is NOT a poor driving habit; it IS the proper way to use a manual. Have you ever noticed professional racing?

 

Yes, I watch professional racing and I've taken instruction from former professional racers. When driving (on the track or on the street) the BRAKES are used to slow the car down and then the downshift is used put the car in the proper gear to accelerate. Replacing brake pads are cheap and easy, replacing engines and clutches are not. Plus it's easier to modulate brake pedal pressure to control the car than to use the engine compression.

Here is a video of the late Ayrton Senna driving an NSX with pedal cam so you can see his footwork.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6mgFgBMHrQI

He is heel-toe downshifting which is not necessary for the street, but the point is that he is using the brakes to slow the car down and downshifting to put the engine in the optimum torque band to accelerate out of the corners.

Professional racers use downshifting to slow the car down when the brakes are failing in the middle of the race.

On the street the only time I can think of to use the engine compression to slow the car down is when descending a long steep hill and riding the brakes will lead to brake fade. Or if the brakes have failed and it's an emergency.

 

It is used for both. Closing and opening the car's doors wears it's hinges, too. Starting the engine wears the starter. Yes, using the transmission and clutch wears it. It's DESIGNED for that.

 

I was taught to only downshift to slow down on steepish grades, but otherwise, I just use the brakes.

 

I think I'd rather buy your car used.