Your wife and my have the same preferance, sunroof and 5 speed. She wouldn't even test drive an auto. The 2.3 would be my engine of choice also. My boy has been talking about getting the Mazdaspeed 3 but he wants a 03 or 04 SVT Mustang more.
Dennis


95 Sportage, gone but not forgotten.
98 Jeep TJ, 4" Zone springs with RC Long arms, Ford 8.8", 4.56 gears & Detroit locker rear, D30, 4.56 & Detroit Trutrack front.