used Toyota Rav 4 Purchase

A manual transmission will generally last longer that an automatic transmission, a manual will be cheaper to maintain as well as repair if anything should happen to it. This of course you know how to use a manual transmission correctly. Automatic transmissions are not very forgiving if not used and cared for properly, but they are generally weaker that a manual transmission.

A RAV4 that's twenty years old with those miles is a real find if it's in great shape, so I'd suggest you buy it if anywhere near reasonably priced..... The argument between stick and auto is one that's difficult to assess. Yes, the auto is more intricate than the stick, so maintenance/repairs will cost more. But will the stick last longer and cost less? My experience says that people who drive a stick drive the cars harder, and virtually all drivers don't know how to shift, especially downshifting which if done incorrectly will damage a clutch quickly. It's that heel/toe thing. So, idiots end up pulling the transmission often to replace the clutch disc & maybe resurface the plate, and that's expensive. So learn to downshift, matching engine and pressure-plate revs, and you'll have the best and least costly unit of them all.

Thank you! I am older and learned to drive on a stick - so I will be cognizant of shifting.