Are manual trannys old school, out of style/function?

I have yet to drive a tacoma with a stick. Due to a significant knee injury on my clutch leg, I had to rule out manual trannies while I was shopping around. From what I've heard, 2nd Gen 6 speed trannies are clunky and cumbersome so I don't think I really missed out. However, all this talk about the newly refined 6 speed has got me all antsy to try one!

 

I just did the math...(good lord!) have been driving manuals for 28 years now, if I quit now...I might loose what little is left of my mind, think that mindless, pushing of pedals, and pulling on levers is what is keeping my mind together. If my left leg and right arm has nothing to do, might slip into a vegetive state.

Though I have been eye-balling that new Ridgeline....if that doesn't scream old man given up on life truck... ha ha!

 

Have doing it for so long now, it has become a mindless action...where-as when i jump into the wife's car (auto) I feel lost...and start to get fidgety.

 

I'll be dead and gone before they are totally gone, but I got the 2016 DCSB 4x4 OR MT just in case. LOL It is a blast to drive I smile every time I get in it. Yea as posted above no one wants to shift anymore, we are the minority not the majority of years past. I drive a 9 thru 18 speeds at work, dought those ever go away the auto don't have the same following in that world.

 

Since you don't like manuals anymore, feel free to give me the manual FJ40

 

I just checked out that Ridgeline today. I think that I like it.

 

X2

 

Looks great and super practical, only gripe so far is no manual trans.

 

The availability of a manual in the Tacoma was probably the largest deciding factor for me when I bought my truck. Literally it seemed like the only pickup truck you can buy in America with a stick shift was the Tacoma or Frontier, and the Taco has a much better following and aftermarket than the Nissan.

 

Same here checked out both on line, went to dealer and picked up this truck.

 

That's a legitimate concern to have. Honda used to be known for their manuals

 

I plan on getting a Tacoma DCLB when I do pull the trigger. Subsequently, I will have to settle for the auto. I tested the auto again tonight and it wasn't as bad as everyone has said it was. I would still prefer a manual if they offered it in the DCLB.

 

IIRC, they even offer a manual in that little CR-Z hybrid thing.

I'll most likely just get another Tacoma since I can get it with a manual trans.

 

Seems dumb to only offer it in certain configurationsituations Toyota just keeps making poor choices

 

They know we will settle for what they make some (like me) some will give up the LB for the manual, others will give up the manual for the LB.

 

Yeah, I don't like how they do their packages. To get a manual trans in an ACLB, it is either a V6 Sport or a SR 4 banger. Would be nice to get the V6 in the SR...don't need or want comes in the Sport package.

 

Now after saying all that, now that I have this truck I wouldn't trade it for any configuration. LOL fickle old bastard. It grew on me fast.

 

I hear ya. Packages are great, but what ever happened to being able to pick individual options? I don't always want everything a package has to offer. That's Toyotas mistake. I believe the big 3 US auto makers still let you pick and choose options or just go with full packages

 

Driving an auto for medical reasons mostly. Bad knees and bad everything from the thighs on down makes even an auto a pain to drive these days at the very brisk age of 26.

I miss driving a manual and still do so every once in a blue moon, they are fun to drive rather than to be driven, but necessity beats out desire in this situation. Choose accordingly is the best advice I have for anyone wanting one.

 

From a business stand point I get, but in this day and age with so many choices out there, you would think otherwise. Maybe one day we will be able to 3D print exactly what we want.

I looked at the F150's...while I do like the features, the price, mileage....it is just "too much" for me...if you think the '16 Taco grill is huge, that F150...dayum! I just can't see myself driving it. I have always like the "less is more" train of thought...why I started driving Toyotas 25 years ago. After operating heavy equipment all day long...wanted something small for zipping around, when not at work.