Always Had A Manual Transmission.. Can You Tell Me Your 3rd Gen Automatic Experiences?

17 years... I'd like something different

 

You can get the Manual in:
Sport AC
Sport DC
Off Road DC
Pro DC

 

My Tacoma is the first vehicle I’ve ever owned with an automatic, except for a 1977 Ram D200 beater I had for a while in college, and I’ve owned 20+ cars. I wanted a manual but I couldn’t pass up the deal I got in my 2017 SR V6 4x4 DCSB. I had a 2007 2.7L 2wd 5spd Tacoma for a while too.

Yes the transmission in the 3rd gen is a little weird, but honestly it’s fine. It’s better after I had the TSB done. There is some engine braking, and enough drag that it does slow down when you let off the gas and I use S mode for engine braking. I use ECT in the hills or hauling a heavy load. I’m averaging 20mpg. I’m at 27500 miles and haven’t needed anything beyond normal service though I do plan to check the transmission fluid level just in case sometime this spring. I’m due for an oil change and I’ll check the brake pad life then but I don’t suspect I’ll be even close to half worn.

Bottom line is I love this truck and haven’t missed having a manual.

 

If I didn't need the extra room, I would of never gotten rid of my 03 ex cab. Had 230K and ran like new. Was a cheap rig to own.

 

I had a 2002 Extra Cab SR5 V6 MT and after 17 great years I moved up to a 2019 Access Cab TRD Sport V6 MT. My 2002 was great also but I was ready for a new ride.

A 2019 Access Cab V6 MT in cement color is a rare gem in my region. I have no regrets so far, the reverse is high geared but not that bad. Also the new 2019 Tacoma MT has some kind of hill assist when stopped on a slope, the truck does not roll back for a couple seconds giving you time to engage the clutch.

I did buy a rear factory skid plate and front tow hook off here so its closer to a TRD OR. Have a few other mods planned as well.

You will appreciate the smoother and much higher ride over the 2002. The cab is roomier and seats are comfy. The emergency brake handle is perfect and right where it should be. It's a 4 door unlike my old 2002.

In 4WD the 2019 MT is similar to my 2002, I just drop it in 4 low and 1st gear and I can crawl just like my old 2002.

Power wise the 3.5L has a higher range rpm power and the 6 speed MT makes the most of it. I only use 6th gear on the interstate, its easy to hit 80mph without realizing it. Not sure you would like that since you live in the mtns of CO? The MT is great on long mtn passes both going up and down. For me it's a big plus when I travel out of town and I'm looking forward to traveling out of state this year for hunting.

As for the clutch it took about a month to get used to it, felt different but now it's fine. The transmission shifts very smooth, probably it has synthetic gear oil in it.

Pretty sure the tow pkg is standard on the TRD trims.

I would test drive each transmission very carefully and then go from there. If I lived closer I would let you test drive mine.

 

Currently only the Sport has that Hill Start Assist feature.

 

I have a sloped driveway and it's a nice feature when backing out or pulling up.

 

The SR Manual also had it too before it got discontinued.

 

Toyota offers the 6-speed manual on TRD Off-Road. I test drove both transmissions.

I really liked the manual, but I already own a manual transmission car, so I got the automatic Tacoma.

No regrets. It’s a smooth power train.

PS - the automatic also gets higher MPG numbers.

 

Per the rating sheet.

I’ve had both an auto and MT 3g Tacoma. I do significant amounts of highway driving (60+ mph), around 40,000 miles a year. I’m seeing >2 mpg better with the MT. In all the driving I’ve done 18.x mpg with the auto and 20.x mpg with the manual, mostly at 70 mph. Towing I saw 8-10 mpg with the auto and 12-14 mpg with the MT.

 

This is the first automatic vehicle I've had in over 30 years....the first 5,000 miles took some getting used to as the tranny was constantly upshifting or downshifting. When I took it in for it's 5,000 mile service it was suggested I install TSB 0058-18 (if I remember correctly)...world of difference...I just did my 15,000 mile service last Saturday and had no issues to report to the service writer. Since the TSB was done, my fuel mileage has steadily improved as the miles roll on (I swear these 3.5's don't break in until after 10,000 miles). Granted my driving is pretty much flat surface pavement at 60-80 MPH and stop and go city...the worst mileage (when not towing) with A/C going is about 21.6...I checked my mileage this A.M after 256 miles on this tank and she's 23.7 (I have been in the 24's quite a few times). All I can say is that the TSB has done something.

 

I’m not surprised. That’s why I wrote “MPG numbers”.

It probably has to do with the EPA testing procedure not allowing the MT true fuel efficiency to come out.

2 > MPG is significant, too.

 

In my experience, it's not the transmission, engine, ECU, or tune that makes the engine seem so sluggish. I attribute this to the factory throttle mapping, which was easily overcome using pedal commander. All the low end power is there, but the throttle signal is non-linear, purposefully sandbagging engine performance, resulting in unpredictable shifting, gear hunting, surging, and shuttering. While the TSBs helped the situation, they were only treating symptoms.

Edit: Highway performance still kind of sucks, but I don't use the interstate often, so I haven't been able to dial in my PC to see if it'll fix the problem.

Another note... As others have stated, OVTune looks promising, and I'd consider it if it did not involve 'jailbreaking' the ECU. To me, it's not worth the risk, but that's merely my opinion.

 

How much did Pedal Commander cost and what did it involve?

Highway performance is great in my MT, plenty of power. 5th and 6th are like overdrive!

 

The accumulator and.... reverse sucking for towing? I guess that's two.

 

5th and 6th are overdrive which is what's so stupid about it. the 4-5-6 difference is very, very little and 6th should have been taller IMO (IIRC, the 4-6 ratio difference matches the old 5 speed 4-5 since both have a 1:1 4th). The 1st gear is better for sure but if 4th didn't change, why do a double overdrive when the top gear is the same?

I guess that makes 3 complaints.

 

I bought my '17 TRD OR because it fit in my garage and had a manual transmission. Those were mostly the only two criteria I had.

The only slightly irritating things I have found:
1) engine braking is very weak so you need to use the brakes a lot when towing
2) reverse gearing makes backing up steep hills or pushing a trailer irritating
3) clutch feel is awkward

The cheap workarounds I have found:
1) none, just use the brakes
2) Search here for 2Lo mod
3) Replace the accumulator valve with a piece of brake line

Two out of three make a big difference and are both cheap to do.

I test drove the automatic several times while searching for a manual and I didn't buy one when it would have been very easy to do so. So, there you have it. If you prefer to do the rowing you will prefer the manual Taco.

Cheers.

 

Clutch I can buy. Rear brakes, maybe kinda. Front brakes...... not so much. Unless all your miles are interstate cruising with minimal brake work. Surely you've replaced the front pads at least once?

With your condition and maintenance set up I'd just keep what you have. If you pursue a 3rd gen, at least arrange an extended test drive and go up and down that mountain a few times and see if the trans is suitable to you. Keep in mind, the test drive should be in the one you might buy, as they don't all behave the same.

 

It has it quirks, but if you know how to deal with them it’s a non issue. From my short experience with both the transmission and truck (2019 2wd TRD sport DCSB):

- If you want power, you need to ask for it. The throttle requires some getting used to but you need a lot more pedal travel to get to the heavier power area. The transmission and throttle leans to the economic side. It’s not a bad thing, in normal driving the quick shifting and light throttle work for gas mileage. I do 70% city driving and work is 2.5 miles but I get 21 MPG over the truck’s so far 4200 mile life, way more than what I expected when I bought it. If I need power for passing/merging, floor it (gee, what a concept), it will drop shift and wind up and off it goes just fine. The power is there, no ECT button needed

- S mode is more of your friend than you think. When you tow or need bottom end, use it to limit the of gear box. Also a lot of guys talk about it dropping gears on the hwy and yes, it does, it’s just the way it is geared and gearing is more than just the transmission. However, S mode helps here too. Now I drive in flat central Florida but the main hwys have a bunch of hill over passes. In D, it will do this. However, flip it over to S mode when you are on the hwy. it will go to S6. On a 90 mile drive with a good number of overpass hills with the cruise on, it dropped once (definitely the steepest one) and gave me 26.5 MPG at 70 over 90 miles. Definitely can’t argue.

Learn how it works and it will serve you well. Check the Tranny fluid! Make sure it’s at the right level. Mine had a harsh upshift and occasional downshift when I bought it when cold that went away as it warmed up. Brought it to the dealer and got the usual “well..uhh..it does that” and “could not replicate”. No $hit, I just drove it here and I said it does it when it’s cold. I bought a quart and topped it off (procedure is on the forum). It took 1/2 a quart and never had a harsh shift since. They are sensitive to fluid level and are coming from the plant low when new, so make this a priority. I’m willing to bet the majority of the people bitching about the tranny on the forum have never done this simple 20 min, $25 step. No it shouldn’t be necessary, but I have peace of mind.

If you want to row your gears, hey it’s your truck and it has some advantages. But on my truck, I’m not complaining about my choice.

 

Got it on sale for $250. All you have to do is unplug the factory plug on the throttle and install the PC. 5-10 min job.

Two notes:
1. Either buy directly from PC or their one authorized retailer on Amazon, eBay, etc. I forget the seller name, but it's on the PC website.
2. Follow the directions. You must disconnect the battery when installing / uninstalling PC. Otherwise you may go into limp mode.