I've got the bug

I've been lurking this forum since I've caught wind of the 2016 Tacoma. I've always admired Tacomas as a nice reliable "jack of all trades" vehicle. My brother has a 2007 Access Cab 4X4 that has been perfect for 120,000 miles.

Well, I've got the new truck bug bad. I'm drooling at a Quicksand Double Cab OR 4X4. I'll be trading in my 2006 Xterra S on it. I do have some decisions to make still.

1. I can't decide between manual and auto. I miss my manual tranny cars. I've been driving auto for almost 10 years now. However, at the boat ramp, with the wife behind the wheel, and offroad, the AT would be best. I just miss shifting my gears.

2. The chrome rear bumper looks awful in Quicksand. I'd have to get the back-up sensor to get the color-keyed bumper, but that's an extra $2500 because it's part of a package I don't want.

3. Do I wait? I may wait until the 2017-2018 MY to give Toyota time to work out bugs, retune the gear-hunting AT, and maybe (yeah right) tweak some low-end torque from that motor.

In the meantime, I'll still be visiting this site daily to learn all I can.

 

The visible portion of the rear bumper are just plastic coverings, I don't see why you wouldn't be able to swap them out with color matched pieces. Same with the over fenders

 

That's good to know. It's not actually chrome-plated steel. That's one decision made up.

 

I'm still trying to decide on manual or auto myself... its tough. Getting a manual limits your other options quite a bit.

 

Welcome. The bug is easy to catch!

I have an auto TRD Sport that I love dearly. But it was basically a gift from the wife and it is what it is. But I must confess....after 30 years of driving manuals, I miss shifting gears. I would've gladly taken my '15 in a 6-speed had it been available.

My '13 was a 5-speed. Loved rowing my own gears!

 

That would be nice. I'll definitely ask the dealership if they'll get me what I want but I don't think they'll be able to. If I could just get a dcsb trdor 6mt with the JBL system I'd be pretty happy. If they'd throw in some black softex I'd be even happier but thats even more of a stretch than the JBL. Waiting is no problem, I'm in no hurry and plan to "special order" in the end regardless.

 

From what I learned about the ordering process, you are basically "setting a preference" for the truck you want. Toyota builds whatever truck they want to build, but one might match your order and it will be allocated to your dealer. Its a slow process. Not to hijack @Neckbone's thread. Just be ready to wait for the manual.

 

I basically have that truck ordered. DCSB Quicksand TRD O/R MT. Manuals are worth the wait.

 

Sport mode somewhat let's you have a manual on the fly which is nice and electronic controlled transmission button is bad ass in the AT for increased throttle response

 

Yes, you will be a lab rat if you buy now.