Auto vs Manual longevity in Tacomas

Curious as to how auto transmissions age compared to manuals. Seems like manuals are easier to work and repair whereas the new '16 auto is a sealed unit.
I suspended my search for a 16 and am waiting for a 17. I realize no specs will change in 2017, but perhaps some bugs will be worked out by then. I plan on keeping my truck for 10 years + so hoping these autos are reliable. Maybe a manual is a better bet for the long term?

Thanks

 

Once you consider all the pros/cons of each over 10 years, it's probably a wash cost-wise.

Auto:
+potentially better fuel economy once they fixed the software
+typically last longer than clutches
-more expensive to repair when they do break
-higher initial cost

Manual:
+lower initial cost
+potentially higher resale value (when Toyota inevitably kills the manual, they will be hot in the used market)
-worse fuel economy (if the auto worked like it was supposed to)
-clutch is a wear item

To me, the bigger issue is that the auto is currently poorly-suited to the drivetrain, while the manual is a great unit; nice mechanical action, ergonomic, fun, etc. Would you rather have a crappy auto or a good manual?

 

I really want the double cab long bed config. I want to be able to sleep in the bed when I car camp under a topper. I will be forced to settle for an auto if I want this setup. I much prefer the overall feel of the manual.

 

Even the short bed has ~6' 6" diagonal length in the bed. If you are taller than that and/or intend to share your sleeping space, then another option is those tents that fit over the topper hatch:

 

I have thought about that. I would potentially be sharing bed space with my girlfriend (but I do have a fiberglass Casita trailer for when I am with her). I could get into a TRD OR DCSB manual + tow for probably less than $32k, significantly cheaper than the DCLB. Been weighing pros and cons. Honestly if I were a millionaire I would get the DCLB and have a fabrication shop install the manual.