Tacoma dilema -Automatic now, or Manual on a 10 week wait?

I'd wait. I love my truck, but I wish so badly it was a stickshift. I just couldn't self-justify spending the extra money on a 4x4, so I had no option. But what it all boils
down to is what YOU really want. A few weeks really isn't much of a wait when you're going to have it for so long.

 

ya, we know what it really leaves your hand free for...

 

i have the manual 5 speed...if you are getting a dc then get the auto...manuals are good for smaller cars and trucks...like mine which doesn't do any hauling ever except my atv in the back....i also have a manual mitsu evo ix mr so i know where you are coming from with the sports car....the truck manual tranny is nothing like the cars...lol...more like granny shifting rather than tight precise shifting...totally different world...i think the reg cab only comes in manual but i like manual anyways...but i have heard the 6 speed manual tranny has problems so i would avoid it til they get it figured out...but i dunno...if it was me i would just buy a tundra if i was gonna get an automatic...they don't cost much more with all the rebates and stuff now

 

If you're a manual trans. kinda person I would go for it. I bought my 09' 6-spd DC and haven't looked back since. I personally prefer a manual over an auto as long as it's offered.

 

the question is why a 10 week wait? i went to the dealership and told them exactly what i wanted, (black trd sport access cab, manual all options available) they didnt have it but they did a swap with a truck in another state and got it next day....what are you ordering???

 

make it happen with a manual. I pulled the trigger on my 4x4 DC just LAST WEEK because I found a 6 spd and I know they are rare. yeah, its nice having an automatic but the thrill of a clutch and full control is unmatched.

 

All these statements said, don't forget the auto has down hill assist. That means as your going down hill and touch your brakes, the truck will try to slow you down even if you don't want it to. I have auto and find myself putting it in neutral as I go down hills. I like to know I have control. It gets me mad that it automatically tries to slow me down. Also, I guess you like that SHORT BED. I like the LONG BED and they only come with autos. I have dbl cab trd sport 4X4 SR5 with a few extras.

 

Well my experience I loved driving my 5spd hatchback so when it came time to buy my 06 I got it as a 6spd. I liked the 6spd for the fun/coolness factor but I after awhile I got really sick of driving it. To me it wasn't as fun a a smaller car. Clutch was real stiff and gears too close ESP 1-2. After two years I had to get rid of it for a 2010 auto. It's much easier for me at least.

 

It all depends on what you like better. I would want a manual.

 

Get which ever one you really want. Doesn't matter what we want, you're gonna be the one paying for it and driving it.

 

Auto unless it's an X-runner.

In the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Ten manual transmissions serve no purpose outside of pony cars, exotics, roadsters...JMHO obviously...

 

As others have said it really comes down to personal preference. I have a couple of manual cars that I use for play, but I didn't really consider a manual for the truck. I really didn't see a point to it. I am not sure how having the manual would have been anything other than an extra thing to worry about for my purposes, which include things like moving drywall, lumber and furniture. Also the auto is more functional, as anyone can drive it if need be.

 

imo, the manual has lots of advantages. i control the shifting. i can push start it. have you seen the cost of tranny fluid? other people can't drive it.

 

Haha, I like that. Want to try my truck... oh, sorry you don't know how.

I have a 6sp and I would not have it any other way. I also put in the URD short shift kit and it made a huge difference for the better.

The fact that you are even considering waiting tells me you should get a 6spd.

I've only ever had 1 auto and I hated every minute of it. I hated it in traffic, on the highway, going down hills, going uphills, in the snow, in the dry, going around corners and going straight.

I like to be in control. If had enough hands and feet to have 4 wheel independant braking control and 4 wheel independant drive control I would probably go for that too. I could not imagine racing a downhill mountain bike that made gear choices for me and I don't want my truck picking gears for me either

 

X2!!

X3!!! lol

 

I have an automatic , I guess I am handicapped .

OP the shifting lag from a stop you complained about with the auto is easily and successfully taken care of with the transmission TSB re flash , just had mine done , world of difference .

OZ

 

I have had Manual transmission vehicles since 2002 and just purchased my DC 4x4 with the 5sd Auto. I LOVE manual transmission and dearly miss my M3 w/ a stick but this Auto is nice.. it really is.

 

I never understood people who bought cars they intend to keep with auto tranny.

 

I just received my Double Cab 4x4 Manual and it was built to order in California (The Nummi Factory). Then, on a train to Maryland within a little less than 4 weeks, than I received the truck on the 5th week. It was definitely worth the wait, and PS, get a quickshifter IMO. "Doesn't feel like shifting a bus," after its installed. Just my $0.02

 

Wait to get what you want. Do your own search outside of your region if you have to. The transmission is a huge aspect of your truck that you'll be dealing with on a daily basis so its worth it to get what you want.

It's just me but I'd walk before buying an auto.