The BRZ is my first manual car. I dont think you should buy a beater just to learn, you will definitely learn quickly. I put myself in a position forcing me to learn by buying mine on a friday night and needing to drive it to work starting that monday. No real maintenance other than Im sure youll have o replace the clutch after a few years (especially if in constant traffic). Their is a rather big difference in the enjoyment you can get out of a manual car and if it wouldnt be to costly to switch over, I guarantee youll like it
