do the shifting. After replacing the clutch in my truck a few years ago, the idea of an automatic is weird = intriguing. If it works, I am for it.
I have been looking in the South for a cleaner MB. I am trying to sell it as a family trip.
Also, in re-reading my post, I didn't mean to offend anyone with my comments about the the VW TDI. They are great cars and wonderful technology. I have friends who own them and I have driven several. The ones I am familiar with get great MPG and run for a lot of miles.
Where I am at in life, I don't need that level of transportation, but diesel options are far and few. I have gone to the VW dealership 4 times in the last 10 years to look at the TDI, but can't, for some reason, make the jump (I also dislike car payments).