RE: Auto vs Stick
Boy, you can sure open a bucket of worms, nest you'll ask what's the best
tire....
I've owned and driven both.  I defiantly prefer the automatic.  Cons:
Slightly lower gas mileage due to the nature of an automatic and lower
gearing in the final drive for the automatic.
BUT, (and I wouldn't have a choice) if I did a lot of off road stuff in a
Syncro, I'd want the stick.
The automatics in the Vanagon have a very good reputation and rebuild is not
as expensive as the 4 speed.
Others will have a lot to say on this subject...