Well, NateNasty, first off, it sounds like the FR-S would be a good car to suit your transportation needs and desires.
Have you driven (or know how to drive) a car with a manual transmission .. ??
Will your Mom ever drive your FR-S .. ??
Does she know how to drive a manual .. ??
If you are comfortable with a MT and your Mom knows how to drive a manual if she will ever drive it, I would suggest you attempt to convince your Mom that a manual transmission would be a better choice.
Why .. ??
* It's less expensive (calculate out the difference ($1,000) over the life of your loan).
* Transmission repairs (if ever needed) are less expensive with a MT.
*
Most MTs will get better gas mileage than ATs.
* Insurance is less (because initial automobile cost is less).
* Higher resale value with a MT.
* It's safer (you will be less tempted to text/hold a phone while driving, because you have to keep at least one hand on the wheel, the other one will be busy shifting.
* and ...... it's what YOU want ... !!
There ya go ....
humfrz