Potential new owner debating what to buy

Hi everyone, this is my first post as a potential Tacoma owner. I am now shopping around for a new winter vehicle as my current one, a 2003 WRX, recently blew its engine. I was considering buying a new WRX or STI, however the 2018 model was recently announced and would be worth waiting for over available 2017 models given the updates. The issue with that is the 2018 models won't be available until late spring, and I'm in need of a worthy winter vehicle sooner rather than later.

Enter the Tacoma. I've always been a fan of the taco due to its size, capabilities, and utility. After test driving a couple of 2017 models, both auto and manual, I am close to pulling the trigger. My dilemma however, is auto vs manual. All of my cars have been manual, and if I were getting a new car, it would be a manual no question. The issue with the Tacoma is manuals aren't readily available and usually need to be ordered. The problem with that is having to wait 2-3 months on an order while I really need a winter vehicle now as mentioned. With that in mind, I thought maybe an automatic isn't a bad compromise in a truck, especially for those times I get caught in heavy ski traffic on I-70. That is the rare time having a manual drove me crazy; traffic moving so slow uphill that rolling along at 800RPM in 1st gear of my WRX was too fast. Constantly modulating the clutch to creep along uphill is brutal and tiring. That said, I started reading about the issues people have with the automatic transmission in the 3rd gen models which has me concerned.

I am looking at getting a DCSB 4x4 TRD OR model which are readily available with the automatic. Given the issues seen with the auto, is it worth waiting for one with a manual? Those times I do get stuck in ski traffic are a small percentage of my driving, so I'm sure I can suck it up when it does happen. I also read today that the new administration is looking to impose a 20% border tax on Mexico, and with the double cab models being made in Tijuana, timing may be of the essence. What do you guys think?

 

This issues in the A/T are mostly exceptional, there's 250,000 new Tacomas on the road. Dont let the 30 people on TW sway you.

That said, I would just buy a used truck an older Tacoma to hold you over until that new 2018 WRX comes out that you have your eye on.

EDIT: Don't expect that 20% tax to pass to the consumer, toyota will likely eat it or move production.

 

What happened to the Manual Tacoma you test drove, if you get that you would not have to wait, your Dealer could also do a Dealer Trade. They also make Double Cabs in Texas and although I am not sure, I believe all the Manual Tacomas come from Texas.

 

TOYOTA will either initially absorb the border tax and slowly add it to msrp or they will move all production to San Antonio.

You sound like you enjoy manuals, search surrounding dealers and find one. They're out there

 

I've always had manuals and enjoyed driving them, but as you noted, they suck in stop and go traffic, which is why I bought an auto when I chose my new Tacoma last year. The problem here is that all the advice you get here will be just opinions. The 6MT fan boys will tell you the 6AT blows and the 6MT is the only way to go, and for you it might be. I have no complaints about the AT in my truck, but I don't tend to obsess about such things, and there are many on here who have/had the AT and hate it. My advice to you is to go take a long test drive up and down Floyd Hill on I-70 in an AT and see if the motor/tranny combo it's something you can live with.

 

Definitely get an over night test drive if you possibly can, my Dealer gave my a new Automatic 17 for a couple days, I enjoyed the truck except for that constant up and down shifting, ended up ordering a Manual.

 

+1

To OP, get the truck that you want in your heart. Don't over think it. If you really want a manual, I am sure there are plenty in the area... you just have to search. you may have to drive a state or two to get it, but your heart will thank you.

 

I had no complaints test driving a 6AT before I bought mine. It's designed for efficiency, just keep that in mind. If I had an AT I'd drop in a set of 4.88's for a little more pick-me-up. Even then my manual still spins higher on the freeway so you'll not loose a ton in mileage.

 

Do what makes you happy. No ragrets.

 

I'm confused....are you planning on getting the new subaru when it comes out? If so I would just buy an older subaru to last a couple years or however long it takes for the new ones to come out.

If you decide to get the tacoma instead, I would prefer the auto, especially for the times you hit traffic. I don't enjoy shifting through my gears unless I'm riding my bike or in a sports car or something.

Yes there have been issues with the automatic, but I am sure it will get worked out at some point.

Take a long test drive of each and get what works best for your needs/wants.

 

Honestly it sounds like you have your heart set on a new WRX and I don't blame you. I would find a cheap winter driver and wait. Just my 2 cents. Buying a $35k new Tacoma only to later regret it when the 18 WRXs start showing up won't be a cheap mistake if you decide to trade in for one once you see them rolling around town. I know patience is hard in this day and age for me included.

 

RE: transmission. Go test drive the roads you are familiar with and make up your mind there.

 

Go to cars.com find what you want, cut a deal and go get it. I am sure there are some manuals on there.

 

exactly. and someone said, "don't overthink it"... this doesn't apply to everyone, and TW is the clear evidence of that. some folks overthink for a living and need their hand held. that's half of why we even have so many folks to talk to here. anyway...

OP if you're seriously investing in a new vehicle you should consider needs over time and what you will value in it next year and the years after. it's expensive so don't be merely short-term with your thinking.

some here really value the driving and how it performs. most of those people want better gearing and can tell the difference. AT's have 3.9 rears and MT's have 4.3... big difference. you can swap to higher like 4.88 but it'll cost you an arm & a leg. some just prefer to be in control of their truck continually so want the MT, but it doesn't sound much like you care much (or you would have said so?).

i had a broken high mileage Subie (actually still have it, about to sell it) and it kept me going for 3 1/2 months while waiting for my MT order. it was a dangerous drive but worth the wait. i'd wait again for this truck if i had to. but if you want a good quality MT now, buy used, easy. not sure if you feel strongly about it all, but i wouldn't make much compromise on a new vehicle purchase if you're into your vehicles like most of us around here. the only compromise i was willing to make on my purchase was the color, because i really didn't have much choice and everything else checked my boxes, speaking for myself. good luck!

 

Can't beat the look of the 3rd gen....bias to the TRD sport they are all tough!

 

Wait, get a 6MT DCSB TRD OR 4x4. Drive it till your 18' WRX comes in. Then sell it private party, you won't loose much plus you will have a nice ride.

I love the 6MT, very smooth and crisp.

 

Haha, I thought someone might ask that. The manual Tacoma I drove was a DCSB Sport model in red. It was a nice truck, similar to what I am looking for, but I would prefer an Off Road in silver.

 

Good call. I'll see about arranging an extended test drive.

 

Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but where I grew up people bought beaters for their winter vehicles not brand new $30-40k trucks for the salt to destroy?

Get what you want in a transmission. I've enjoyed M/T plenty in years past, but Atlanta rush hour traffic completely sucks with M/T and I'll continue to buy A/T vehicles for daily drivers so long as I'm here.

As for import taxes, many/most negotiators start out with a position well beyond what they'll accept in the end. Don't fall for all the knee-jerk Chicken Little doomsday stuff so popular this week; do remain very watchful of course.

 

Sorry for the confusion. I'm not planning on getting the new WRX, at least not yet. When my '03 WRX broke down, I put together a short list of possible replacement vehicles which included the new WRX and STI among a few others. The Tacoma made it onto the list for being a capable 4x4, plus the fact I've never owned a truck and wouldn't mind trying something new and different.