People tend to not agree on whether its best to learn on a manual or automatic. On one hand, once you learn in a manual, you can pretty much drive anything. On the other, once you learn in an automatic and become comfortable with that, you can progress up to a manual transmission. The difference between the 2 is minimal, but to a learner who is not at all familiar with all aspects of driving, it might be better to start in an auto. If you're confident, or have driven before, even without a licence, I'd suggest the manual. There's more advantage to driving manual. You wont have to worry about transmission when you buy a new car, and you have the freedom to use other people's (if you and your friends/family do that kind of thing) plus you get learning it out of the way. I have friends who have only driven auto's and are excellent drivers, but are scared stiff of getting behind a manual.
As for cars, you have different models to over here. But a good tip, is try to buy a model that is still in production, and is fairly common. If its discontinued, it can be a good indication that the model was a lemon. Try and avoid anything more than 10 years old. Chances of finding one in mechanical A-1 condition after this length of time narrows your search immensely. Don't believe a word the salesperson tells you. Just nod and smile and then get your mechanic to have a look over it for you. Its worth the hassle. Look for superficial things like discolouration in the paintwork, as that can mean panels might have been replaced and might have been in an accident at one stage. I'd never knowingly buy a car that has been in an accident as it weakens the body too much, and God forbid if you find yourself in a prang and you could be in trouble. Try if you can, to avoid a car that has any crack or chip in the windscreen, especially the spider cracks as the windshield believe it or not is one of the strongest parts of a car. You dont want a damaged one! Try and ignore the salesperson. Turn the radio off and listen for any unusual sounds. Rev the engine to listen for rattles, labouring or clinking. Dont trust what they tell you it is, as nobody trades in their own car and is honest with the salesperson about all its faults! The salesperson is not likely to know what is wrong. Test the brakes as best you can. That means slamming them on on your test drive. You would hate to buy one only to find you need not only new pads but new rotors as well. Basically, if the car doesn't feel smooth to drive, let it go. If you get told its just wear and tear due to its age, dont buy that excuse. You can always find a better car somewhere else.
Determine what you expect form a car. If safety is your key, I'd go for a larger one. I personally dont like small cars, I dont feel as safe in them. Larger engines are usually stronger engines. They are made to last. If you plan not to do a lot of driving, a larger engine still shouldn't deter you as you aren't going to need to fill up as often. The average lifespan of a 6 cyl and higher should be 500,000-700,000 kms. Not sure what that is in miles, and I know you didn't want engine specs, but it might be worth looking into!
Sorry if I've raved on with crap you already knew or weren't even asking lol. But I hope some of it might help!
Good luck!
Vrooom vrooom!
I dunno. 
It all depends on your budget and what you are looking for in a vehicle. I had a brand new Dodge Neon for three years and loved it. Great on gas, super ass power for a little V4 and 150 HP. I am sure others here will knock it, but.... I would stick to NA vehicles. Cheaper to repair. 
You know cars... 
to me
