For the kids it's all about the Legnum......... and I must admit I prefer the look of the Legnum.........
The auto box's are great, there are advantages to both manual and auto and it is realy a personal choice......... mantenance costs for both are very similar when you compare them over a life time, but an auto requires very specific AFT.......
The VR4 if you can afford it is the best option if you like to drive enthusiastically....... which I assume you do if you owned an FTO........
Dont rule out the auto, I would deffinately suggest taking one for a test drive and base your decision on the experience, I was a die hard manual man, but I changed my mind after driving an Auto VR4......
Welcome to the club and happy hunting....