If you are looking for more power and control, opt for the manual transmission. It typically experiences less drivetrain power loss compared to most vehicles.
One is mine. 180k is still going strong. It’s OK with routine maintenance. The 1.6 seems a bit underpowered when compared to more recent, comparable models. But it’s excellent in the snow and decent on petrol. I just drove a Kia Rio (2021), and in contrast, the gearbox was really smooth. However, that’s technology and improvements in automotive design. I just sold it because it was a manual and I needed something more comfy because I also had a 2010 accent and had to sit in more traffic. If not, I would have retained that.
Throughout the five years I had a 2012 Accent, I experienced no serious problems. The tyres needed to be replaced, which was the most costly repair I had to undertake.
Traded it in recently for a new Ioniq at 135K miles.