Automatic owners, how do you like it?

Hey guys, I am currently in the process of buying my first vehicle and I want it to be a first gen tacoma. I want 4x4 for sure, that is a must. I am in love with manual and it brings me much joy, however I am a litttttle bit open to an auto in a tacoma, if the price is right. I'm just not sure if I will regret getting one. Also, how is the performance in the automatic. I know it is a 4 speed which must change the performance compared to a 5 speed. Do you automatic owners wish you had a manual? Why do you have an automatic? And what do you like about your automatic?
Thanks

 

Have fun going uphill with any sort of load.... It does the job though. It has enough power to get in and out of traffic and is great on the interstate and back roads, on and off road... Its definately not a race car though. It will do everything you ask it to.

 

Agreed. But its also nice to have in bumper to bumper traffic. But yea. I wouldnt mind having a manual.

 

Also agreed. Great point.

 

My first car was a manual, and I also had a Ford Ranger 4x4 with a manual trans. I went with the auto in my Tacoma because I didn't plan on using it much offroad, and because honestly I was sick of driving a manual. Lol I enjoy driving the auto most of the time, but occasionally when I'm off road I wish I had gone with a manual. But not often.

 

Almost had a 95 ranger 4x4.

 

Automatics are so damn boring to drive... I greatly prefer to drive a manual... That said, if I had a situation where I was often in stop and go traffic, it would be a tough call, that's the only time a manual sucks...

 

Oh and to answer the question, why I bought an automatic is because it was the only double cab 4x4 i was able to find for a good price. well, only double cab 4x4 i was able to find at all. LOL.

 

Yeah i wanted a regular cab... I found it.. I bought it. It all worked out very well.

 

I'm working in LA so I love my auto...

 

I actually held out for an automatic. No regrets, except for not having that extra gear (4 instead of 5). I like it offroad (NO MORE STALLING going over tough spots). Being used to a 5-speed truck for 20 years, I still like to manually shift the auto, especially when going downhill.

 

I do like mine alot. I have this ect button on mine... I never really use it. I can feel some difference but not much.

 

Well...I've had manuals all my life. Granted, my truck is an 07....been many years and things may have changed.

When I test drove the manual, I hated it. It didn't act like any of the manuals I've ever driven. From what I remember, the RPM's wouldn't drop after taking foot off the gas and pushing the clutch in. There was a lag time in there that was driving me nuts.

I went with Auto and I don't have any regrets. I'll get another Auto in my 3rd gen.

 

Have an auto in 1st gen 2.7 4x4. Wish I had a standard but the truck was $2,700 so I bought it.

 

See that's the exact same situation I'm in. Theres a sick 99 2.7 4x4 for sale. 100,000 miles $2400. Super clean but I just don't know if I want a 4 cylinder automatic....
http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/Tacoma/LONDON/Ontario/19_8767042_/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=4_15_5

 

It's not bad I just prefer standard transmissions. I hit the ECT button and turn the OD off to pass but that's about it. I like the control with the standard better. Up shift, down shift when I want. It's better than wheeling or driving in traffic with 3 on the tree though.

 

I like my auto so I can text, drink my coffee and shave all while steering with my knee

 

I loved my 4 cyl first gen manual. then I upgraded to a 4 cyl 2nd gen manual (2012) and hated it. it felt really underpowered, so I got a '14 auto and love it (the gas mileage scared me in the 2nd gen manual 6 cyl- I always thought I'd be a manual guy, but I'm enjoying the auto now). if I were getting a first gen again, I'd def get a manual. but in second gen, I'd go automatic. that's just me. ha, if you can even follow what I just said.

 

Not sure if you are inquiring about the V6 or the 4 cyl auto/manual as I assume they will both have different feel. We've owned several 4 cyl in manual and owned a couple in 6 cyl also in manual. I prefer the 4x4 V6 in manual. The 4 cyl can feel under powered even in manual. I've had very little drive time with the 1st gen v6 auto but power felt adequate. I've driven the 2nd gen 4 cyl auto and it felt incredibly slow compared to the same model in manual. I suggest holding out for the manual in either the 4 or 6 cyl.