Auto or 6sp Manual

Honestly I love my manual DD but love that my truck is automatic. I couldn't imagine driving stick on the trail.
I only wish I had it to optimize engine braking in the mountains.

 

When I bought my last truck in 97, the salesman was having a hard time finding a 6cyl MT, my only two requirements.

He kept mentioning the diminished resale value....lol.
Kept it for 19 years, so resale wasn't really important for me.

When the truck arrived, there was around $1k government rebate for MT- nice!

I also am interested in used trucks and cars, and I see a lot of older vehicles with MT for sale- I think part of that is that MT just lasts longer than AT, just a thought.

 

It definitely lasts longer. Back in the days synchros for first gear used to go out but I still think they were more reliable than today's auto.
I think longevity is a selling point for me.

 

Comparing the second gen and FJ RA60F to the RC62f is about the same as comparing a junk yard Muncie 4 speed with worn out linkage to a Tremec t56. Night and day difference.

 

The manual is actually pretty decent in traffic. Mine will hold 1st gear and wont buck or stall without giving it any gas as long as its not on a steep incline. It's still not as easy and relaxed as an AT in traffic, but it is the best manual I've had for traffic conditions. Even with that said, if I lived in LA I would have an AT.

 

I got 19mpg pulling my boat over Mt Hood to bend and back with armor, lift, tires, etc.

Without my boat I avg 21-23mpg on long drives thanks to OVtune

 

I do Not have OVtune however I am told the port installed the full Cold air intake system (from what I am told) or the dealer did, I,m not sure because I have not yet seen under the Hood of another TRD Pro Yet.

 

Wow, I’m lucky to see anything over 15. But I have a RTT and most of my drives are through Wyoming with significant headwinds

 

Cold air intakes don’t do much for a V6 of this size. That’s all marketing my friend.

That oil on those K&N filters will gunk up sensors over time too. Been there done that on more than one taco

 

Yah I drove a big chunk of WY. Damn Cody is windy. However coming down from Yellowstone to Alpine I got 25mpgs!

 

Agreed
I prefer my DD driver (commuter corolla for me) be a manual, but Tacoma (weekend warrior) is an auto, even though it pissed off the spouse (her DD is manual subaru).
Gives the family an option if one of us needs to drive if they are hurt arm or leg. Makes it easy to pull boats out of the water. Easier to pull down limbs and stuff.

 

Auto

 

I drive a semi all day at work then jump in my 6 speed taco at night. I know what ya mean at least we don't have to use the clutch all day in our rigs. But I still love my taco at the end of the day!

 

3 Pedal Posse all the way!

 

Where I live traffic doesn't exist so the MT was an easy decision

 

Awesome! Can't wait to hear the results!

 

My 99 taco is a 5speed, actually every car I've ever owned was a manual
My 16 is an auto.
I'm enjoying the auto.

 

Heart says manual. Head says auto.

 

So I went down to the local Toyota dealer today and took a TRD Access Cab OR for a 30 minute spin to see what these automatic trucks drive like. Initially, I did not like the way it drove(from the lot to almost the freeway). I hit the ECT button and it drove like a dream. I was really surprised. Drove it up a huge hill on the freeway. No gear hunting or anything. For a moment I thought about trading in the MT for the newer model AT. I've only driven MT trucks but it was nice to just sit their like an idiot and push the pedal and go.

 

Well I had time to waste on this Question why I am getting the Mpg that I do and first off the Sales person I talked to was not 100 % right but then again he did not outright claim to be and did say "I think" so off the hook I will let him go however 2 Items that he did point out are different.
First one is the Pro Has the TRD cat-back exhaust <---- does that make a difference? I dunno.
Second is Mine has the TRD Air box installed I am not sure if the dealer where I got it did that or the Port because when I look at the Build sheet it says "TRD Air Filter Package" and the Sales guy said normally it says "TRD air filter" and that is what you get a different filter not the TRD Air Box.

And today I started to install the ARB air compressor but going to hold off finishing it because I might put a second battery in that position.

But wait I know I know I really have not shed much light on why I get the Mpg that I do.......perhaps it is because I don't know yet? I get told that the "Cold air box" is just a Sales gimmick is it? No one has provided Data to show that it is a gimmick VS all the Claims that it gives More HP <----I don't claim it does nor do I buy into that even thought you can find Videos claiming that it does when tested.