Tacoma dilema -Automatic now, or Manual on a 10 week wait?

So i'm about to purchase a new 2010 double cab, 4x4 trd off road and it's come down to standard or auto transmission. When i test drove in the auto it had a pretty annoying lag going from a dead stop to moving. I liked the drive in the manual even tho i figured the auto would be be a little nicer for towing (b/c i tow 2 times a week during the summer for race season). I drive a 5spd wrx now but that will be gone next week, and i really enjoy manual transmission, but lets be honest going from a wrx to a truck is a whole new ball game.

Couple things i liked about the auto was the e-brake pedal instead of handle, more room in the console, and that little posket to the left of the radio. But the manual is deffinately more fun for me to drive (especially coming from manual transmission sports cars the past 4 years).

Well...The auto i can have within about a week or two (coming from another dealer). If i go with the stardard i have to wait 8-10 weeks for one from the factory.

What would you do?

 

which one do you truely want? Wait for the one that you want because at the end of the day you will be driving it for months/years.

 

buy what makes you happy. i prefer driving a manual so i bought a manual. pretty simple stuff.

 

I think once you started driving the auto on a reg. bases you would get used to it and end up liking it more. With towing its very nice to just shift in drive and go and not have to down shift. Its your choice. You might end up liking the auto after you get used to it but then again you might end up hating it and wished you had got the manual. Do what you think is going to make you happy. If you can handle waiting 10+ weeks then wait, if not then you dont have a choice but to get the auto. Good Luck with your purchase!

 

x2!

 

well i was in the same situation that you are in. except that i got the trd sport. i ended up having to wait for about the same time but luckily i got deployed for about 5 weeks so that helped with the time going by. but still it felt like it took forever. but it was well worth it. i love the manuel. and the time that i was waiting for it, i was just saving up more money. also if your 21 or older then they will give you a rental car for the time that youre waiting. unfortunately im only 20 so i wasnt able to get one. hope this helps.

 

If i can get a rental car i have no problem waiting.

 

I'm not 100% sure on this, but doesn't A-TRAC only come on the automatic transmission when you get the TRD Off-Road?

 

I'd rather drive a manual any day of the week. Towing or otherwise- Greater control of the engine/truck.
But it comes down to what you want. Seems like you aren't really sure what you want cause you had positives for both types. Figure out what fits you better and go for it.

 

+1! Boo-yahhh!!

 

if the 6 speed wasnt so troublesome, I may have stuck with it

I just sold my 6 spd X-runner and bought an auto Dcab. I will say that I like this auto better than the 6 speed. Plus I dont have to worry about the annoying TO bearing squeaks or clutch discs breaking or other problems that are common with the toyota 6 speed

but if you are going to be bored driving an auto, then stick with the manual

I just wish they offered the 5 speed on the dcabs, its a nicer trans

Justin

 

Im having the same thoughts auto or manual, Whats the pros and cons and i mean durability and off roading etc, not hands free drinkin coffee or holding the wife.

 

if you like manual, don't cheat yourself. get what you like
i waited and waited and searched and searched - glad i did. no substitute for downshifting!

 

x3

The literature I have says that you can have A-TRAC and a manual transmission. But DAC and HAC are features found in the Auto transmission models only.

 

comes on both i think

 

If you really like driving a manual and you can wait, I'd wait for the manual. Back in '04 my local dealer was having a great sale so I decided to trade in my '97 manual x-cab, but all they had were auto's. I figured it wouldn't be a big deal, but having driven nothing but manuals all my life I ended up regretting it for two years. I finally had enough and in '06 I ordered my DC TRD Off-road with the 6 speed. I had to wait for about 5 weeks, but it was well worth it. I love the 6 speed. I'm from PA and I just love the control I have over the truck with the 6 speed, especially in the snow.

 

Tricky. People are right to say if you are going to be towing, an auto might be a bit easier.

But, yeah manuals are fun.

Whatever you get you'll be happy.

 

If you want a manual then wait. I switched to Auto last year after owning manuals for 10years and haven't looked back; Auto is awesome in traffic and it's nice when towing. No advantage to either really other than personal preference. The Auto even claims to be better gas mileage but it's too close to be a major difference.

 

I voted manual.

I have an 09 dual cab 6 speed. The last auto vehicle I owned was over 20 years ago so it almost goes w/o saying that I am a manual trans kinda guy...

That said though, I have read here that the autos get better gas mileage. A friend at work with the same truck but an auto confirms that.

At times the 6 speed gets to be too much shifintg but that is rare. I also live in PA and I pop into neutral often to coast down hill at just an idle. I get 18 mph+ at times but also get 17s too...just depends.

I'll probably buy manuals till I'm too old to push in a clutch.

My (99, 4-Runner, V-6, manual) was sold at 209K, never even replaced the clutch, never changed the gear lube in the tranny...never gave me any trouble. Don't know if the 6 speeds are as bullet proof or not but they would have to be less expensive to repair than a manual.

Let us know what you decide.

 

I agree!!