8th gen Tourer-manual or auto?

Hi All
My trusty 2004 Accord Ex diesel saloon, originally imported from UK is on its last legs. With almost 250,000 miles up, a rattle from the timing chain area has prompted a Honda mechanic to conclude "Let it go...you got your value from it!"

I'm thinking of replacing with an 8th gen Tourer (preferably Ex again) diesel. My question is should I go for manual or automatic? I don't see a lot written-good or bad-on the auto but it definitely doesn't get as much praise as say the BMW 5 series f11 auto box.

Any opinions on trim/spec levels also welcome, particularly Ex v. S

Thanks All

Never had a BM, but had a 7 diesel manual, and now an 8 diesel auto tourer, both EX spec, had loads of other makes Ford, Saab, Vauxhall, Austin if your memory goes that far back? LOL THIS LATEST is the "Dogs DO DA''S, not many overtake me on the M roads, and it is so smooth and effortless, like Clarkson once said about a Jaguar put it in "waft matic" and just go.
One drawback is that the MPG'S do not match the 7, or even the claims made by Honda but what a drive!!! MAGIC.

Surely you have a personal preference for auto or manual?

Your 7th gen could still go on indefinitely with a noisy timing chain!

Preference is for manual but I may be biased. I drove an automatic a number of years ago and presumed the lag in gear change was just a feature. I recently drove an Audi A5 auto and couldn't believe how smooth the transmission was. Still, I like the 'driving' part of manual...

Maybe I should just keep driving and let the diesel 'war' bring market prices down some for me...!