 I traded in a 2017 Mazda 3 GT manual for a 2017 Miata GT automatic for a daily driver. Here's the thing. The Miata with the automatic is the better car. It seems to be a more fully realized concept. The Mazda 3 with the manual is excellent but rides rougher and needs slightly better brakes.  I just spent a week with a 2018 manual Miata and it was wonderful right up to the point it began to drive me bats**t crazy. 3000 rpm at 70 mph with the manual for more than 5 minutes was just to much to take. The automatic is turning 2150 or so and just that alone makes the auto worth it. I will say it takes a little learning to use the manual mode paddle shifters but not a lot. So after 45 years of manual transmissions starting with a 68 Mustang 289, then a 73 240Z, then a 75 914, then 4 speed Pinto, then a beaten up Lancia Beat Coupe, then 8 more cars including an 02 WRX wagon and ending with the Mazda 3 GT I've converted to a car that most folks swear needs to be driven with a manual. Trust me on this, it doesn't. (If you're not convinced then take a manual Miata out on the highway and cruise for 10 miles. Yikes!!)