I got a 1.4 fr 150 2016 plate about 6 weeks ago for about £10200 with 13k on the clock. Just keep looking, I live in sheffield and traveled to leicester for it and my 2nd choice was in derby again for decent spec and good milage.
As for the manual which I got, the gear box is bit clunky and takes some getting used to and the bite was different compared to my
Ibiza so again took some getting used to. Daft question I know an automatic does everything for you in regards to gears, is there a difference with the MPG compared to a manual?
I would be half tempted to get an automatic next time if it does, like you state, I sit in traffic every morning going to work.
My Road tax is £30