I've had, in this order: '69 144, '66 122 wagon, '67 122 wagon, '81 Honda Civic wagon. '83 Honda Civic Wagon, '83 245 GLT, and now, since late 2001, a '96 850 wagon. The 245 GLT (non-turbo that year) was the first AT car I owned. As with the 122 wagons, I LOVED the interior space. For performance, it was kind of a dog, and it handled OK, if rahter like a tank compared to the Hondas.

The 850 is a whole different animal. It handles well. It's very comfortable. You can go all day without the noise and buzz of the 240, and still be ready for more. Smallish on the outside, yet surprisingly roomy on the inside. The wheelbase is longer than the 240, which will give you a surprise with parallel parking for awhile. Soon, though, you'll be back into those spaces no one else would attempt.

You can do repairs with the Haynes manual, an OBD II instrument, and the usual tools.

My 850 has been nearly as trouble free as the Hondas. Beware of the AC evaporator $$$$$. I receommend this specifially to be done at the dealer or proven indie. At 165,000 miles, it needs some shock & strut bushings, so I'll probably replace the shocks & struts while it's taken apart. I change oil & filter every 5000 miles, even though the normal schedule is every 10K.

There are some vacuum hoses on the front side of the engine that you need to keep an eye on. Bay13 tells about them. If you replace them yourself, you'll need some creative dexterity.

All in all, I have to say my 850 is the best car I've owned. Don't know what to tell you about 5 spd vs AT, but the 850 does have a sport mode, AND it's easier to hold onto the coffee, phone, map, change sunglasses, and eat breakfast without that pesky shifter. I agree the 5 spd IS much more fun, though.