I'm really at a loss to understand these guys who talk about having a manual transmission like any car without one isn't fun to drive. I'm gonna rant here for a sec, so please bear with me.

Back in the day yes, the manual was the way to go because they were faster and the autos were old slushboxes. But transmissions have come so far and almost all of the advancements have come in the form of new auto transmissions while manual transmissions use old, clunky technology. For example, the MT-82 has been used by Ford since 2011 in the Mustang. It is a 10-year-old Chinese design and has had issues from day one. Meanwhile the automatic 10-speed, while not without flaw, shifts so fast no human could possibly keep up with it. These days, the autos are MUCH faster than the manuals.

Now you have those guys who are big headed and say, "Oh I can shift faster than ANY computer, blah blah blah." I have news for you: These guys are the same guys that believe no-lift-shifts don't cause any harm to the car. Then they come to me with bent shift forks, bad synchros, blown clutches, etc. I consider myself a very good driver and have a valid racing license. I can come nowhere close to shifting as fast as a good auto transmission. It just isn't possible.

Some will argue the manual is more fun. Well, on open back roads MAYBE. But where I live in Houston I absolutely refuse to daily a standard transmission. Despite what people say, working a shifter in heavy traffic for 2 1/2 hours straight is not "fun" and doesn't "work the same as a manual once you are used to it." It also prematurely wears out your clutch even if you are a perfect driver.

In short, there is no way I would trade a car I just bought back in for the same exact car in a manual. It is financially insane and makes no sense, especially if you have a tiptronic paddle shift transmission. Every now and again I'll throw my Accord in sport mode and have some fun with it. But when I get stuck in traffic I just drop it back in auto and walaa....no problems. I would never want to drive my 6-speed Camaro in traffic. It would be like leg day at the gym.

I think you'd lose way too much value if you traded it in. What's the reason for your regret?

What’s wrong with the slush box?

Does it have paddle shifters/tiptronic, where you can control the shifting, manually?

If you trade it in now you will absolutely loose your shirt on it. As it is, simply driving it off the lot depreciates it by about 20%. Your best would be to keep that car and buy a cheap half decent beater with a manual transmission. Plus having a backup car really comes in handy anyway, trust me!

Sorry to hear that. See what the market holds. Do a bit of research to see what dealers are selling used leases for and you sell a little under that hoping someone wants to bite. It's unfortunate but you probably will lose out on a couple grand with not much you can do. If you are lucky you can request said trade in value and see what the dealer who sold it is willing to offer. Did you make a full pay on it? Or is it partial? That's when it gets itcky so be careful.

Ah, … just skip trading your chariot. Keep it, … you will loose a shirt! Most true fact, …

There, however, is simpler, low cost solution: … drugs! Yes. For example, you can get a prescription for Amitriptyline HCL, … it is used to address depression, moodiness, … and suppression of regrets! This med improve mood, … and feelings of well-being, … relieves tension, … and makes you sleep better rather than dwelling on regrets.

Anyway, … just enjoy your new car. Go, … it really is a best Mazda3 yet!
F.S., (… not a doctor!)