I didn't have a Mazda so no $500 loyalty or I would have gotten it below $20,000.
Sounds to me like you got a lot of car for very little money. IIRC the 2014 MSRP is higher than the 2013, so getting it that cheap without the loyalty is great!
I think the sport manual is the best deal...
if you can live without the 40/20/40 folding seats (which I really miss.. anyone in CA want to trade rear seats?? I would gladly pay quite a bit of cash for them!)
and Bluetooth (which I don't really care for, because according to a recent AAA article I read using Bluetooth for talking on the phone is only marginally better than just holding the stupid thing, which I do not do)
and the 2.5L engine (which would be very nice to have, but it completely not needed with the stick, and would result in more gas consumption, higher accident risk, more brake wear and more expensive speeding tickets)
and the AWD.. which would also be great to have.
The 6 speed really loves cruising at just above 80MPH in 6th btw.
At lower speeds it feels a bit sluggish if you stay in 6th, but at 80+ it really comes alive.