i live in bronx ny and i drive 2 school and in to manhattan (6speed manual) every day and trust me it isn't bad as it seems plus there isn't tolls every where. (that is if u know how 2 get around) people that don't live in new york make it seem horrifying experience to drive in and it is not even in rush hour sometimes its smooth (unless there is and accident) traffic isn't usually stop and go it flows slowly. plus i like the thumps up people give when they see my car