6 speed trade in for an auto? Yes or no?

hi guys! just wanted start a thread about this particular topic. I have a 6 speed, and even tho it has its ups and down compared with the auto (not to say neither tranny are both bad or good) what do u think about trading in the 6 speed for an auto? Best for the long run or not? Strait forward opinions please thanks !

 

I went auto this time because they don't offer standard in a DCLB, and so wifey can drive back on road trips.

From what I've read around here there aren't many faults with the auto transmission in our trucks - I've actually heard more complaints about the standard.

Faster off the line, easier on the truck during towing and offroad.

A bit boring at times.

 

^^^^^ Exactly^^^^^

 

Why are you having doubts about your 6 speed? Why are you considering switching?

Does it make financial sense to switch?

Have you test driven an Auto?

 

I don't buy standards anymore because of all the long driving I do, and honestly, my legs just don't like it anymore.

Why do you want to switch?

 

Auto gets better MPG too.

 

Love standard but as getting old my legs rebel the shifting. So traded it last August for auto. Better gas mileage and handles better comes to towing

 

My straight answer is you probably wont miss the six-speed if you live anywhere with a lot of traffic. if you don't live anywhere with traffic then keep the 6 speed you will miss it.

 

I went from an auto to a manual, opposite of what you're considering. Where were you 2 months ago?! Haha

My take on it is this: the auto isn't bad, but I like having more control over the shifting of the truck. I like to be able to rev-match into turns, and I like to engine brake predictably when I slow down. If you're a "clutch in, coast through turns" kind of guy, get the auto. If not, the auto is going to drive you nuts.

As for durability, I can't speak to that. I've only had my truck since April, and I haven't put many miles on it.

Also, the mileage is almost exactly the same between my auto and my manual trucks. I'm getting around 15-16 mpg in my 6-Speed, which is about what I got in my automatic.

 

It's just that, I don't want to ever run in to any of the trouble with the "TOB" and stuff like that (which I havnt encountered yet) Finances.... I know I'll take a hit for it bc I'm still making payments for my own truck right now. But I'm just thinking about it right now... Since I got strong legs lol

 

6 Speed Manual or Bust...The Manual will last longer..Have you ever seen older Tacoma They are mostly Manuals that's not by coincidence

 

I drove standard/manual shifts for +-30 years. Thoroughly enjoyed the fun and control. Then I realized my legs weren't as strong and flexible as they once were. Also manual in big city stop and go became a real pain. Went to autos and would not go back. Modern autos are reliable, give at least same mileage as manual, and you can change gears occasionally for deceleration or quick passing/merging if you want. Maybe one day trucks will have paddle shifters like cars.

 

I drove standards most of my life and i'm all about the automatic over the last ten yrs or so.Don't miss the standard at all especially living in CA.where the traffic seems to be getting heavier and heavier!

 

That's it?

Not every truck experiences throwout bearing failure. And even if you do - It'll be less hassle and expense to replace the throwout bearing than it'll be to trade in the truck on a different one.

Don't worry. Be Happy.

 

If you know how to drive a standard the standard will far outlast an auto. If not trade for an auto.

 

I hear you bro! But wow coming from an auto to Manual huh? I'm still debating over it.

 

I'm curious to verify this with some external references beyond anecdotal evidence. Because, traditionally, the opposite has been true.

 

The manual definitely is geared shorter than the auto, so it revs higher on the highway. But like I mentioned in my post above, the mpgs are almost exactly the same. I think its because I almost never have to downshift from 6th on the highway, but in the auto its ALWAYS downshifting. If you want to make any speed change at all, it drops down a gear.

Here are the two fuelly profiles from my 2012 and my 2014, the 2014 is the manual and the 2012 is the auto.

 

Thanks. I'm biased because I just like having more control shifting gears.

 

Manuals used to get better mileage due to torque converter inefficiencies but most modern autos now lock out the torque converter in top gear so highway mileage is as good as the manual. Plus if I remember correctly the manual in the tacoma is geared lower so you have to rev it higher for the same speed which is part of what results in the auto getting better mileage. It's more of a quirk of the tacoma rather than a blanket statement about auto vs manual.