1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Anybody regret buying a manual transmission?

Discussion in 'General Automotive' started by L33T35T Tacoma, Apr 21, 2013.

  1. Apr 21, 2013 at 9:16 PM
    #1
    L33T35T Tacoma

    L33T35T Tacoma [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    May 13, 2012
    Member:
    #78751
    Messages:
    39
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Orange County
    Vehicle:
    2012 Taco 4x4 6speed
    On April 30th, 2012 I was in a bad wreck (not my fault) in my 2003 Tacoma. Thanks to some awesome insurance, on May 10th I was able to score myself my dream truck, a 2012 Tacoma DC 4wd Offroad edition with a 6 speed manual. I was on a cloud with truck of my dreams. My old truck was an automatic and I always wanted a manual. I also had an automatic MR2 that I was planning to convert to manual if the ever tranny died. I used to have an 85 4Runner that was manual; I didn't drive it much because it was purely for off-road use.

    Now fast forward 11 months and 8,000 miles. I think I'm getting sick of it. I'm sick of the squeaky clutch, I'm sick of using 2 feet, I'm sick of shifting, I'm sick of that awkward point between 1st and 2nd, where you have to decide if you're going to rev up to 1st and jump around or bog down in 2nd. What really disappoints me is that the manual gets WORSE gas mileage than it's automatic counterpart. I just assumed the manual would get better gas mileage when I purchased it. It wasn't till after my purchase that I realized the gas mileage was the lowest out of all the Tacomas!

    Am I just crazy? If I am, please tell me. Do I need a psychiatrist? ha ha

    Has anybody else ever regretted getting a manual transmission after wanting one for the longest time? At this point in time I only have some rock sliders, Michelin A/T2s and a CB, but selling it and buying an automatic would be such a hassle.

    54dcbf67_861a8fc49a311b2ed87c545d54b5fa6cf8182af8.jpg

    The Silver Bullet, RIP :(
    PoorTacoma_8ff5e6d4390196872d148c6c43dda3cc69eff32d.jpg
     
  2. Apr 21, 2013 at 9:17 PM
    #2
    EquinsuOcha

    EquinsuOcha Bourbon

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2008
    Member:
    #5368
    Messages:
    3,666
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Casey
    Ft Worth, TX
    Vehicle:
    07 PreRunner
    AFE Drop-in filter, Wet Okole seat covers, Hifonics 6.5" components in front, MA Audio midbasses in rear, Kicker 8", RE Audio 2 channel for components, Elemental Designs bridged 2-channel for sub, CB, Devil Horns, Rancho QuickLift, Rancho RS9000XL rear shocks, Toytec AAL, stickers, things and stuff.
    Nope. Never will regret it. I love being a man.
     
  3. Apr 22, 2013 at 8:34 AM
    #3
    BigOly

    BigOly Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2012
    Member:
    #78148
    Messages:
    431
    Gender:
    Male
    Bay Area, NorCal
    Vehicle:
    14 MGM DCSB TRD/OR 4x4
    oh man, the carnage on your first gen might end up giving me nightmares tonight :eek:. Sorry for your loss.

    Well damn, you live in the OC, last I checked, stop n go traffic is the equivalent to hell in that area, literally. When I am stuck in bad traffic over here in cushy norcal I simply remind myself that I'm not in "LA" traffic. I could probably get away with a manual over here (I still wish I had one) but completely understand why you are bitching about having the manual.

    I would go with your gut before you start dumping mucho $ on your rig and swap over to an automatic. Also do this before your left leg muscle becomes larger than your right, unless of course you're already training to becoming a professional kick boxer.


    EquinsuOcha - Haahaa, funny comment about "I love being a man", I get it.
     
  4. Apr 22, 2013 at 8:52 AM
    #4
    Andres

    Andres Well-Known Member Vendor

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2008
    Member:
    #9514
    Messages:
    2,770
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Andres
    Hawthorne, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD off-road
    Man this makes me appreciate my Automatic taco a little better = ]
    I'm having second toughts about my Automatic transmisison, Driving around the street I have no problem but when I think about taking it off-road man I like the manual a lot better. No complaints about my Auto, but Manual seems more fun at times. Sorry to hear you don't like your auto, you can always sell it and get exactly what you want.
     
  5. Apr 22, 2013 at 9:06 AM
    #5
    TacoCat

    TacoCat These pretzels are making me thirsty

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2009
    Member:
    #24912
    Messages:
    8,218
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Johnny-5
    Chantilly, VA
    Vehicle:
    22 JLUR 6MT
    bog down in 2nd while moving? I can take off from a standstill in 2nd :notsure: not very fast, but still done.
    I love having a manual transmission, even in this horrible DC traffic. Different strokes for different folks I guess.
    Your truck took a hell of a hit man. Looks like the car across the street did some major damage too. Glad you're ok.
     
  6. Apr 22, 2013 at 9:07 AM
    #6
    Rupp1

    Rupp1 "If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball."

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2011
    Member:
    #58019
    Messages:
    2,200
    NC
    Vehicle:
    2015 DCSB OR Auto Silver Sky 4x4 / 2017 4Runner Premium
    Well, if I'm being perfectly honest, some days I wonder about my decision. I've had mine about 1 year now. Before that had my 06 for over 6 years with an Auto. Some days I just don't feel like driving it. I haven't had any issues with mine, just getting a bit bored. Wife knows I've been detouring through the car lots a little lately. That could be trouble........................................................
     
  7. Apr 22, 2013 at 9:12 AM
    #7
    aficianado

    aficianado Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2009
    Member:
    #25015
    Messages:
    8,097
    Gender:
    Male
    bay area, california
    Vehicle:
    2006 access cab. 4x4, TRD-OR + 2023 TRD off-road.
    back to bone stock.
    anytime i find myself at the end of a huge traffic jam..i love my auto.

    in the wide open, a stick would be fun.
     
  8. Apr 22, 2013 at 9:18 AM
    #8
    ChrisGralnic

    ChrisGralnic Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2013
    Member:
    #99743
    Messages:
    217
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Southern cali
    Vehicle:
    06 Prunner with AAL and Trd suspension W/lift
    Previous owner used to haul heavy loads, so he put an AAL on it and TRD front suspension with a lift and custom rear suspension for added weight capacity. I recently installed a tow package (Curt with lifetime warranty) So i will definitely see what this thing can handle as far as weight goes.
    Kind of, i like it then i don't. i totally feel you on the first to second thing. i think ive found a medium, but its a very clunky transmission other than 4th and 5th being smooth as butter on mine. 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd is terrible. if i had to choose, and i could have whatever tranny i wanted, i would go with a Semi-Auto with paddle shifters for when i wanna feel cool. LOL
     
  9. Apr 22, 2013 at 9:31 AM
    #9
    woodygg

    woodygg Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2010
    Member:
    #33462
    Messages:
    1,881
    Gender:
    Male
    So Cal
    Vehicle:
    04 DC Tacoma 4x4
    it's 2013...
    it's not a sports car...
    why in the hell would I need to shift for my truck when it can do it all by itself?
    arms and legs flailing...
    not to mention I live in the city... stop and go traffic.

    hell, why not put a crank starter on the front so I can manually start the car too? :p you know, like a real man. :eek:
     
  10. Apr 22, 2013 at 9:33 AM
    #10
    woodygg

    woodygg Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2010
    Member:
    #33462
    Messages:
    1,881
    Gender:
    Male
    So Cal
    Vehicle:
    04 DC Tacoma 4x4
    The Silver Bullet, RIP :(
    PoorTacoma_8ff5e6d4390196872d148c6c43dda3cc69eff32d.jpg[/QUOTE]

    looks like you're on Brookhurst there...
     
  11. Apr 22, 2013 at 9:34 AM
    #11
    TacoCat

    TacoCat These pretzels are making me thirsty

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2009
    Member:
    #24912
    Messages:
    8,218
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Johnny-5
    Chantilly, VA
    Vehicle:
    22 JLUR 6MT
    ^^ LOL. Had a feeling this thread would go in that direction...
    This is why I said "different strokes for different folks"...
     
  12. Apr 22, 2013 at 10:08 AM
    #12
    Sir Lurker

    Sir Lurker Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2013
    Member:
    #95801
    Messages:
    22
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    CO
    Vehicle:
    '12 TRD
    I liked the IDEA of the 6 speed when I bought the truck. Now I'm facing the reality of my decision. I have an 80 mile round trip commute to DC and back. Most days it's not a big deal, unless there is traffic. Now my clutch pedal has started to squeak.

    Also, IMO the shift points are all over the place. I get tired of the head jerking when I'm trying to get up to speed.

    But don't get me wrong, I like the manual... most of the time.
     
  13. Apr 22, 2013 at 12:26 PM
    #13
    Taylor

    Taylor Check out NASA Spec3!

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2012
    Member:
    #74417
    Messages:
    1,334
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Taylor
    Vienna, Virginia
    Vehicle:
    NASA Spec3 RaceCar
    I've never seen traffic like you guys talk about, I can't imagine what you go through...
     
  14. Apr 22, 2013 at 12:43 PM
    #14
    FALlover

    FALlover Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2013
    Member:
    #96628
    Messages:
    76
    Gender:
    Male
    luziana
    Vehicle:
    98 tacoma SR5, camo paint
    trail gear bumbers, warn 9000
    love a manual

    I had an automatic for awhile and it was boring to drive and i didn't like where it shifted

    i'm sure it's a preference thing and we all have different preferences

    sell it and get an auto
     
  15. Apr 22, 2013 at 2:41 PM
    #15
    StAndrew

    StAndrew Wait for it...

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2010
    Member:
    #30950
    Messages:
    8,311
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Hampton Roads, Va
    Vehicle:
    SR5 4x4TRD
    Intake, exhaust, lift. Typical stuff.
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2013
  16. Apr 22, 2013 at 3:25 PM
    #16
    SteelCityPickle

    SteelCityPickle Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2012
    Member:
    #88659
    Messages:
    204
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Andy
    The Burgh
    Vehicle:
    2011 DC TRD Sport V6-6spd
    Extang Tri-Fecta Tonneau Cover
    The only time I regret it is when I'm sitting in traffic... and that's not all that often.
     
  17. Apr 22, 2013 at 3:30 PM
    #17
    Jaredk

    Jaredk Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2013
    Member:
    #95525
    Messages:
    34
    Gender:
    Male
    Urd short throw changed the game for, me likes way better
     
  18. Apr 22, 2013 at 3:36 PM
    #18
    babytruck

    babytruck Babytruck, babytruck...I've got a babytruck :)

    Joined:
    May 17, 2011
    Member:
    #56797
    Messages:
    8,974
    Gender:
    Female
    NorCal
    Vehicle:
    2010 Barcelona AC 4x4 4.0 6spd

    Well hell. If never regretting it makes one a man, then I love being a man too.

    I learned how to drive in a stick. I don't get tired of using two feet because I use two feet to walk. It's second nature. And going from 2nd to 1st? I never do that. Just flip it into neutral. Squeaky clutch? Nothing a little grease didn't fix on mine. Tired of shifting? It's better control!

    But sure, get the auto if it makes you happy. If I had an auto, I'd get the stick. :)
     
  19. Apr 22, 2013 at 3:45 PM
    #19
    Sten

    Sten I'm just here for the beer and tacos

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2012
    Member:
    #76711
    Messages:
    62
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sten
    P.N.W.
    Vehicle:
    2012 TRD
    OME 886, ADD-A-LEAF, ALLPRO PLATE BUMPER
    I've had mine for a little over a year. I still love it. I've heard the auto is gutless though (haven't been in a 2nd gen auto before). I know there is a tsb for that squeaky pedal, damn near lost my mind with all that squeak.
     
  20. Apr 22, 2013 at 4:13 PM
    #20
    L33T35T Tacoma

    L33T35T Tacoma [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    May 13, 2012
    Member:
    #78751
    Messages:
    39
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Orange County
    Vehicle:
    2012 Taco 4x4 6speed
    ... But why would you want to do that, unless you're in 4wd low? Can't be good for the clutch.

    The other car and driver didn't do so well. He was in the hospital for a week or so. I only went to get checked out and x-rayed, everything was fine, just had a sore neck. The other guys car (Honda Accord I think) was obviously trashed. He went under the passenger rear corner, pushing my axle forward, along with the bed.

    The crazy thing about the whole accident... Had I gone straight through that intersection instead of making a left, something I do frequently (depending on the opposing cars going straight or making lefts) as I travel through this intersection almost daily, he would have T-boned and probably rolled me. My old truck had around 4 to 5 inches of lift, would have rolled me right over. As it was I spun a full 360 and jumped the sidewalk. There is a fire hydrant 2 feet in front of my truck. The other guys car did a 180 and jumped the center median. He was initially traveling the opposite direction. His airbags deployed. Ouch!

    Correct, Brookhurst near Warner, in front of the Sam's Club.

    Simply put, it sucks. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, STOP!, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2nd, STOP!, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, STOP! You get the idea

    That's HILARIOUS! He's just oblivious!

    Care to elaborate?

    Happen a lot... I slow down for a red light, and just before I'm fully stopped the light turns green. If I stick it in first and don't rev match perfectly, it jerks me around. If I throw it in second, the engine bogs down to 300-400 RPMs and gets pissed off.


    Indeed it is. That's why I got it initially, because anybody that knows me would tell you that I'm a control freak.

    I haven't heard of the autos being gutless. Sounds like a test drive is in order before I decide to sell/buy an auto.

    I'll have to look in to that TSB. It started within a month or two of buying the truck. Maybe there's some sand in there from 3 trips to pismo! (whoops!)
     
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2013

Products Discussed in

To Top