Should I buy an automatic or manual Tacoma? (2021)

Fuck it. Someone go buy an MT and heck, an AT and store them. Just be sure to update this thread in 10 years.

Remind me 10 years!

 

I currently own a 2007 MT TRD OR DCSB, had it for 7.5 years now. It’s a great transmission so long as the URD throw out bearing upgrade is completed and you learn to shift it correctly.

The 4.30 gearing is excellent, however at 70mph it’s turning nearly 2400rpm. The auto is a bit better on gas. Overall, I’ve absolutely loved this configuration. With that said I’m picking up a 2021 auto tomorrow and selling my beloved for ease of traffic driving and just becoming lazier.

My 2nd gen will be for sale soon in the Bay Area if any one is interested.....

 

Forgettable?

Stock tuning is kind of "neutered", now that i experienced the full otto cycle tune. Completely different animal man.

I get same mpgs with full otto as i did in the summer with the garbage "atkinson cycle". Thanks Mr. OV.
IMHO simulated Atkinson cycle is great with a help of electric motor (hybrid) but not so much in a pick up with NA engine.

Would like to add that i was happy with the performance on stock tuning, now i feel untouchable.

 

True, you are probably right. With 50k MT 3rd gen tacomas, it will be hard. But take a look at other manual transmission trucks of the past. Take a look the Chevy 2500 HD Duramax (2003-2007.5) values.

2007 was the last year you could get the Duramax in a manual transmission. Do you know how much a clean LBZ Duramax goes for? It's insane... It barely lost any value. Manual transmission trucks(ESPECIALLY DIESELS before all the EPA regulations) are definilty desirable, especially clean ones that aren't rusted out. I believe the future with all automatics and self driving electric cars people will pay a premium to experience the drive of a manual transmission that no longer exists.

 

12 valve cummins with mechanical fuel pump, 5 spd go for 20k-25k minumum here, and good luck even finding one. I think one of the best vehicles built on the planet to this day.

 

That's just because all the AT 12v's ate their trannys for the 3rd time and the MT guys scooped up the carcass to steal the motor when their original motor popped lol.

 

I'm not a Duramax expert by any means, but I'm pretty sure the demand for those LBZ's comes from emission changes made to the following model and not the tranny.

I dunno though, it's a fun thought exercise though.

 

Yeah. It's been proven it makes no difference. It just causes you additional stress. You're in traffic. You can't "beat" it. Chilling or changing lanes and stomping on the gas and the brakes to make sure nobody gets in front of you makes zero appreciable difference in how quickly you get through traffic.

 

Ýou are probably 100% right. Dodge ATs were complete garbage.

 

Which is sad in some respects. The driveline is good, but the rest of the truck is trash Cryco quality

 

They weren't that way always though. They probably made one of if not the best 3 speed autos ever, the A727 Torqueflite.

 

You are right, most of the "value" does come from not having to have a DPF and have to add DEF fluid,and all the other bs problems that come with the extra stuff EPA mandated in later Model Years. But try finding a clean manual transmission one. It is easier to find a clean Auto LBZ. I've found online that the manual is extremely hard to find, which means the prices are higher for them.

I actually was in the market for a clean 2003-2007 Duramax HD. found a clean 2005 or 2007 i forget extended cab manual transmission on Craigslist for $23,000 with 120,000 miles. The posting was gone within two days, and I know this is anecdotal evidence, but it is really hard finding a good clean manual transmission truck, diesel or not.

 

If you were a bit handy with common sense those fuckers lasted forever. I knew some peeps with those configs and i was jelous AF.

 

100% agree.

 

Most of those around here are full of rust, cow shit and an interior that looks like it's returning to the earth. I venture to say that a lot of farmers and ranchers bought this configuration new.

 

Any idea on the production numbers of AT vs. MT trucks built? Because i'm pretty sure now the numbers would be in favor of the MT since the model was produced for such a short period of time. Hence the rarity, hence the premium.

Pretty much why I feel like the Taco doesn't qualify, numbers.

 

Luckily, where i live it barely snows. Those fuckers are preserved pretty good with the right owner. Had quite of few customers with 12 valve 5 spd and i just drooled. Awesome machines if taken care of.

I was actually looking for one when i was shoppping for my taco, but it wasnt happening. 25k for 99 dodge with who knows how many miles? Yeah, no thanks.

 

They're the cockroaches of the diesel world outside a VW TDi 1.9 with a manual trans. They'll last if you stay on top of it.

 

Can't find anything on the production numbers on the interwebz. I'm not sure how to search it up on Google. Alot of random articles pop up from car magazines and news websites. I'm sure with the right keywords someone can find it

 

No, I'm good. This is all just for fun and I have thought more about mid aughts Government Motors tonight than I generally care for lol.