Hello Mark,
What an interesting opportunity. When I was at the buying stage for my NSX I drove both 5 & 6 speed manuals but could only find a 93 auto. My recollection of the auto remains positive. The driving experience I recall most is the low end torque that offered strong acceleration that in turn allowed good progress.
So my question to you would be about the 5k miles you plan to do. I'm guessing they won't be track miles, so in the basis they will be a combination of 'interesting' drives, and maybe the odd foray into Europe, how important is to you to change gear as opposed to you adapting your style to include left foot braking? Why you may ask. In my early Honda days I had a range of autos, Comcerto 1.6i-16v, CRX, Aerodeck and Preludes 4WS. In each of these I was never thinking 'I wish I was changing gear myself', instead I was enjoying spirited driving in a Honda. I suspect I would have an even bigger grin doing this in an NSX.
There is is of course the other benefit ... The inevitable traffic jams/town driving at which point you simply leave it "D" whilst the manual owner is pumping the clutch.
Can you give the auto in question a good test drive, i.e. Not just a drive round the block? If yes, then I would give it a good run, find some twisty bits where you can focus on steering and braking and then judge for yourself ... You may find the decision is made for you.
I hope this helps and best of luck Sir
regards, Paul
Senninha
'Too many manufacturers today are obsessed with lap times and power outputs at the expense of emotion and fun' Colin Goodwin
S2 is signed by the NSX Project Leader Shigeru Uehara