As some of the other members have mentioned, it's all about have often you ice fish and how many holes you plan on drilling. I have a manual one for early ice and a gas auger for anything after. Living in Barrie I ice fish as much a possible (3-4 times per week) and I like to move around a lot so for me, a gas auger is a must, especially late in the season when the ice is 30"++. Keep your eye open for deals. I picked up an 8" Jiffy a few years back at Walmart in the clearance section for $175.00. If there was more there, I would've bought 'em all!!! LOL
Good luck!