Automatic fan club

Anybody out there that knows how to drive manual well that bought the auto and love it and happy with the choice?

I've owned 5 manual cars in the past but as I got older (40 now), more tired, had kids, etc. The desire to constantly row and clutch in city stop and go and short trip driving just isn't there. Parking lots and parking garages really annoyed me in my last stick. Back in the days or horribly rough 4 speed auto trans cars when I was younger I munch preferred sticks. I understand the macho and/or control component of driving a manual for sure and I'd probably want a stick if I had a second fun car like a wrx or accord coupe or Miata. I'm not disparaging anyone who bought the manual Tacoma as I almost did myself as well. I did have the opportunity to test drive a 3rd gen manual but it didn't do it for me. Granted it wasn't fair to compare it to a Honda Accord or Mazda manual but couldn't help doing so as that was my only frame of reference.

I feel that the auto is not as horrible as some have said it is, especially the reviewers. It is smooth and ect mode and sport shift mode is there also when more control is desired. I'm also not an off roader but the auto with crawl and mts seem to me like it would make it much more capable for a regular guy like me if I did go off road or on really steep climbs.

 

I did. My 2015 access was the first auto truck I've owned in 45 years. Love it! Got tired of trying to hold clutch-brake-gas on hills around here with idiots that try to hook to your rear bumper.

 

No desire to use a stick in traffic. I don't have any complaints with the way the auto behaves.

 

My last car which was a stick Honda Accord had hill start assist which took all the drama out of launching even on steep hills and with people on my tail.
Wasn't able to be turned off. Pretty useful tech which would make it much easier for new people learning.

I believe the 3rd gen Tacoma sticks have this also.

 

I've owned several manuals. Knew I'd be doing a lot of towing with my truck when I purchased it. Am very happy I purchased an auto over a manual

 

I have had sticks for 35+ years and I miss it. The new truck is an Auto but I'd rather have a 6-speed manual...We'll see how long the auto transmission lasts. My last Tacoma was a 1997 with 251,000 miles and still had the original clutch.

 

Same Here !!!!!

 

In all my muscle cars, Manual it is! But in my daily driving truck, I went auto for 2 reasons:

I like being lazy on my daily drives
So the boss lady can drive my truck when I have too much to drink

 

My wife usually made sure I didn't keep the original clutch.

 

I'm an auto & manual fan. I've owned way more manny trannys than automatics but, modern automatics are so good with normal driving they often offer better MPG, shift times & resale value they're hard for a rational & reasonable person to argue against.

That said, in the right car (S2000/Mustang GT/M3 types) I'd prefer doing it myself. I used to do auto cross and always used a manual.

As far as the "macho" thing? I don't understand it...my mom & her mom drove manuals because they were the norm in the old days. IMO, it's just people poking fun, not knowing new automatics or otherwise trying to justify their purchase.

 

My newish truck is my first automatic in a long time. I miss grabbing gears and being connected to the experience but it's nice being able to sip coffee whilst driving in town lol. And my wife can drive it which I guess is a plus.

I'll be interested to see how much more often the brakes need replaced.

 

Manuals in my cars, autos in the trucks, always.

 

I came from a manual Tacoma (see sig) and later got into an automatic DCSB because I needed the extra room for my dogs. After having an auto, I'd never go back to a stick for a DD ever again. I still enjoy driving one now and then but not something that I go out of my way to do. My Ford diesel has a manual, and I drive it maybe twice a month hauling trash to the dump so that gives me my manual fixing.

 

I agree!!!!!!

 

As I get older and traffic gets worse, I like an automatic more each year.