Manual, still loving it

Depending on when they were looking, many dealerships were putting markups on stick shift tacomas.

 

He mentioned 2nd and 3rd Gen and l assumed he meant new pricing, but agreed with you on covid messing with prices.

 

I meant in the capacity of paying more for a TRD trim truck to get the manual trans.

 

That isn't necessarily true; yes, the base prices are lower for the SR and SR5 than say a TRD Sport, however, unless you truly want a base model, the prices equalize pretty quickly and then head in the other direction. Configured as apples-to-apples as possible, my fully tarted TRD Sport cost about $1,800 less than the SR5.

 

I bought my SR5 in 2022, there was a definite markup on stick shifts, and I had only seen 2 available around me in the month or so I was looking.

Bought what I could for a half decent price, not when I could shop the lot or build-to-order.

 

Toyota does not do "build-to-order"; they build whatever they damn well please and then allow dealerships to choose from the list of what is being built for their allocations. When I was shopping in early 2022 I looked at four different dealerships, three of the four were marking up all Tacomas, especially the TRD Pro models, but there was no separate markup for manual transmission models, so I rather doubt that claim.

In the end, I purchased my fully tarted up TRD Sport 6MT for $1,800 less than a fully tarted SR5.

 

How do you know someone’s truck has a manual transmission?

Don’t worry, he’ll tell everyone.

 

When I was looking most dealers were looking for +$5k and up to +$20k additional mark-up on Lunar Rock PROs. +$20k was pretty much the rule anywhere on the west coast.
By sheer luck, I managed to snag one in LR. I got mine out of state avoiding mark-ups and had a great time breaking it in on the way back. Awesome 'first date' as it were...

I would not have a Taco, if it were not for the Manual Gearbox. It is that good a feature over the alternative... (AND an automatic is not an alternative!)

It is one of these things that if you have to explain, it simply will not be understood...

- Imagine that Toyota only made >5% of Tacos with 4WD... (And you needed 4WD in order to buy a Taco and not something else...). And you managed to snag one in the exact spec you wanted. I think you'd be enthusiastic about it and point that out to those that may care... I understand that to most; a vehicle is simply an appliance and driving is a measly chore. This is fine. But for others, it is a fun activity.

I get people complimenting my Taco all the time - both men AND women. (People that take the time to do that have a bit more than the average interest). - When they spot the stick and 3rd pedal, (yes - most notice, I know many would not even manage that!) 90% of them cannot believe a manual is still available at all in the USA and they almost stain their pants. My boys are amazed at the intense reactions from some people! (This is typically the point when they ask if I am selling anytime in the future...).

Maybe you've never driven a manual and would not notice the 3rd pedal - maybe you have a 2wd work truck with a wooden bench for seats and ripped out carpeting as trucks came in the old days (which is totally fine as I am sure it meets your needs and desires perfectly), but to some - beyond the off-road capabilities - the manual gearbox IS what makes the Taco interesting.

 

@OZ TRD, funny thing about having a manual Tacoma, in the first year I've had my truck, I have had more people borrow it, either to get some work done or for a fun trip, than in all of the years I had my previous car combined. My (future) son-in-law recently said, "You're really going to piss me off if you ever sell the Tacoma because then I'll need to go out and buy one with a stick."

Regarding why I bought a Tacoma, yeah, exactly what you said, for me, No Stick would be the same as No Tacoma.

 

If I didn't have a 3 pedal requirement I would be back in an F150 or eyeing the Ranger Raptor.

 

I used to be interested in manuals when they were offered on the base model, not the highest trims. They are also extremely difficult to get, expensive, and dealerships charge a huge premium. Don’t blame me, blame dealerships and Toyota.

 

It was absolutely happening. I had conversations with two separate dealerships in March 2023 that had markups on only TRD Pros and stick shift TRD OR/Sports. When pressed, they both said the markups were due to, "market demand on limited production models"

 

I did not experience any issues you guys mention when I purchased my manual. Yes, you might have to wait but I didn't have any mark up, I got what I wanted, and it wasn't hard to find at all.

Basically purchasing a manual means 4WD is free. it's almost a wash with the TRD OR package.

At some point I want to upgrade exhaust so I can brrraaat braaatttt brrraaaaaarrttttttt! around town.

 

If I was rich I’d buy as many manual tacomas as I can and store them someplace, so 20 years later I can drive each one for every day of week

 

That's what the first three (of four) dealerships I visited said, the fourth sold me my TRD Sport at MSRP, same as they would have done for Automatic models. The only reason markups were a thing was because some desperate folks were willing to pay them.

 

Yeah I did the same, ended up buying from a small town dealership 4 hours from my home to get one at MSRP.

 

Are there any still 2023 unsold inventory in MT?

 

Always worth checking, but heads up, stick production ended over the summer for many regions.

 

AND I do see a premium being commanded for MTs and PRO 3rd gens in the future resale market. It may not be huge - but it exists.

-I've seen it with other somewhat rare MT vehicles I've sold... Most 'appliance' buyers whine about the asking price - but the right buyers do not flinch... I've sold them to buyers across the country - and even to buyers abroad.
Fly and drive - just like with new vehicles. (or ship).

I've flown and driven myself as well when looking for the MT version... not only for the Tacoma, but for other new and used MT vehicles.

 

Almost 6 years later, absolutely love my manual. It’s a joy to drive.