I want to swap out the automatic for a manuel, is it going to be costy and alot of work? I'm just getting into the import scene and I'm just wondering if this is a good first car to start with?  Anyone with any input would be greatly appreciated, thank you.  

It'll cost more money than its worth to do it right. Sell that one and get a standard model whatever you lose in resale is better than what you lose in the swap. Just label it under "gas saver" on the classifieds it'll sell. celicas are a good platform and an excellent car to get started on whatever project you may have, just not in squish-o-matic.