i'm in the same boat sjf...
1. gearbox type is a matter of drive usage. like javadude said, auto is great for around town, stop n start journeys. although the manual provides more power and if you're the type of guy that i am, then you'll much prefer the manual, to exploit that 2.0litre straight 6. :)
2. i'm looking at the higher mileage cars, as they are far less costly to buy. i have however noticed that the bonnets of the higher mileage cars are quite heavily chipped n scratched, so it may require a bit of TLC to the bodywork. as for the mechanics... it's a lexus :winky: !
3. The sport is a higher spec car, although the compromise between luxury and sports power, is leant towards the sporting end. If you can dismiss the chrome, tints and spoiler, then the only REAL thing the SE lacks is the LSD. I'll be going for an SE myself.
4. Above 60k, you probably only need to spend £100 a service plus parts. As you won't be needing a big service for a while. If the mileage is closer to 120k, then you can expect your first bill to be of a prestige amount, depending on condition and care taken of the car.
I just hope that all the ex-Lex owners have taken as much care of their car as i plan to do in the future. :D
that's my view on it....