[PatInTheHat]

I recently had to make this very decision. I purchased an RX8 but I had never driven a manual before. I ended up getting the auto version simply because I couldn't care less about racing or beating someone off a light.

Sometimes I have some mild regrets about not picking up the manual version but really I am more then happy with the speed and power of my auto and the paddle shifters are enough whenever I really feel like doing a bit more.

My suggestion would be to learn to drive a manual first and then test drive both the manual and auto versions of the vehicle your interested in. You may find the performance of the manual more to your liking or you may find it's just way too much hassel and stick with an auto.