Xenon is the way to go.

they are not too bright at all and when you turn them on the pop and then automatically focus and it is the coolest thing. Also get fogs or else you will just have empty holes in front bumper.

You are smart not too spend more than you can afford.

 

I drive a loaded mcs Paco, I've driven the cvt while my car was in for service. My take is that I would rather own a loaded 5 speed mc than a cvt. I love the sunroof, haven't had any problems. The xenons rock! I would not get leather again, it rinkles and looks ugly. I do like the sport heated seats. I would get 16" wheels instead of 17". Having the controls for the radio on the steering wheel is very nice. I like dsc and keep it on all the time except to take off hard (wrx killer). IMO, the cvt was boring to drive and felt like somebody is applying the brakes but you still want the car to keep rolling. It just took away from the mini driving experience. I couldn't wait to get my mcs back, I even got snobed by some dude on an mcs who wouldn't wave back. Not that it matters but if I see him again I'm going to try'n blow his doors off. My comute is 44 miles back and forth, I do mostly hwy but sit in traffic from time to time and have no regrets driving a manual. Good luck Paco!