Ya, I'd suggest you could go either way, but I'd be lookin' for an LE for that money.
If they'd be willing to go $7K, I'd say go for it.
I just can't live without that Toyota Cruise Control. It becomes 2nd nature after while & is sooo nice to have & use.........(definitely compared to my F150's cruise control)
ABS ain't no big deal, but I'm also an automatic freak.
I'd bet you could find a 2000 LE w/ auto for a little more so I still say that if you really like the car, see if they'll go down to 7K even!!
If you wanna back it up w/ reasoning for them, tell 'em that you're gonna need the timing belt replaced soon & after a new water pump (always recommended at TB change time) you'll be into the job for about $400 anyway. That'll be your "out"........