Thanks itschad, I'll try that trick.
I feel like the problem is the angle of the reverse gear. I know that 1-5 is no different, but for some reason it feels harder slotting into Reverse with my shifter. Other days it's very easy, so I don't get it.
Another beef I have: the interior needs more soft spots, like to rest my arms. Driving the Mirage my right arm rests on nothing, and my left arm and elbow rest on hard plastic. I'm kind of skinny and tall, so it's just bone on plastic and it's not pleasant. The Mirage is a city car yes, not a Buick, but really.