Hello and Looking for a new Truck

Hello Taco Fans,

I am new to this list, first post actually.

I have wanted to buy a new Tacoma for a long time now. One of the problems is I want a 5 or 6 speed, however it looks like it is almost impossible to get one… why I don’t know? I guess everyone wants an automatic these days. I went to the dealership and test drove a sport with an automatic. The “salesman” told me to just keep it in drive. I asked what the 4,3,2,1, were for but he could not come up with much of an answer. I do like how an manual has compression going down hills etc. and I do like shifting in turns. I drive Hwy 1 on the coast a lot so there are a lot of twisty turns, hairpins, & everything in between.

I know a lot of you folks could elaborate on how an automatic is compared to a manual, I know the tranys have come a long way since my 25 year old truck was built.

I also had a question about the handling difference between the SR5, Prerunner, and Sport. Like I said the roads I drive have a lot of turns so I am looking for a good handling truck. Any major differences??

I am probably looking at a 4X2 with a towing package just in case I tow a boat someday.

I need to go for another test drive and check out the use of the automatic, and find a salesman that knows at least a little about the truck.

Thanks!

Loren

 

My last Tacoma was the 6 speed manual. My current Tacoma has the auto. You can downshift with the auto just as easy as you can with the manual. That's what the other gear selector positions are for. If you're going down a hill you can drop it in 4 or 3 to achieve engine braking. The auto gets better fuel economy due to its locking torque converter. After having both transmissions, I would never go back to the 6 speed.

 

Dealer is just trying to sell you something they already have on their lot. Guess what? There is precisely ZERO reason to buy from their lot. You tell them exactly what you want and have them ORDER one for you. Most dealers will stock automatic because most drivers are pussies.

 

First of Welcome from Nor Cal here as well.

but what he said is right. I hunt, and am going downhill constantly in my Offroad where i have to put it in 4low and in low gear. and let me tell u the thing crawls. never have to hit the brake. a manual would be nice, but hey i dont gotta worry bout anything and can still go from low to 4 on mountain roads and acheive engine braking.

but like the last person said, if you want a manual and you are SERIOUS about buying one, tell a dealer and i guarantee you they will find you one.
(my brother wanted a ford f150 ecoboost, white, supercab, NO chrome, 4x4, and so on, called the salesman, told him, two days later they had one on their lot for him) its easy comission for them and they know they will sell it if they get it for you. just keep that in mind.

 

I believe the 4,3,2,1 means that if your in that either of those numbers the transmission will not go past that gear. Good for towing or maybe driving in the snow if you need a lower gear. I have not owned a six speed but most of the guys that have driven both transmissions prefer the automatic. They say it feels smoother and stronger. Like i said, I've never driven a six speed tacoma but my auto trans does feel very good. hope this helps, and Welcome

 

you can actually manually select what gear you want to be in in the automatic besides D. I live locally in SC, how far down you go on 1? To big Sur? The roads to monterey, are a breeze. It's when you go past big sur and are on the huge cliff that makes things a little tricky, you should be driving at a safe speed regardless, but the truck is not made for sport car turns. I'm lifted with stiff off road suspension. I drive 17 a decent amount of time. But the manual/automatic shouldn't be a problem driving as i hear there both great. You'll be find with ether truck option just get some good tires. I found the stock suspension a bit soft for me, but different people like different things.

 

I have an manual 6 speed and i personally love it. A lot of members on here prefer the automatic, but i'm stuck on the automatic. Although sometimes it's inconvenient and just awkward, like driving in a parking lot with lots of speed bumps. I feel like 1st gear is to low of a gear and bring the RPM's to high and 2nd keeps them way to low. Just stuff for you to consider, but either way its still a Tacoma hsh

 

The Sport has a little bit better handling due to the 17" wheels and firmer suspension. I also have a Hellwig rear swaybar which is a great handling upgrade. I also like driving the backroads of NorCal. Get better tires. Lots of big Toyota dealerships around here and Marin and Vacaville, etc they should be able to find a manual. Welcome & good luck on your search.

 

Welcome to TW.

Frank

 

Thanks for all the tips. The dealer said they could get what I want but it would take time. I have checked on Auto Trader and there were less than 5 in California. It seems as soon as you go to the access cab manual transmissions disappear. I just want to test drive a manual to see how it drives. A lot of people told me that insurance companies don’t like to see a manual for towing. I am not sure why… The only thing I may be towing is a small boat so it won’t matter much.

I drive Hwy 1 from Bodega up North to Gualala (beginning of Mendocino Co). I have been to the Petaluma dealer & Daly City. I am sure I’ll have more questions later…

One other question I had for now is can you remove that TRD sticker easily?

Loren

 

Loren Welcome to TW from Loren. A little heat from a Hair Dryer should do the trick. Clean the glue off with some Goo Gone.

 

You don't need no stinkin' salesman...You got a question, ask us! We'll give it to you straight and not try to shaft you for more money!!!