[Deschodt]

I recently did a 2.5 yr stint in a nice DSG car (B8 audi S4), and I must say it was pretty cool. Good in traffic, good at shifting at the right times, and *incredible* off the line by virtue of lightning fast shifts and shorter gearing (that would not be practical on a stick but were doable on a dual clutch car with more gears). I'm back to a stick - and a slower car - now and I enjoy the driving much more despite the loss in performance. I've noticed I am also more focused on my driving when I have to shift myself - there were a few times early AM when the DSG car "carried" me at high speeds through a corner where I didn't immediately notice how fast I was going - so smooth... a manual by virtue of muscle memory would have flashed alarms in my head (what?? you're in 4th gear in that corner, are you nuts?)
You relinquish some control with the auto-tech, and you get some performance in return.

So yes, I changed my mind somewhat, Whereas I'd have NEVER considered an auto box before, I respect the modern twin clutch boxes now and I would definitely consider one on certain cars, especially the ones where you have no choice anymore. But others have said, while PDK/DSG would be great for my daily commuter - for my pleasure car, no way, no how... I get way too much satisfaction controlling the old tech and using those old fashioned skills. I enjoy driving... shifting is at the core of that enjoyment.

Your prospective Miata is a "FUN" car, I think it's be a shame to get an auto on something like that. The Miata is the quintessential "old fashioned" roadster, it's got a great manual box and a relatively small engine, it is meant to be rowed thru the gears and revved hard.. You'd miss out on some of the fun with an auto!