Manual Transmission Owners? Downgrade from Full Size?

Hi All,

I'm new to these forums, but have been browsing them for awhile now as I'm contemplating purchasing a 2016/2017 Tacoma. I've never owned a Tacoma, but have always love the look and ruggedness of these trucks.

I'm currently driving a 2012 RAM 1500 and love the power and mean look of it, but it certainly leaves a lot to be desired in terms of reliability, gas, and resale. I've already had a few niggling problems with it at only 20k miles. I'm sure that trend won't improve.

My question is two-fold...

First, can someone with a manual transmission 3rd gen chime in with your overall thoughts on the truck? I'd be looking at a TDR Sport or Off-Road, double cab, short bed. I hear a lot of complaints about the automatic version of the trucks being pretty lousy with acceleration and shifting. Does the manual eliminate these issues? Is acceleration and overall power train feel improved over the auto? I believe the manual comes with a different axle ratio as well. I would guess this helps with off-the-line feel. Secondly, has anyone "downsized" to a new Tacoma from a full-size truck? Any regrets?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...and-bs-thread-all-generations-welcome.406844/

 

Seem to see a lot of people here upset with downsizing and upset with the power of the 3.5. I thought the gen 3 manual drove nice however I don't pull a trailer over 3,000 lbs and I don't need a full size.

 

TRD Sport with manual here... love it plenty of power when I need it. Cat back exhaust and TRD air filter installed. C rated AT tires NOT E rated... NO complaints and its a lot of fun to drive.

Off road its a beast...

 

I've got the Access Cab 4x4 Sport in a manual.
Personally, I think the truck has plenty of power. If I slam my foot to the floor, it pushes me back in the seat and takes off! I have had zero issues. none. fabulous truck. (*correction*, my clutch pedal occasionally squeeks, but a spot of white lithium grease every 4 months or so fixes that right up.)

It's not uncommon for me to be slightly behind the other leaders from a dead stop.. but that's because 1st gear is very much geared for torque and not take-off speed. Also, I don't feel the need to floor it at every green light;-) 2nd gear easily gets you up to speed with everyone else.

I've only towed a couple of times so far, but had no problems there either. without looking, I could only *barely* tell that anything was back there.

 

After having the TSB applied, my auto is fantastic. Smooth, predictable, quick response. Sometimes, once a month or so, I do get the inkling feeling to row my own gears, but then I promptly hit a traffic jam and realize the cons of having stick in a daily driver seriously outweigh the pros.

A fun, weekend toy, on the other hand? Stick all the way.

 

I like my auto after the TSB was perormed on the transmission. It shifts great and has plenty of power off the line.

 

Thanks for the comments. It's good to hear that people have positive things to say of the manual transmission, and even the auto after the TSB.

The biggest thing holding me back is I love the power of my full size, but the manual evens that out a bit because even though it's not a powerful, a stick is always super fun to drive.

It's a little concerning that people have clutch squeak issues on such new trucks. Wonder if there's a bigger underlying issue there.

Anyway, sounds overall that people are liking these trucks with the stick quite a bit. Keep the thoughts coming!

 

Hi and welcome! Just bought a 17 TRD Off Road Manual 4x4. Truck is a blast to drive and has plenty of power. I haven't, nor plan to take it off road but would love to try it out some time . I have always owned Tacomas, so not sure about the reduction in power from a full size truck. I only have ~200 miles on it thus far, but plan to drive till the wheels fall off...and it'll still be worth 20 grand lol. Na, seriously they have the best resale value, like 60+% after 5 years.

 

I went from a 09 4 banger 5 speed taco, to the 2017 (day 3 now) v6 manual 6 speed. I love it, don't see what folks are complaining about. Coming from a full size down to the mid, you may feel the loss of power, like I feel the increase.

Tacoma is a great truck to drive, and the manual is what makes it in my mind

 

You've been on the 3rd gen forum longer than 3 days....

and congrats on your new truck and good luck.

 

The squeek isn't the clutch mechanism itself.. The clutch pedal isn't a 1 piece (pad on the end of a single arm)thing on the 2nd and 3rg gen Tacomas. (I came from a 1st gen tacoma with the single clutch arm, so it was rather odd to me as well) It's a multi-lever thing where the pad is attached to a lever that fits into another piece (picture a ball on the end of the lever fitting into a cup on the other piece). the squeek is the ball pivoting inside the cup. The grease makes it nice and smooth and quiet though.


I'm guessing that the compound lever setup makes the clutch easier to operate with the stronger transmission. I've certainly had much tougher clutches in lighter vehicles.

 

Ya I have, I joined after I ordered back in August. But now I don't have to sleep at a Holiday Inn Express to be here.

https://youtu.be/l8Ah8WTL2i8

 

I downsized from a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Z71 to a 2016 DCSB TRD OR Manual. No regrets, and no issues at all in 7000 miles so far which is probably hard to believe reading these forums. The biggest thing for me was getting used to having a 3.5L V6 vs the 5.3L V8. There is a difference and it was significant. That being said, 7000 miles in, I've adjusted and I'm totally fine with it now. The stick is what makes it for me. If it weren't for the stick I'd have another full size.

 

I love the manual transmission. I have a '16 DCSB Sport. It's smooth, could use a bit more power but given where gas mileage is now (I'm averaging about 20.5 in mixed driving) I'm happy with the tradeoff. I previously had a '02 xtra cab 3.4l with the TRD supercharger and while I loved the motor/transmission it feels like I've entered a new century with this truck. I was averaging 16 MPG in the '02 and it was extremely noisy, the NVH work they did on the 3rd gen really helped IMO.

 

I'd go with the TRD OR DCSB 4x4 6MT. Has the best residual value at all terms 24,36,48,60, etc. I've included the chart to show proof.

I have the DCSB 4x4 TRD OR 6MT on order. I've driven both auto and manual extensively, on and off for over a year now, and you won't be disappointed with the manual.

Off the line it's plenty quick, especially with the 4.30 gearing vs. 3.90 in the auto.

I will say, this engines power dramatically increases @3500 RPM+.

I'd encourage you to try both, yet I'm sure you will fall in love with the manual

 

It's hard to see, but it looks like the sport is the same as the OR, but again hard to read and not sure if I am reading it correctly

 

Great info here, Guys!

Resale and reliability reputation certainly play a big role in the decision to get this truck.

It seems like major press outlets aren't too kind to the 3rd gen thus far. Also sounds like people are having plenty on issues with drive train vibration and other somewhat major things, but I always take that with a grain of salt as many more people are inclined to provide feedback if they're unhappy or had a negative experience.

It's also been super hard to find good info about the M/T from actual owners. I'll have to test drive one at some point. Hard thing is finding the OR M/T in blue or inferno around here.

 

@wxm8562
Here's the .pdf instead of screen shot.

 

My 2016 4x4 OR DCSB 6MT rides great with no squeak in the pedal but there are times when I will step on it and there is a hesitation with acceleration. Depend on the RPMs your in. My Datsun 4x4 4 banger with headers/weber has better throttle response but does have the power as the V6 for obvious reasons. If you like a more comfortable ride, go with the OR it has a softer valving ride. $.02