First my wife, never had a driver's license let alone did she know how to drive a MT. Her first car 2 weeks after she got her license she bought a 1990 Miata. Had to have a friend drive it home she didnt know how to drive it. She learned the hard way, burned out the clutch in the first month, somehow got the dealer to replace for free. (pouty eyes and a great smile will turn any guy to nush) Never looked back. She's alittle older now but that experience will never go away. BTW she drives a FX35 now.
Second me, I learned on a MT, took my driver's test in an MT drove an MT for like 15+ years before my first AT. Bought it because I had a 1.5hr commute back then. When I shopped for the Z I test drove the MT, didn't hate it and actually was leaning towards it. THEN I drove the 7AT and absolutely loved it. the 7AT can definitely shift way better than I could, extremely responsive and when I get stuck in traffic, my left doesn't feel sore at the end of the day. I am sure with practice the feeling would come back quickly.
If you do plan on buying new I found the Z clutch to be stiff, I'm sure it will loosen as it breaks in, but that takes time and practice.
That being said, get the MT practice, practice and just drive the hell out it. You definitely wont regret it, you are young and have plenty of time for the nanny trans.
Good Luck in whatever you get!
