manual vs. automatic?

Im looking looking at my buying my first truck, specifically 2000-2004, v6, 4wd, Xtracab tacoma...
I haven't driven manual in about 8 years when I first learned on my brother's mustang, so lets assume I know zip. I would like to learn and I've read they are more reliable, better gas milage, etc.

Terrible idea to buy the truck and re-learn manual?
Should I stick (pun intended) with automatic?
What are the advantages?

y'all are really helpful answering all of my car buying questions!

 

Leaning to drive manual is pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

And for this particular generation tacoma, you would be right about getting better gas mileage but it's marginal. Not sure about reliability.

 

You can achieve slightly better MPG with a stick since you have more finite control over the vehicle speed and there is more of a direct mechanical connection between the engine and drive wheels (automatics sap some of the power through the torque converter), but as tacom08 mentioned, the difference is marginal.

I prefer a manual because I like having greater control over the vehicle, especially on poor or slippery road surfaces, as well as the reliability and longevity of the manual transmission. Not to mention that driving a stick is just plain fun and allows you to be a better and more attentive driver.

The downsides would be stop-and-go traffic, starting on steep hills, etc.
In the end, it's entirely up to you!

 

I think it comes down to personal preference. I learned to drive on a manual and loved them ever since, nearly all of my vehicles have been stick. Honestly that's one of the main reasons I like the Tacoma, the manual transmission has long been a dying option especially in trucks.

The 1st gen is super reliable either way, your main concern is to make sure whatever one you buy has a solid frame.

 

I can drive/ control/ fly almost anything. I go auto mostly, did mostly stick when I was younger.

 

5 speed is more forgiving with bigger tires. And yes the MPGs are good. You also don't have to worry about the shifter hanging up in 1st gear in the colder months like my old auto did. Generally more reliable. Cheaper to replace if it blows up. Less distractions while driving. More fun to drive (except in stop and go traffic).

 

It's like riding a bike, you'll be rough around the edges at first but it comes back quickly. I learned on stick then drove an auto for 16 years before getting this one. My left foot always stomps the floor looking for the clutch whenever I get into an auto after driving stick for awhile.

 

If you've learned it before you'll pick up on it again, it's muscle memory and it'll come back fast.

I've got the exact truck, 3.4l v6 4x4 TRD Xtra cab w/5speed manual...it's clunkier than one you'll find in a car/sedan but it is a truck after all. The stock clutch in these things is pretty light, my only complaint is that the clutch doesn't grab very well, especially if you have a lot of weight on your truck.

 

You buy a manual because you enjoy stirring the stick when you drive. And that is enough reason if it is important to you. Other than that there is no advantage to owning a manual and a lot of disadvantages. There hasn't been any difference in fuel mileage in 20 years. Reliability is about a wash. A manual gives you more control when driving down hills, an automatic more control going up. Chances are most people spend as much time going up as down. Most automatics will go at least 300,000-400,000 miles. You're gonna need a new clutch or 2 with a manual to get to 400,000 and either of them will likely need to be replaced at that point.

All manuals made today are geared too high, especially in 1st and reverse making them a PITA when towing. Geared that high just wears out clutches sooner. We need the option of the old granny 1st gears and reverse needs to be geared much lower. Trying to back a trailer, especially up hill with today's manual transmissions is agony. Many have to resort to shifting 4X4's to low range to get it done. An automatic eliminates the issue.

 

I don't think the 1st gen autos have that great of a reliability reputation past 300k miles. Almost every first gen I've seen on this site with over 300k is a manual trans one, and the autos have had a full overhaul or major work on the trans.

Nowadays that's probably correct as autos have come a long way in the last 10-15 years alone.

I agree that the biggest reason anyone does or should buy a manual is because first and foremost, they enjoy the experience of rowing gears. Some people don't and that's fine, too. That was the reason I went manual, even though sometimes on harder trails I envy my friends with autos. Autos do overheat though, and I've seen that happen on the trail quite a bit. Which also leads to engine overheating. Manuals withstand heat much better. There's no need to monitor trans temp in a manual like you do in any auto if you tow or go offroad.

Over 400k miles a manual will likely go through a couple clutches which is a time consuming and expensive labor job, but if an auto needs major repair work done in that time it can easily cost that much or more. It really is kind of a wash, but to enjoy a manual you really do have to 'enjoy' it.

 

I've been talking with a local hi perf transmission builder here and might do some upgrades to my auto trans in the next few months

Since the A340 transmission has alot of aftermarket perf parts I may go with heavy duty clutch packs , clutch drum and sprag . But the main upgrade will be a looser converter and a full manual valve body

This set up ( manual valve body) turns the transmission into manual transmission with a torque converter

 

Crawlbox

 

It's on the long, never-ending list

 

Toyota 5-speeds are pretty easy to drive. Not like the early 90's Cherokee my wife tried to drive when she was 16, she still has nightmares about it, lol.

As long as it's a V6, just buy the first truck that suits your needs that you come across. 5 speed or auto. Doesn't really matter - they are both pretty bulletproof.

If you happen upon a 4cyl, I would suggest skipping it if it's an auto, and look for a manual. A 5 speed helps squeeze out what little power those things have. I test drove a 2.7L auto, single cab pre-runner, a 2002 iirc. That thing was a dog, like a sick old dog. My 2.4L 5 lug tacoma 5 speed zipped along nicely, though.

If you get an auto, get an external trans cooler if you tow *anything*, or go off road. Just a little extra insurance for keeping trans temps in check.

 

You are speaking in generalized statements in a way that makes me think you have never driven an auto or a manual in a first gen over the long term and are therefore injecting your opinion into this thread without any actual experience to this particular model of vehicle.

I have driven each one because I have owned both - and they both were 2004s with 3.4L engines.

These statements apply to first gen Tacomas:
-Fuel economy IS better with a manual.
-Reliability IS VERY good - the only time I've seen anything happen with these is the synchros blow up from lack of oil changes or using a non GL4/5 oil (like using a GL5 oil instead of GL4 or GL4/5)
-the clutches last a VERY long time before they even start noticeably slipping - many folks replace them FAR before they are needed
-"Hill climb control is better with an automatic"... what? You mean it kicks down way too late and hunts for gears? ok
-Autos have their own sets of issues (spend any appreciable amount of time on the 1st gen forum and you'll see recurring issues which sometimes warrant a rebuild)
-The reverse and 1st gear are not geared too high in a manual, again look at what I said about the 5 speed being more forgiving than an auto with big tires. Now why might that be? Hmmmm.....

And shifting to low range when backing up a trailer is ... like a common tactic.