SR5 sport pkg. or base 4 cyl. stick

[stro908]

which one do I keep...

I have a 1997 Runner with the 4cyl. manual trans. 4x4, runs awesome needs NOTHING. (140k miles)
and yesterday I bought a 2000 SR5 Sport package runner auto.(had to jump on the deal, and I LOVE the truck) 4x4 Jade green, KICK ass looking truck. Needs a few small things(valve cover gasket, front rotors are warped, o2 sensor). But the auto tranny always scares me...

I guess what I am saying is I am having buyers remorse...

do I stick with what I know works (the 4cyl stick) or keep the nicer 2000 SPORT with the badass hood scoop!

Money is not the issue, I just want to make the right decision long term.

Thoughts?
I am pretty sure I know the answer, but I am trying to be "responsible" with a kid on the way...

 

[PhdNPrerunners]

Keep the 2000 for sure. Don't be scared of the auto, just get an external tranny cooler and your golden. I would love to have a 2000 sport with the hood scoop. Does the sport have the rear e locker?

 

[marcel]

keep the 4cylinder!!! switch the hoods if you really want the scoop

 

[thorridder]

the hood scoop does make it better and might be hard to wrangle a kid and shift but man. will always be better in my opinion

 

[cbrew325]

I'm all for the 5 speeds, but this seems like an obvious choice. The 3.4/auto will be much more powerful than the 2.7. And it seems like the auto's are reliable and many have more than 200k miles now. 2000 also gives you some interior updates that your 97 doesn't have.

 

[stro908]

Thanks for the imput guys...I am partial to the Auto for when the kid comes (for the wife)...she does drive stick, just dont want her to have to think about it.

And I really like the interior upgrades on the 2000. I know of the "pink milkshake" but is there anything I can do proactively to prevent it? IE; replace radiator? the coolant looks nice and clean.
I will post pics of her on Weds. Like I said, I LOVE the truck. BUt I know my little 2.7 is bomb proof...
looks like im gonna stick with the 2000

 

[trailmix]

can you keep both?! that would be the best option, but if you have to sell one id keep the 2000