01 IS is automatic only. 02 has a manual option. The IS is super reliable, the only issues are the CD player might eat a CD. It is a FUN FUN RWD car, tight E36 BMW dimensions. The leather/escaine seats are grippy and we both know there are TONS of mods for this car. HIDs are standard and most have the sunroof.

The SE-R is nice but to me they are trying to add things to make it more fun. Remember its a FWD econo car at heard. The last SE-Rs worth something were the 1992 or so models. The IS has that from the start. RWD and I-6 combo.

Not sure about MPG for the SE-R but the IS 300 isn't great, around 18-23 or so...

GOod luck