Hi bud, I regularily do a 350 mile commute to work in a roadter picking my mate up at the airport so so clutch issues and although we have to be a little carefule on what we carry, never been a great proble. Also carry a laptop in the boot.
It is also possible to use the roof storage area for luggage with the roof up. Handy for occasional hols etc.
I have driven autos for years and had there been a uk option with an auto would have gone down that route. Never regret the manual now, its great fun.
Mine is a uk manual so cant comment on the auto JDM.
Would rather decline to comment on the other contenders. I am familiar with them though.
Best of luck with the search, think there are some in budget on here. Pros of buying on site, they will have been loved to death Cons, you will be taking away someones pride and joy.
Anyway welcome to the site and good hunting
And sorry bout the spelling, tired eyes