First Taco - Tough Decisions

Hi everybody,

I am looking to buy a 2nd gen, 2012+ standard cab 4 cyl 4X4 Tacoma. $16000-20000 and 70k - 30k miles.

I'm looking for some owner input:

1. I am torn between the classic manual vs automatic argument. I'm going to test drive a manual Saturday to see if I can live with the bench seat and enjoy driving a manual truck (only ever driven manual small cars). The Luk clutch issues have me a bit scared. Would it be safe to say the manual is reliable, just don't be suprised if I have to pay 1000 ish to replace the defective part(s) at some point?

2. The standard cab isn't the rational choice - I've seen a lot of people talk about the lack of space. What are you all comparing the standard cab to? I'm coming from a 2dr yaris... so I don't think it will bother me as much.

Thanks for reading and the future input!

 

if youre looking into a 4cyl, I highly recommend the 5 spd manual. I have one in my truck and the clutch was still going strong at 200k miles. I replaced it simply because I figured I had gotten enough life out of it, and I didn't want to have an issue if I ever wanted to jump in it and go on a long trip. My dad has a 4cyl with the 4AT and I personally don't like it (except for in the city traffic its great). It is constantly hunting and I like being able to make the truck do what I want, hence why I have the manual. I personally wouldn't be concerned about the 5spd, mine has held up great and I would definitely buy another one given the chance.

 

Dont know if the tranny in the 4cyl is the same, but look up throwout bearing issues in here..... Im about to drop 2k into my tranny because of this issue. Only have 112k on the truck

 

Ive got the 4cyl automatic and so far ive got no complaints! 100k on her and shes going strong! that being said, I wish I would have waited on a MT just because I like them. I also hear it helps feel like you have more pep in your step.

 

I second this motion.. They are a night and day difference IMO

Edited to add: Both are good, just depends on what you plan to use it for. If I lived in the city id definitely have the auto. However, I live in the hill country and the manual serves me well

 

That being said, Im definitely not unhappy with the AT.

 

the 5speed is nice on the regular cab. especially if you are gonna throw on larger/heavier tires. helps maximize the 4cyl in my opinion.

bench seat aint so bad. works great for 2 people (and even a dog chillin in the middle)
ive done a couple 3 person trips and its a bit awk shifting btw their legs, and crammed in general - but in a real pinch, its totally doable.

you will want dry storage tho. i used to have a tri-fold tonneau. now i have a softopper.

 

I've driven 4 speed auto yaris and 5 speed manual ones and it is like night and day for pep and control. I assumed manual in the Tacoma is going to be the same way... looks like others are finding the same thing. Thanks for the input so far guys and feel free to weigh in on the clutch issues if you have insight.

edit: Dry storage for sure - plan is a topper.

 

My gen 1 has the 5 speed manual and its great especially with the 4 cylinder, my gen 2 v6 has the auto but i like the manual especially for wheeling.