First car

[mfbzoester]

I've been saving up my money for a long while in order to buy my first car. I'm almost positive I'm going to get a Yaris or Fit. Unfortunately, I have come to a dilemma of whether to get a manual or automatic. I live in the mountains; e my driveway is 2/10 of a mile of dirt and gravel. Obviously I'm a little worried about the Yaris getting up my road. Most of driving is done to work and back again which is about 8 miles through curvy pave roads, then about 2-3 miles on a highway going 65mph, and then through town going 35mph. An alternate route is going through downtown at 25mph instead of the highway.
I just wanted some opinions on the autmatic and manual. I really enjoy driving a manual because I feel like I have more control of the car. But I'm also worried about the expense if the manual were to ever need a new clutch.
So, just let me know what you all think. Thanks for the help!