Manual or auto trans for new Tacoma purchase?

I'm looking to purchase another Tacoma - sold my last one because of reasons.

As I am looking, I didn't like the 'smart' transmission in my last Tacoma ('21 TRD OR). I was curious if it would be any better for a standard transmission vs automatic. I plan to put a small lift on the new one as well (around 2-2.5").

Would it be worth re-gearing this one? I didn't re-gear the last one, but if it were to had done that, would it make the automatic transmission shift any better (before it wouldn't know which gear it wanted to be in - it would up shift when I still needed the power of the lower gear)? If I go with a manual, would re-gearing be worth it on that case?

Just looking to see what others have done to help me with my decision.

 

The MT gearing in approximately similar to the AT with 5.29 gears. A few folks have regeared MTs, but most are happy where it is at.

 

That's what I was thinking. Even with the MT and no regearing, you are able to stay in the gear as long/short as you want.

I'm not one to do super crazy things anyways. Just some trail riding & camping with family in/around GA/TN.

 

Sounds like you already made your decision

 

The main reason I ended up with the Tacoma was because it and the Gladiator are the only 2 pick-ups available with 3 pedals.

Full disclosure I rarely sit in stop and go traffic, but even if I did this box is very forgiving to drive.

 

Haha, yeah I'm leaning towards the MT pretty heavily. I think the only reason I got the AT was it was a super good deal. Someone likely ordered it during all the lockdowns, and declined to pick it up, so i jumped on it.

 

For real?

 

Ah - I didn't know that the Gladiators had that option. I do like those trucks, just not enough for me to purchase. I see several nice ones around where we live - decent lift and some larger tires make that truck look bada$$

 

In your signature picture, is that where you live..?? That's beautiful!

 

+1 with Chew.

OP, if anything, why not go find a manual (likely going to be a used one) to test drive to see if you like it or not?

I test drove 2 Tacomas before I got my own.

To answer your question on the title, whichever you prefer.

 

The KD Max tune will fix the problems with the automatic. It will also help the manual. You will be happy with either one after getting it tuned.

 

Thanks! Haha, I wish.

I went ice fishing last year and stayed in a cabin. Clinton BC, beautiful place.

 

Would it make much of a difference in 2nd or 3rd Gen? Not sure how much changed. There is only 1 at a CarMax, and it's a pretty far stretch of a drive ~50 miles. The only standard Toyota I've had was a '81 Pickup. That thing was a blast!

 

Hmm.. didn't know putting the Tune in a MT was an option. I need to lookup some posts where people have done that

 

WOW! That's absolutely gorgeous. I've been to Colorado & West Virginia and that's the closest I'll be to scenery as wintery wonderland as what y'all have up there. We need to make a family road trip next year

 

I plan on getting mine tuned when I get a chance. I want to put it on the dyno to get before and after graphs as well.

 

If you can find one, get the manual.

Zero folks with manuals sit there wishing they got the automatic instead.

Some of us autotragic fellas envy the manual Tacomas.

 

Thanks!

Come on up, You will not be disappointed!

 

That’s actually a very good point.

 

The Coyoza tune is what I have, it was developed specifically for MT. Stock felt like it had a dip around 3-3500 RPM, the tune really helped smooth that out and the power feels more useable.