I have also had very little problems w/my 3.0(other than 2 burnt valves), and I test drove an auto(dealer didn't have a manual 3.0) and new the auto was a dog. My Sister had a 3.0/auto in her '95 Runner and couldn't get better than 15 on the highway, and only 13mpg's combined. Unless an injury is preventing you from driving a 5-spd it would be better to stick with the manual tranny. You should go and test drive an auto/3.0 and see what you think of how it performs, and wether or not it would fit your driving style. However if you do decide to swap in an auto, you should also swap in a 3.4 along with it. A buddy of mine has a '98 Runner w/3.4/auto, it appears to be a better set-up than my Sisters '95.