Please respond asap! buying a used 6cyl auto

So here's the deal:
I bought a 2008 standard cab 4cyl 5spd and I've HATED the clutch in it! After 45,000 miles I made the dealership replace the t/o bearing and related parts because they kept pussyfooting around a simple TSB. So while that work was being done under warranty, I had them replace my clutch plate as well; I only paid the $300 for a clutch plate which "saved me" about $900 in parts/labor. Not bad; clutch job for $300. But it was only after 45,000 miles. Looking at the used clutch, the manager estimated that I probably had another 15,000 miles before the clutch would be completely worn out.

Now I know how to drive a stick, and I've driven several different types of vehicles with MTs with ease. But the 4cyl 5spd taco is VERY difficult to get a smooth shift in my opinion. So this whole time, I guess I've been wearing it out prematurely. It probably should have lasted 120,000 miles instead of wearing out before my brake pads (which are super cheap and easy to replace compared to a clutch!).

My shifting complaints are as follows: The clutch is very stiff, I can't seem to consistently find the friction point between different gears (2nd-3rd seems different than 3rd-4th, etc.), if I give it just a little more gas (~2000rpms instead of the ideal 1500rpms) I can smell the clutch burning up, and shifting gears seems to take waaay too long and is too cumbersome. I learned on a subaru impreza: short throws, fast and smooth shifts.

So I'm fed up with the Taco MT, but I still love my Taco!!! I'm thinking about trading it in and upgrading to a 6cyl auto. I'm getting a pretty decent deal from my dealership on a used one. I just want every body else's thoughts on the 2007 6cyl transmission before I commit (which will be wednesday evening if I don't back out). I'm also curious if a 6cyl 6spd drives any easier than the 4cyl 5spd.



So I just test drove a few different v6 tacos. My favorite is the 6-speed sport, but I didn't get to drive the trd. I drove a used 06 auto with rear locking diff; I was surprised how well the engine braked especially in 4wd low going down hill on snow. But I missed the responsiveness of the MT. I think the v6 sport shifts a lot better/smoother, but i can definitely feel the similarities between the v6 MT and my 4cyl MT. At this point, I think I'm going to wait for the right used MT.

 

I have a V6 6Spd and I've driven other MT Trucks (diesels and what not) and in my opinion the clutch on the Toyota is more like a car and shifts smooth and with a URD Short Shifter I assume it'd be even nicer. Never driven a 4cyl 5Spd though so I don't have any comparison between the 2!

 

I don't have any complaints with my 07 v6 manual. Sorry to hear your problems. Hope the auto treats You better.

 

It's a truck not a sports car You'll like the V6 auto!!

 

You won't regret the V6 auto. Plenty of power and decent MPG.

 

I hate to say it but from your post it sounds to me like maybe you don't know how to drive a standard too well. I bought an 05 4 cyl 5 spd new and put 102k on it without ever smelling clutch. And I hauled a number of heavy loads in it too. The only complaint I have about the 5 speed is it didn't like to go into 1st unless it was at a dead stop. I've had probably 2 dozen manual transmission vehicles and this is the only one I ever had that issue with. The dealer let me drive a couple of them about a month after I bought it and they were all like that so I assumed it was normal. Kind of reminded me of my friends old 65 mustang with a 3 speed stick with a non synchronized first gear. I have a 6cylinder auto tacoma now, the first automatic I have ever bought for myself in 22 years. I kind of like it. But then again I may just be getting old and lazy.

 

Mine is fine. It's just the way it is, drive it awhile and you will get use to it.

 

I had an old toyota truck that was a reg. cab 4x4 4cyl. 5spd and it was dificult to shift that thing smoothly also. I love the auto in my current truck. I shift gears all day in the big truck so i like to have an auto in my little taco so i can be lazy!

 

Before you commit to anything, test drive both the auto and the 6spd. Also be aware that the 6spd has issues as well that currently has no fix from Toyota. The auto has a minor shifting issue that is fixed by a reflash.

 

thats interesting- I currently have an 06 4cyl 5spd and I have never experienced any of this. Im pushing 80,000 and it still runs like the day I bought her. Enjoy your auto- though MT is where its at

 

You should trade in for the 6cyl automatic. From what you've posted it sounds like the auto would suit your needs best and is what you'd be happiest with.

 

The auto on the 4.0 is the better option from what i've heard. There is no problems on the auto tranny's for the 07 models. Thats just on the new ones as far as i know.(2010-2011)

 

I like the 4.0 auto in my 2006. No issues 52k.