Manual or Auto?

I am very close to purchasing a 96+ runner, but i am not sure if i want a stick or auto. In general i hate automatics, but all i have driven are cars really. Are 4 Runners too big to be able to have fun with a manual or is it ok?

What are the pros to having an auto? compared to a stick and vice versa?

thanks

I own a 2000 4Runner with a manual. This is my second, first was a 1994 with an automatic. 96 and up they got the 3.4l 6 cylinder which was a HUGE improvement over the old 3.0l in my 94'. My 2000 is great, not going to set any speed records but it's fun to drive none the less and since I venture off the beaten path regularly an automatic was not my thing. The manual tranny's were discontinued and all 2001 and newer 4Runners have only autos. If you do alot of stop and go traffic manuals can get tedious but other than that I swear by em. I love the 4Runners as well as their trucks, I also own a 2002 Tacoma, but I won't be buying a new one due to the aforementioned lack of transmissions as well as they're new bulkiness which strays far from the original intent of the vehicle. Alas everything HAS to be bigger now adays. Hope this helps ya.

Josh