Can you tolerate the 4 cylinder?

Correct on the fact that the v6/auto costs more going in, as it's an option, so the value at sale/trade time is higher, but keep in mind that there are many potential buyers that will walk away from a manual cuz they can't drive 'em.

About 10 years ago my wife and I had a manual Accord that we were trying to sell. Car was low miles and in great shape, I had 3 buyers walk away because they couldn't drive a manual!

Point is that some options will cost you buyers, especially if the options are not the most popular ones. While I don't buy/option my vehicles thinking about the next owner, it is something to consider especially if you don't drive your vehicles until they die.

 

That is wholly dependend on gas prices. Given the volatility, what is going on in the gulf, and the inevitability of the fact that this WILL be used by our government to push their cap and tax agenda, much higher gas prices are going to be an eventuality. Vehicles with larger engines suffer when gas prices go up, while more efficient options go up in demand.

 

I just can't see buying a vehicle with "features" I despise (auto tranny) to make the next owner happy. If it's worth less (it's not) then so be it.

 

Sounds like you need to learn how to drive an automatic.

If you want to downshift, downshift. If you want control in snow put it in 1 or 2. That locks the transmission in 1 or 2. It won't shift to any other gears and it won't shift between 1 and 2.

Were your disaster automatics Toyotas?

 

Nope, but I doubt the Toyotas are that much different. Not to mention the power you lose. My buddy has a 4cyl automatic Tacoma, and it feels like a dog next to one with a manual. Hell I enjoy the manual, plus less maintenance, reliability. I can't think of a single reason why I'd want an automatic.

 

My IL4 does great and the manual suits my needs. Being 56 years old, I thought of switching to an automatic, but after driving the automatics with the V6, I wanted more control...and .... TO ME....that is important in the Northeast. I use the brakes for less with a manual....and I think, when driven properly, the manual is more efficient. I tow a 13 foot whaler along with kayaks and camping gear with not problem. Granted....I get passed carrying a load up long, steep hills in northern NE, but here in CT it's not a problem. I also have cruise on this one and I can cruise any highway here in CT at 70MPH and get about 24MPG. I had a 1990 extended cab, 4X4, with the 3.4V6, manual transmission. That truck has nowhere near the power, zip, or gas mileage of my 2010.
I am happy with my purchase!

 

the only reason i have come up with for owning an auto is if there was a medical condition that limited the use of one of my legs. or if i was an amputee.

and imo, putting an auto in a lower gear isn't the same as putting a manual in a lower gear. manual's just give you so much more control in inclement weather, cost less to maintain, and are more fun to drive. give me a manual any day.

 

Hear hear!
I know lots of people hate manuals and drive autos, but I'm not joining them unless I'm forced to.

I love my new Tacoma more every day. This vehicle is so much better than my old one, and cost just a hair more.

 

IME, Toyota automatics aren't problematic and sticks aren't either ... with a couple hours of practice on someone elses clutch before buying your own.

The biggest problem with automatics today is that lots of people who drive an automatic have no idea what a transmission does and lots of people who drive a stick believe that you shouldn't shift an automatic.

Having the need to haul both kids and stuff? Double cab with 6' bed is automatic only.

I've never had these control issues you speak of with an automatic. The torque converter gives you a lot more power off the line than you want if you gas it in the snow, but if you take off slow in 2nd with decent tires its not a problem. It just takes and understanding of what the transmission is doing and practice to do it right. Just like driving a manual in the snow.

I also don't see the difference between three moderately priced fluid changes vs cheap fluid changes + a clutch replacement to get to 250k. If you keep your vehicles beyond 250k or don't need to replace the clutch in 250k miles I believe you are a rare exception.

IMO there is a big difference between a Toyota automatic and some of the others out there. I personally don't like the way most Ford or Honda automatics shift. My extended family has had lots of "experience" with 80s GM automatics and 90s Chrysler automatics in the shop. Lets just say that my wife's Pontiac is the only "domestic" in the family now ... and it has a Toyota transmission in it. Family members have had multiple Honda and Toyota automatics that were working fine when the vehicle was traded at 200k+ miles. AFAIK my automatic has been the most problematic of anyone in the family. A $15 metal pipe between the transmission and radiator rusted out in my '94 Corolla after a dozen winters in the northeast US with very rare car washes. After bleading out 2/3rds of its transmission fluid in a dozen miles and making some rather unpleasant noises, that automatic transmission got refilled with fluid has since pulled a 13' Whaler (and lots of other stuff) thousands of miles. Still shifts fine today.

I guess I'm just not passionate about auto vs stick. I greatly prefer a stick in a sportscar and I'd never own an automatic motorcycle. But a basic commuter car, family vehicle, or truck? I'd like something with a transmission. Doesn't matter to me if it is a stick, auto, CVT, or hybrid.

 

I am used to having a diesel and just cruising over hills

 

you do know you can pull the rear disc brakes from a FJ Cruiser and a Tundra ('03-05) because they share the same lug pattern as us (6x5.5)...

the easiest transfer setup is getting them off a FJ cause the FJ uses the same Dana 40 rear end as ours...so you would really only need to get the bracket that hold the calipers fabricated...that should cost much...

the Nissan Titan also shares the same lug pattern as a few of chevy vehicles as well...

I have been looking into this for years...and when its time for me to upgrade brakes setup both front and rear for better and bigger brakes...I'm piecing together a setup made by WILWOOD...

 

thanks for the shots OXI...

nice to see you came to the 4x4 side...I bet you miss autocrossing in your X

 

I will agree 4 and 6 dont seem like incredibly substantial power difference. But the tunda i test drove felt like a beast. Might just be the tundra. I had a 350z and a lightning before my current 4 door 6 cyl. So yeah a lot of things feel like their made out of lead now.

 

I guess my family could be horribly unlucky, but our experience is that autos last about 100k then die, even when maintained perfectly. Ford, Subaru, Honda, Kia, all alike. Fixing them is a huge expense, and I've just learned my lesson. Like I said, as long as i can buy one, I will. Obviously it's not for everyone, but suits me just fine.

 

If my truck was Auto for 4th and 5th (sometimes even 3rd), I would love it. I hate having to down shift when going up hills. I prefer Autos in most new 4clyds because most of them make more power in high RPMs. All you do is just stomp the peddle, the auto downshifts and you go.

 

auto's and manual trucks equipped with the same motor make the same power.

it comes down to gearing....which imo, the manual has the advantage, since it has an extra gear to choose from.

 

Only because the Taco runs a seriously outdated 4 speed auto......

 

What I said was most new 4clyds, like my girlfriends Mazda3. Most 4clyds make very little torque in low RPMs and require a lot of shifting. In the truck if I could just stay in 5th gear and just stomp the peddle to go up a hill and not have to quick shift 4th (or 3rd) it would be nice. I live in Colorado we have mountains. Sometimes I am going from 5th (65mph), 4th, 3rd (5000 RPMs) on the highway going through the mountains.

 

Might be true but I started to trade mine a couple weeks ago and was offered $6000 for my 05 reg cab 4cyl 5 speed manual with 107,000 miles on it.
Reason I didn't trade was I'd rather buy a house and enjoy my paid for truck instead of having a house payment and car payment. The truck I was looking at was a 2009 X-Runner with 12,000 miles on it for $24,900. With the $6000 trade for mine it knocked it down to under $18,000 for the xrunner @$350 a month payments with 0 down. I don't do any hauling or pulling anything and don't really do alot of off roading. I mostly drive it like I stole it.

 

yes... the offroading reasons for engine size are irrelevant. it's gearing that will affect that the most.