I used to commute into Manchester, by trains some days and by car on others, but it was a few years ago, and I'm sure there will be others with more recent experience who will be able to give you a more up-to-date picture.
However, it was pretty bad in those days, and no doubt it has got worse since then. In order to avoid Offerton, Stockport and Bredbury, the route many people take, especially if they live on the east side of Marple, is via Compstall and over Werneth Low to Gee Cross, and then through Hyde, on to the M67 and into Manchester on the A57 via Belle Vue. But whichever way you go it's bad.
In the end you have to weigh up the attractions of living here (yes, it's a great place to live) with the inconvenience of the commute.