[Donatello.]

For me, it depends on the car. I could have bought a M6 Challenger Hellcat, but I liked driving the Charger a lot more &, when I bought it, it was to be my DD so the auto was a positive for me.

On the other hand, I am on Miata #6 and all have been manual. I would not consider a Miata with an auto trans unless I could not drive manual due to medical reasons etc.

2 of my 3 Vettes were manual. Had lots of other manuals. Just depends on the car & it's use for me.

I taught myself to drive manual back in the day on a Z24 Cavalier vert. Bought it as a daily to move my Z28 to weekend duty at the time. Taught myself to drive manual driving myself to work everyday.