Hi
A few years ago after always having auto's I bought a new Manual car, a Volvo C70 T5, as the spec was really great and it was a great price, i.e. two tone leather, metalic, air con, very fast, etc. etc, but to be honest I regretted it from the first week. a nice car BUT not an auto!
I have just got a new IS250SE, auto, black with beige leather, my first Lexus, and have No regrets, the auto box is so smooth, one of the best I have ever hadout of Bmws.Mercs. etc, you can do all you need with the paddles if you so wish, but I just leave it the sport setting for most of the time.
Enjoy!!