Ya 25k just sounds like he was just trying to throw a number out there. Also I think not offering an auto wouldn't hurt it much if at all. Just look at the STI's, they have always only had manual and that hasn't hurt them one bit! Now I know it will have less power and be RWD, but still I don't think it would hurt to be manual only. Good car for those secretaries to learn how to drive manual on!!
