Manual versus automatic handling on snow/ice?

Hi, all. I hope this topic has not been done to death.

I'm in the market to finally buy a Taco. I'm leaning toward a 2nd gen because low miles are important (I tend to hang on to things for the long haul). My dream truck would be a V6 access cab 4x4 manual transmission, but reality is that manuals are very hard to find.

I'm hoping folks will chime in on the handling of 2nd gen manuals versus automatics, especially on snow. Not planning to do any heavy off roading, but I'm headed home (to Alaska) in the near future. So snow and ice handling is VERY important.

Also interested in hearing how manuals versus automatics have done for people towing. I'll generally not be towing much more than 1200 lbs, BUT might have a loaded U-Haul on my way north. Would prefer not to absolutely drag on the mountain passes.

I've found a really nicely maintained, one-owner truck in northern California for a good price. But it's an automatic, and a 2009... and both are making me hesitate. Thanks for any input!

 

Born and raised up here. Out of the seven cars I've owned, all but one was/is a manual transmission. My current truck is your dream truck: 2015 access cab, 4x4 with 20k miles and a manual transmission. I had to specifically order this configuration and wait 4 months new. I prefer the control of a manual over that of an automatic, the engine braking is invaluable. Especially if you don't have dedicated winter tires and run a good all terrain (like I do).

I haven't done much towing with mine, just a few hops here and there in Anchorage. The 1GR-FE is just a step up from a tractor motor so trailer or not, don't expect to be blasting up the mountain passes. With towing a decent load you should be able to at least maintain the speed limit. As for the six speed transmission, I know some people have had issues with the throw out bearing chirping, I however do not (knock on wood). Shifting is also not to be confused with a sports car. Think more along the lines of long throws like, again, a tractor. Though this can be some-what alleviated via a short throw shifter (TRD or URD). It also has a rev hang when shifting gears. Its initially annoying, however I quickly got used to it and now don't notice.

There's a reason why you'll see a plethora of Tacomas and Subarus up here. I've never had any issues with handling in winter. However this winter I think I'll finally bite the bullet and buy some studded snow tires. This is mostly due to my tires being five years old and the rubber has gotten harder (less traction on ice).

Hope this answers some of your questions.

 

Thanks, @AKHawkeye This is great info. I am returning to AK, after three years away. Not born and raised there, but I did fifteen years in Fairbanks. I'm definitely not looking for a racehorse truck, but a reliable one that can handle the weather. And hoping to find the truck to help with the move, and because I hate to pay that AK premium. Your truck does sound exactly like what I hoped to find! If only I could order the older models to spec!

 

You moving back to Fairbanks? I did three years at UAF. About all I could handle of it. With 15 years you're either a glutton for punishment, or you really like the warmer summers. Either way, you really can't go wrong with either a manual, or automatic Tacoma. If I were looking in the L48 for a truck, I'd be looking in the drier climates (AZ, NM, TX, etc). I say that because midwest sees salty roads and the rust that follows. Pretty sure these trucks see a premium in CA as well. But not matter what, the AK tax is strong for these trucks.

 

@AKHawkeye, maybe a little bit of both? Anchorage bound this time. I'm casting a wide net in my truck search and definitely trying to avoid salted-road areas.

 

@akgirlincali when you find a good 6 speed tacoma, you better jump on it. The good ones go fast. Sometimes you will find one in an area that people don’t want a manual.

I love my 08’. It has 349,000+ miles on it, and still runs good. Down here in the south we don’t get much snow or ice, but the couple times we did, my 6sp performed flawlessly. Like @AKHawkeye said being able to control revs and engine breaking is a great plus.

I don’t tow much, but the little bit that I have I noticed when pulling hills I need to downshift to maintain speed. Not unusual to downshift on hills, but when you do it drinks the fuel. I never felt like my tacoma was short on power, just sometimes to tall of gear.

For the majority of my trucks life she’s being loaded down with equipment for work or camping. For work loads are between 500-700 lbs. regularly with as much as 1200-1400 on occasion ( I’m running Dobinsons heavy duty suspension ). As for play which has not happened in a while, about 450-500 in the bed and towing a 5x8 enclose trailer.

I’m looking for a newer 6sp double cab 4x4 TRD in blue. Has to be blue.


The second picture is before suspension upgrade and the matching wheels in the trailer.

 

As for the throw out bearing chirp, it happened with both of the factory ones. It is not as noticeable with the pdmusa.com one. It’s a quill sleeve and bearing combo. Also, I have noticed if I let my truck warm up to operating temperature the clutch engages better in the mornings. Especially with cold weather.