What the hell!

So this is basically my first post, unfortunately it's a gripe. I've had my truck for a month (16 TRD DCSB OR M/T) and put 2k miles on it so far. My immediate impressions were: I love this truck! It looks amazing, drives great and handles the bumpy, curvy, hilly road I live on very well. Although I was expecting more in terms of power and MPGs; I wasn't initially upset with the way it performed. Power wise: my truck lags significantly in the lower rpms and, although it's not what i would call impressive in the mid to high rpm range; it is however adequate. As far as MPGs go, I have been able to maintain an average of 18 MPG, which seemed to be adequate, then today happened...

My truck is currently at the dealership to get the alignment fixed, not a big deal, however they are super busy and will have it the day. So they gave me a loner...2016 Tacoma SR5 DCSB 4x4 with an auto transmission. For the hour long trip home I must cruise a 65mph highway, up a mountain road, down a mountain road, through town, cruise a 65mph highway and finally down the bumpy, curvy, hilly dirt road. Throughout which time I had an amazing experience driving this truck. The power curve felt much more linear, not sure how that can be. The cab seemed quieter, and I averaged over 23 mpg. So all I can say is WHAT THE HELL!

 

Computerized shift points FTW.

 

Probs the transmission TSB

 

i had my 16 sport mt in the shop today and had a sr at loaner. very unimpressed. happy to have my truck back. cant comment on mpg but power felt so much better in my MT.

 

Coupled with ECT on highway, ultimate win.

 

Computer is a better driver than you are.

Even the EPA gives the auto a better test score than the manual.

 

Most people prefer the power delivery of the manual.

 

Buying a manual trans to get better milage is no longer a reason to buy one. Autos get equal or better now for the most part unless you know how to hyper mile with the manual. I bought a manual subaru that had less quoted mpg than its auto counterpart but i still would never trade it for an auto. Ill drive a stick until its no longer an option.

 

This. And with all of the new tech available like dual clutch gear boxes and computers that can adapt to terrain, weather, driver, etc conditions they can make a more compelling case than manuals in most cases.

I got an auto for crawl control (and I deal with bumper to bumper traffic alot).

 

Don't get me wrong I love the manual transmission, the fun factor is worth more than better MPGs in my opinion. If only I could have my cake and eat it too.

 

If you want to play with MPG (say on a longer trip) install a vacuum gauge. Learning how to drive efficiently by monitoring that is much more accurate than the instantaneous output of your dash or my SCII

 

People are still surprised that modern auto's typically get better mileage than manuals? What year is this? lol

 

The fun factor and extra control outweighs the couple mpg by a long shot for me.

Plus I'm able to get 21-22 mpg average on my highway commute which is better than my last truck.

You have a manual transmission 4wd truck. If your only issues are 18mpg and an alignment, you sir got the gold nugget 3rd gen. Rejoice and live like a king.

 

2nd gen the manual had a different final gear ratio than the automatics, so the manual was at a higher rpm for the same speed (say 70mph).

Not sure if that is the same for third gen because I don't buy ugly trucks.

 

It doesn't take buying an ugly truck to figure out the gear ratios lol

 

Automatics rule.

 

^^^ That +1 - if you're getting 18mpg you not using your gas pedal enough specially if you drive on mountain roads. I get MAYBE 17mpg - have lots of power and mostly drive some hilly roads, no mountains here.

Try shifting a little higher in the RPM range that will help big time with power but use more gas. Short shift to save gas - run up the rpms to get power, you will have plenty when you ask for it.

 

What about that one in your driveway that looks like the grille design was inspired by a catfish?

 

I drove mt's for years and have two classic MG's (49 & 60) with mt's but have never thought there was a "fun factor" involved with them. Give me an auto and let me go...don't have to worry about heavy traffic, hills, curves, etc.