35 years of manual Tacomas, now there's only AT and I'm ... shocked?

Anyone wanna advise me? I suppose I could google it and search these forums, but I'm hoping to get a heap of advice all at once instead of bits and pieces, cause I need to make a decision sorta soon.

I joined up here today, and threaded already, mentioning I'm looking at buying a new SR5. I only had time for a quick look that day, so today I went back and took a test drive and was quite startled. I've driven Tacomas since 1987, all manuals, a real winning streak. My first startle was learning I can't get a MT unless I get a TRD, which I dont want. But I thought hey, it's just an automatic, I do occasionally drive an automatic, my wife's car is auto, they work ok, I drive them with no problem. So I was really startled to feel how .... sluggish? ... it was. The best I can think to describe it would be to say that it seemed to shift too early for each gear, well below the RPM's that would have any life and zip to it. I did get to try the S mode, but I wish now I had done it more, and pumped the salesman more, but I didnt know what questions to ask. I googled for it and lots of the hits came back to this forum, and I was comforted [a bit] by what I read. But still, I hope someone can give me some more, and more direct, instruction especially in the S mode. In the test drive I sorta presumed S mode is not something you would do regularly, like you wouldn't manually shift through 1, 2, 3, D on an older column shift all the time.

And I got lost in some of the terminology here. Gear hunting? Regearing? And several instances of remarks that the transmission ... learns? ... about your driving technique and adjusts for it? Did I read that right? A lot of the remarks seemed to be from knowers to other knowers and not so much aimed at newbies.

Anyway. I kind of have to make a go/no-go in the next couple of days. If the general advice is "sure, you can learn how to make it run nice and zippy and also smooth, just do this and that", then I will relax a bit.

I'm just used to my latest, a 2002 SR5 with 269K and the best, smoothest, peppiest perfect joy to drive. Oh well, all good things come to an end, nespah?

 

If you want to reply by pointing to a good source to read instead of typing it all out yourself, that would be great

 

So the 3.5 engine lives in the higher RPM band. The transmission is largely geared to deal with that. There is a "break in/learning" period which takes like 100 miles or so for the truck to "learn" your driving habits. I never noticed any difference on the two 3rd gens I've owned.

You can sort of force the truck to hold its shifts if you hit the little ECT button on the dash. It'll hold RPM longer before it shifts. There's also some 3rd party tuning options which can smooth it out a bit if you're into that sort of thing.

I'd say if you have your heart set on a stick, you're gonna be disappointed with the automatic in this truck. Might have to pony up for the TRD OR

 

Why would you not want a TRD trim to get the manual?

 

Just about everything you complained about can be addressed with a good tune.

Your options are Tune or TRD.

 

I think he's a spy from Toyota's loyalty department.

 

My ‘22 is a TRD-OR, 6MT. After having an ‘18 with the 6AT…I can tell you, that I’m much happier in the ‘22. It just works better when you find the gears yourself.

 

Get the TRD, manual, AND a tune.

 

I agree with others. I would get the TRD in manual, but if not an option get the SR5 in AT and have an OTT or KDMax tune. I will be getting a tune based on literally 99.9% positive must have reviews by those that have done it.

 

I have to admit, that comment baffles me. Why? I would argue if you want to spend time off road, a TRD (Off Road or Pro) is superior to an SR or SR5, and if you want to do the bulk of your driving on pavement, the best Tacoma is the TRD Sport.

 

Or, as an alternative, a low mileage 2014 or 2015 4.0 with the a750 transmission.

 

Look man, do a google search for Tacoma gear hunting and you will get a million hits of people in awe over how wack the auto is. Unfortunately the manual isn't much better stock with the accumulator ( an external clutch fluid valve device designed to make the clutch easier for unseasoned manual trans drivers). No worry, it can be deleted. I plan on deleting mine the first time the weather is nice here in NH. The accumulator makes it so the clutch is incredibly inconsistant. I mean TOTALLY inconsistent for someone who knows how to drive a manual. Im fine with it how it is id just like it to be better and many people rave about how great it is after deleting it and tuning the truck.
Now, on to tuning. I just got my 18 tacoma pro MT DCSB in December and after a shit ton of research I went with a tune and boy did it make the truck a million times better.

I did a lot of research and some things I found about the manual trans trucks.
You cannot get a MT DCLB
You can get a MT DCSB
You can get a MT ACLB
You cannot get a MT with with pemium audio (even though the head unit is labeled as "entree premium audio".
Do not listen to a dealer tell you what is and is not available. They do not care about telling you what you can get somewhere else.
You can ask on here and people have access to Toyota manufacturing sell sheets and destinations. If you are set on a new truck people actually have lists of what has been built and where it is going. You might be able to find your perfect truck somewhere across country and organize having it delivered.

Also are you trying to get a 4banger? Is that why you are sold on the SR5? If so I understand why, that motor is GMOAT, greatest motor of all time. If not, who cares, jump up to the next trim and enjoy the perks.

 

Now you’ve done it.
You suggested a 2nd Gen over a 3rd Gen.

And of all places, in the 3rd Gen forum.

 

I’d get a MT or better yet an older vehicle. I like my AT, but as mentioned this V6 makes power in the higher RPM range, so if comparing to an older engine and 4-5 transmission,,, you’ll probably never like it.

 

Welcome to the forum

and get one of the manual TRD trims.
Life is too short for coulda', shoulda', woulda' & to drive something you don't like.

The 3.5/ 6 speed is a fun combo to drive once you get your head around the idea that the engine won't blow up if you let it eat.
You pay for the whole tachometer, use it and enjoy it.

 

I hate autos. Refused to ever own one. Manuals for the last 20 or so years.

Toyota doesn’t make a trd off road access cab in a manual so I had to get an auto.

It’s honestly not too bad. There are plenty of things you can get to improve the shifting from cheap to expensive.

 

If you want a manual, get the TRD. </thread>

 

A Manual Off Road or Sport would be cheaper than an Automatic SR5 so money shouldn't be an issue.
SR5 V6 DCSB AT 4x4 - $36,705
Off Road DCSB MT 4x4 - $36,575