Manual vs auto transmission realiabilty.

I think the demographic that buys a brand new Tacoma leans more toward wanting an automatic. Some people are just lazy and don't want to spend the time tracking down a manual when they can buy an auto on the lot with more options for cheaper.

When I go to sell my truck I will most certainly be asking more for it because it is a manual configuration. The manual transmission in iconic to Toyota and midsize trucks in general.

With that said I think that the Auto will last just as long as a manual in a Toyota.

 

Ha ha, I love pounding a burger or burrito after biking/hiking. I've done it with a manual, but auto is so much easier. So is slapping my kids' legs to keep them from kicking my seat!

 

LOL, love how these threads invariably turn out.

Great entertainment though

OP, quit the horseshit - you're a manual "bro" and you know it. Just get the damned M/T

 

For straight up reliability I would say the Manual, less complicated design.

 

The main reason is that a vast majority of people don’t know how to drive a manual. A lot of mechanics and techs at the dealerships don’t know how to drive manuals, which is insane.

Just like most people don’t know how to drive a motorcycle, which are almost entirely manuals. Interestingly, scooters are auto which is why they’re so popular among people that can’t drive a motorcycle.

 

I got an auto. I am 73 and trust the Toyota auto to out last that 73 year old left knee.

 

I guess that's my point. Simple economics. Less demand = lower price. But they are more "rare". I could see where it could command a higher price depending on region, condition, etc. But in general, I would say manuals will take longer to sell and would need to be priced accordingly.

 

Understood, but for 1st and 2nd Gen Tacomas the manuals often sell for thousands more from what I’ve seen online for 20+ years. Don’t know about the dealerships.

 

I've never had an auto make it past 100k without some major issue. Ford, Chevy, Nissan, Honda. All with scheduled maintenance

 

Manual it is. Cheaper on dealership lot. I can put down the food to change gears.

 

Personal experience... Of the various manual/auto cars owned, have had more issues with manuals or more specifically clutch replacement (generally 100k+ miles). Manuals MAY tend to be driven more aggressive ???

 

Lol! Good choice man. Just remember if the dealership doesn’t have one, they can and will get you one if they really want your business. Don’t let them BS you. If you really want a manual don’t settle because you will always wish for one if you don’t hold out for what you really want. Let us know!!!

 

Clutches aren’t that expensive and don’t need to be replaced very often in the life of a Toyota if they even do at all. It is a part of wear and tear to save the transmission as a whole.

If you have something go wrong with an auto and you are screwed. Neither should break down for a long time essentially, but stuff does happen with all transmissions. Manuals are definitely much less complicated in their function and more reliable overall.

 

you again. I thought I told you to beat it!

 

I have 5-6 people already wanting to buy my 2011 manual as they know i will be shopping for a Gen 3 in the near future.
Once i tell them its a manual they ask when i am going to sell it and they want first dibs

 

Agreed, the resale value on manuals is incredible, especially 1st Gen. I know that I sold mine way too low several years ago.

I've watched Tacomas sell online for 20 years, especially the 1st Gen. The manuals sell for up to $3k+ over autos. This is just what I've observed with my own eyes, so anyone that says otherwise probably hasn't bought or sold a used 1st Gen manual.

As for 2nd Gens, I'm sure they will end up the same as time goes on.

How does this pertain to this original thread? It’s just what’s in demand and what buyers want in an older truck, especially a Toyota. I’ll go even further, for the origanal Toyota truck, these ALWAYS sell for more and are in higher demand.

Manual (vs automatic)
Solid Axle (vs CV axles after 1980)
Extra Cab (vs standard cab)
4 Cylinder (vs V6 3.0, hell no)

 

While I mostly agree with you (despite being a MT bro myself), the one thing they still have over auto is the ability to rock back and forth.

When I had my lil FWD Saturn I got myself unstuck from quite a few spots just by rocking it, something I coudnt have done in an auto without breaking something.

 

My $.02 since Ive owned both as 3rd gens. They both have pros and cons.

Auto Pros:
The auto got much better gas mileage, up to 24 on the highway. The MT gets about 20 on the highway.
You dont have to shift, might be a con though, its a huge con for me, hence the reason Im in a MT.
The auto truck was quieter.

Auto Cons:
They were being shipped with low fluid, a possible reliability issue. I believe there's is a story or two about some failing, potentially due to this.
You dont have to shift, lol.
33s and the 3.8 gear set arent going to be fun.

MT pros:
4.3 gear set. Big difference in pick up, with a trade of in economy.
You get to shift.
No schizo shifting from the auto trying to find the right gear, especially since it always wants to be in the OD gears. IE 6th gear while holding 35-40 mph.

MT cons:
Yet to be seen with the new trans, but throw out bearing were disposable in the past. Requiring more frequent maintenance for some.
Its a louder truck.
Gas mileage is worse.

Manuals are a dying breed though. If you even think you want one, or enjoy driving one, you might want to keep this in mind. You'll have fewer options for a new truck with a manual as time goes on.

 

Another AT con is that I don't think you can get a non-factory locker in the SR / SR5 / Sport / Limited? I could be wrong, but ARB has only one listing that I saw made for the 8.75 rear on the MT?

Also, on the MT con list, it is easy to check if the throwout bearing is rotating when the clutch is engaged by peaking in the no-tools-needed inspection hole.

 

Also forgot to add, for those worried about the lack of torque at low rpms and roasting the clutch off road, thats what 4-low is for.