Manual vs Automatic

What would you all recomend?
Right now I drive a 00' honda civic ex, 5 speed manual transmission, and I love it, but sometimes i get a little sick of having to shift, but some other times i love being able to shift. And since a civic is a lot different from a 4runner, im trying to decide if I want to drive a manual 4runner, or an automatic. I see two for sale that i have an eye on here, one is a 5 speed manual 1996, 4x4. the other is a 1998 automatic 4x4

I will be towing a waverunner/jon boat, and mudding

What do you guys think, ive never driven a truck or suv with a manual transmission. And what do you guys prefer for your 4runner manual or auto?

Thanks,
Chuck

I would have bought a manual if my wife didn't have a dislike for them. Manuals get better mileage, tow better, and are normally more reliable. The downside is that you will have a harder time selling it.

Auto definetly, as long as it's mated to the 3.4 V6.

The 4 cyl and 3.0 V6 are too weak for an auto tranny. Add towing into the equation and you're going nowhere fast.

The torque converter effectively lowers your gearing, a bonus when offroad.

Auto....

auto everyone talks bout having a manual for certain reasons but i have never come across anyone who has an auto say they didnt like it all my friends like auto in wheeling and towing and its from ppl who have come from driving a manual most of there live like me!