Manual or automatic, that is the question

Hi guys,

I will soon be placing an order for a 2013 Tacoma TRD Sport DCSB 4x4 and would really like to have the 6-speed manual. I would like to have some feedback from people that have the manual transmission and especially the people that have had both. I have the choice now, and really love a manual. If it more trouble than its worth though, I will go automatic.

 

^ My thoughts exactly.

 

Nothing wrong with a manual. If you love it, get it

 

Have you driven one of the 2nd gen manuals? You might want to first, some people hate them compared to other manuals they have driven. It might help make up your mind. GL

 

Love my second gen stick shift. I've always driven a stick, learned to drive in one. The only complaint I have is that first gear is too short.

 

i love manual, i get very bored driving automatic. first really gets you going if you run it to redline though. ive done some nice burnouts with it.

 

I had a 2006 auto and now I have a 2010 manual. I like them both. I was worried about the manual before I traded, (Lots of people talk on the net) but I'm happy with it! And that's the bottom line.

 

Very happy with my 6 speed, wouldn't have it any other way, especially with taller tires.

 

Okay tell me how taller tires and 6 speeds affect each other please.

 

Haven't driven the manual since its a special order only in my area. I have seen a few on autotrader, just haven't tried going to their house to test drive a truck I won't buy.

 

I have a2010 DC and I love it.

 

Maybe one of you locals wanna let me take yours for a spin? Haha

 

Get the manual.

I had reservations because of all the talk on here, but 2 months in I am so glad I got it. Only problem was waiting for it to come in after facory order.

1) they gave me a loaner auto and I hated driving altogether for 1.5 weeks. Something was missing and I didn't know what! Almost made me second guess buying a car after being without one for 9 weeks. 1st drive of my truck I new what it was: the retard car was driving, all I was doing was steering.

2) first gear is not that short. Most people complain it is, but it is the same (if not taller) than any manual truck I've ever driven (3 rangers 1st and 2nd gen, 1 Dakota 2nd gen, 1 F250 yr2000, 1 bronco, 3 bronco 2s, old cj7, and another newer wrangler...). And yes I know the last few arent trucks. Also 2nd - 4th are all great for cruising around town.

3) as a fellow Manual driver for life I would regret not having one, and I wouldn't drive my truck as much without one. I also speculate that I would probably end up selling it to buy a car instead. This manual is my truck for life.

4) parallel parking a manual is faster, better, and easier.

Full disclosures: I live in Baltimore City, 100% of my weekday driving is city, 90% of my driving overall is city, I get shitty gas mileage: 2 month avg is 13 MPG, I haven't taken it off road yet on anything serious to assess, but I have driven OR with said manual vehicles and this will work great, I haven't had my truck long enough to assess longevity or reliability.

 

Orly? Huh.

Ermm... stick or auto?

 

Just traded my 2005 Tacoma (automatic) for a manual 2012 DCSB TRD Sport back in May...

Do it. Get the stick shift.

From what I've read, the T/O bearing issue has supposedly been correct since the 2010 model year, and while I certainly haven't owned my 2012 long enough to make a long-term evaluation, so far I can tell you that it is great to be back in a manual transmission.

As long as your looking a TRD Sports, be sure to look for the TRD Sportshifter option -- I have it on mine, and compared to some of the other manuals I test drove, it does seem to be a smoother shifting experience. (There are also aftermarkets kits you can get to achieve the same thing as well I suppose).

Having said all that, the automatic transmission on these truck is great, and I'd recommend it to anyone...but if you're the type of person like myself that prefers the manual transmission, I'd say do it!

 

I find the 1st gear in the auto LOOOOOOOOOOOONG as hell for a 1st gear. Said that I love the auto. My truck is work truck so no thanks having stick shift driving 100miles every day in the city...

 

Say what ?

 

... ^^^ ... I drove a silver 2012 DC-SB TRD OR with a manual this last weekend ... to see if I wanted one ... but ended up with a red automatic.

While I love manuals ... I realized that it would be a nightmare in city traffic ... this aint like the old days when "stick 4x4's" were superior ...
.

 

better fuel economy with the auto.

 

Please get the manual, I have the 6speed manual in my 2012 taco double cab short bed v6 and I absolutely love it, and don't let the manual transmission die out!! Please, I beg you, get the manual!!!