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Tacoma v6's, 6 speed or 5 speed?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by ne0tas, Feb 8, 2012.

  1. Feb 8, 2012 at 8:28 PM
    #1
    ne0tas

    ne0tas [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Sup guys, i plan on buying a truck with the TRD off-road package in the next few to six months and i am just trying to gather as much info as I can right meow.

    So I am trying to see which is better, a 5 speed Automatic or a 6 speed stick shift. I live near LA and will probably be working near Fontana if all goes according to plan. Gas mileage isn't an issue but higher is always better.

    I can drive a 10 speed (commercial licensed driver) and I am used to shifting and whatnot. I used to drive a nissan Frontier with an Automatic and now I am driving a Honda Civic Automatic and I absolutely hate them! but on the convienience level they are really good for when I feel lazy. I am baffled. Any help? :3
     
  2. Feb 8, 2012 at 8:36 PM
    #2
    TACK

    TACK Well-Known Member

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    There have been many threads on this. The consensus is that it comes down to personal preference. Test drive both and see what you like.
     
  3. Feb 8, 2012 at 8:51 PM
    #3
    Maticuno

    Maticuno Resident Pine Swine

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    I've had both. My opinion is to get the auto. Driving around the Fontana area during rush hour traffic sucks with a manual.
     
  4. Feb 8, 2012 at 8:51 PM
    #4
    jackhart

    jackhart Well-Known Member

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    what he said.
     
  5. Feb 8, 2012 at 9:09 PM
    #5
    joes06tacoma

    joes06tacoma Well-Known Member

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    I've been driving nothing but stick shifts for the last 17 years. The Tacoma's six speed is by far the most difficult one to drive that I've ever had. Many folks on this forum would agree with me on that. Given the amount of traffic you are going to see, do yourself a favor and get the automatic. Being able to drive a 10 speed does not mean you HAVE to suffer with a six speed in traffic. I have a friend who is quite fond of saying "just because you can dig a ditch, doesn't mean that you have to, or that you should!"
     
  6. Feb 8, 2012 at 9:13 PM
    #6
    ne0tas

    ne0tas [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What is so difficult about the six speeds?
     
  7. Feb 8, 2012 at 9:33 PM
    #7
    joes06tacoma

    joes06tacoma Well-Known Member

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    These trucks use a two piece rear driveshaft and have soft rear springs. The combination of axle wrap and a sloppy center support bearing on the rear shaft result in a vibration at takeoff. While this is present on the automatics, it just makes it that much harder to take off smoothly from a stop with a manual trans. That's always been the struggle for me.

    I also can never seem to get comfortable with the position of the clutch pedal. You absolutely have to have the pedal on the carpet to shift without grinding, not much margin for error. Combine that with the geometry of the pedal and the limited space for your feet in that area, and I find it physically uncomfortable to drive in traffic for very long.

    Definitely go drive one. The new ones may be different, mines six years old now. But I suggest that you be very critical of it, and really pay attention. I test drove two different trucks and both of them drove the same. I figured I would get used to it and learn how to handle the quirks. 20K later and I'm still not used to it. It's nothing like the Dakota V6 5 speed I had before, and the 09 Tacoma regular cab 5 speed I have at work is much more forgiving and less stressful to drive.
     
  8. Feb 8, 2012 at 9:34 PM
    #8
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    Again ?
     
  9. Feb 9, 2012 at 5:16 AM
    #9
    cintocrunch

    cintocrunch Special Substitute Guest Member

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    I find the 6-speed as easy to drive as any other truck (with a few exceptions)...drive both for at least an hour and vary the conditions so you can get a feel for both transmissions...
     
  10. Feb 9, 2012 at 5:21 AM
    #10
    Burns

    Burns Excellent Member

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    Its that time of the year I guess. :confused:
     
  11. Feb 9, 2012 at 7:50 AM
    #11
    2004TacomaSR5

    2004TacomaSR5 Nemesis Prime

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    I have heard many bad things about the 6 speed, so I went with the 2.7 4 banger and 5 speed manual, I love it! Even if I do upgrade to a V6 in the future, it would be a 6 speed either way, there is nothing on them that cannot be fixed if they break.
     
  12. Feb 9, 2012 at 11:24 AM
    #12
    forana

    forana Well-Known Member

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    its not personal preference. Its clear that the 6-speed manual is the superior choice. DUH! Way better than auto in all ways.
     
  13. Feb 9, 2012 at 11:31 AM
    #13
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    Uh no
     
  14. Feb 9, 2012 at 11:33 AM
    #14
    forana

    forana Well-Known Member

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    yes
     
  15. Feb 9, 2012 at 11:44 AM
    #15
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    OK boss

    For you , in your opinion , that's how it is .
     
  16. Feb 9, 2012 at 12:27 PM
    #16
    forana

    forana Well-Known Member

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    No money, all went to truck...
    im just joshing you man, this has been beat to death.

    but the 6speed is better.
     
  17. Feb 9, 2012 at 12:32 PM
    #17
    2004TacomaSR5

    2004TacomaSR5 Nemesis Prime

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    :popcorn: I has a feeling this is gonna get interesting!
     
  18. Feb 9, 2012 at 1:19 PM
    #18
    forana

    forana Well-Known Member

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    No money, all went to truck...
    This thread should actually end. I settled it once and for all.
     
  19. Feb 9, 2012 at 2:21 PM
    #19
    ne0tas

    ne0tas [OP] Well-Known Member

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    :eek: Link please!
     
  20. Feb 9, 2012 at 2:27 PM
    #20
    Fightnfire

    Fightnfire Recklessly tired

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    The auto ..

    Fuck it. I'm tired of typing about MT vs. AT. They both suck, go buy a Ranger.
     

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