Prospective New Owner Questions

Hi, I have narrowed my search to a 4X4 Tacoma TRD Sport with manual transmission. Go ahead and laugh now but I have always liked a manual even now, after fifty+ years of driving. This truck will be used for towing and occasional off-road use in hilly terrain.

1. I understand the V6 engine doesn't have a turbo, yes?

2. Does the engine have a timing chain or belt?

3. For those who love a manual trans, how does the gearbox hold up?

4. Is the trans easily serviced meaning with drain and fill plugs or SEALED?

Thanks in advance. Any and all comments welcome. Suggestions too.

 

Welcome To TW there tator..
no turbo
timing chain
cant answer about the trans
trans is easily serviced

 

1. No turbo

2. Timing chain

3. I hear it is better than auto

4. Sealed but still drain and fill. Sealed dont mean no service.

 

Here is a great Toyota document on chains or belt.

https://support.toyota.com/s/article/Does-my-vehicle-have-7690?language=en_US

I bought my Sport because I had a 30 mile round trip commute to work (all freeway). The Sport suspension is stiff but I like how it handles on the freeway.

 

Some might not like it, but I'm with you. Feels more planted to the ground when driving and no sway going 80+ (well, less than other options)

 

How much weight will you be towing?

 

That's the important question. If the purpose is to tow, 9 out of 10 buyers would be better off getting a full size instead.

 

Few on here will laugh at you for choosing a manual transmission unless you laugh at them for choosing an auto.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...and-bs-thread-all-generations-welcome.406844/

 

Agreed. These trucks are not meant to be a tow pig as their primary purpose. If you're doing the occasional bark dust run, towing a 3k lb boat or other RV once a month, or moving across the country once in the life of this truck, then its towing abilities are fine. If you're living out of a 4k TT towed behind this truck for the rest of your life, then you should get a full-sized pickup and make your towing life easier.

 

OP, don’t be scared of by large population of people terrified of towing stuff with a taco. I bought mine for towing my 18’ boat and it works awesome. Just use common sense.

 

I don't think anyone is terrified of towing, but common sense would dictate that if the primary purpose is to tow heavy, that's why the weight was asked about, then a larger truck will do it better. I fully plan to tow with my Pro, and it's about the least capable of any trim for towing, but I'm only ever going to tow a SxS and not super often. Knowing the right tool for the job doesn't equate to fear.

 

Towing doesn't scare me, I have done it many times with this truck...but if towing is the primary reason you are buying this truck, this isn't the truck for you.

 

Are you getting the double cab short bed or access cab long bed? Those are your choices for a Sport MT.

Imo, the Sport rides and handles fine. I do not find it harsh at all but, I have spent decades driving mostly 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.

As for Q#3, from what I hear and read, the manual trans is probably one of the least troubled areas of the Tacoma. I would expect it to last...and last.

 

I disagree, but with a caveat. I chose a pickup because I had a boat to tow. Otherwise I would have bought a compact car. However, the primary purpose of the truck is daily driving.

I think people jump to conclusions every time someone says they want to tow something with a taco. It’s an odd double standard, because the same thing doesn’t happen when someone wants to install 2000 pounds of permanent camping mods; or maybe I just don’t notice because I ignore those threads for the most part.

 

I have a 2020 TRD Sport with manual transmission. I want to install a rear air locker, so it was the perfect base for me to build from.

As many have stated, no turbo... Although it gets a power surge around 3500rpm so it sort of feels like an electronic turbo??? Haha

And my truck has 50000kms and I'd say sometimes it can feel chunky 2nd to 1st, but otherwise its a nice smooth shift.

 

3. It's the main reason why I bought the truck. The only other choices for something new with 3rd pedal was Jeep or Bronco. Pass.

3,300 miles so too early to tell but great so far.

 

watch this is the V6 engine you will get.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKKILW3Zj_Y

 

Towing weight = less than 3k.
I haven't decided on the body style or bed length.
HondaGM, RTR.

Thanks all.

 

Heck, if you're towing sub 3k you'll do great in a Tacoma, barring the need to run 90 MPH everywhere. Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.

 

It’ll easily go 90, but depending more on the aerodynamics of what is being towed than its weight, however I wouldn’t recommend it if there are other people on the road; especially law enforcement.

90 is sometimes just keeping up with traffic towing a boat “up north” on the 4th of July in Minnesota if on the interstate, but I tend to take the slow scenic route.