Indecisive, need advice..

^^ This. Everyone who knows me, knows I'm a diehard advocator of the manual trans > Auto. However, after test driving a MT offroad, I knew I wasn't missing out. The 6AT on ECT in the Taco works for me. Mines a daily driver tho.

 

Yeah, like the Colorado/Canyon. The Ranger's particular narrowness/tallness ratio on the bed makes it look the most wonky from the back to me.

 

If you really want a Ford and MT....





Bronco

 

Are u expecting positive reviews on Tacoma forum . Everyone here is going to tell you the Tacoma is way better and they are not lying Tacoma is superior in build and looks over the ranger . I considered a ranger till I test drove one everything inside felt cheap as hell . The turbo was a complete joke . Ford should of just stayed with a v6 .buy a Tacoma u will love it .

 

If you like 6-speed, I get the Toyota and then buy OVtune.

I have driven the ranger and own a 6-speed Tacoma. The Ranger felt better than the stock Tacoma, but with OVtune, I think they are bout the same.

 

I’m only 33 and I got the automatic as well. Drove a manual since 16 years old. The desire to drive a stick shift dwindled as I got into my late 20’s. I think a lot of guys do it as a “look at me, I can drive a stick” thing. I still have a manual in an old Mustang, but I had zero desires to have both my vehicles in manual. No thanks.

 

There are zero advantages to a manual other than being fun to drive. And a lot of disadvantages to a manual. I've not driven a 3rd gen Tacoma, but have never seen an automatic that didn't allow met to manually select the correct gear for the driving conditions.

I don't know enough about the new Ranger, but I don't think it looks bad. If I were in the market for a smaller truck I'd certainly consider one. But it wouldn't have a manual.

 

all i can suggest is take both on test drives back and forth. spend the day until you are happy with one. either way, i hope you enjoy and stop by for coffee here if you go the ford route. id go f150 before ranger IMO

 

P.S. Just got my 2020 TRD Sport with moonroof last week. My 5th Tacoma, happy happy joy joy!

 

You’re asking for advice in Tacoma enthusiasts forum....

Buy a Toyota!

 

Ridgeline

 

this is the only answer OP should take seriously

 

43 here, other than the transmission it sounds like our Taco's are very similar. The fact that a manual 3rd Gen Taco is rare definitely appealed to me, although I don't advertise the fact that I have a manual (there's no 'Save the Manuals' decal on my back window). Plus it cuts-down on the amount of friends who ask to borrow it Although I have friends who drive 3rd Gens with autos who have asked to drive my Taco to compare it to their own trucks. As I stated earlier my Taco is not my DD so when I do drive it, it's mainly for fun and I enjoy feeling like a key part of making things happen rather than just sitting there holding a steering wheel. Thankfully I have three other trucks which are autos. One of those is my DD so if my left-leg ever falls-off I can still get to work

 

While in college, I would post an ad on Craigslist with the title "I will make any decision for you -$5"

Not sure if you want to leave your husband? $5 - I will listen to you and decide.

Thinking about restoring that Camaro? $5 - I will listen to you and decide

 

So how many dates and project cars did you end-up getting?

 

about that... so there's this girl.. and how much time have you got?

 

They are nice! seriously! ford is making a maverick, which is a unibody "truck" as well, must be trying to eek out the competition.

 

I have the opposite problem, I started on a really terrible auto transmission. I drove a 1988 Olds Station wagon, got 8 mpg and wouldn't shift into 4 or 4OD.

The ranger is great, definitely has power and capability. bed is larger too.

Yeah, this will be my primary vehicle and daily as well. I do love having the utility of a truck.

 

Funny how the same comments keep being repeated by some regardless of vehicle type being discussed... "oh, on this (name vehicle) Automatic you can also shift manually" (paddles are invoked usually).

The other "oh, with a manual you have to change the clutch every time it wears out!"

(I have owned Manuals (and Autos; A minivan, and company cars) ) for many years. Drove several of the manuals into the multiple hundred thousand miles, as I rend to keep vehicles for a long time...

Here is the total number of clutches I've replaced in all my vehicles so far... A grand total of - ZERO.

Neither of those arguments hold water... if you are repeating the above - you will not understand.

If you think the (any vehicle) automatic, (or a paddle transmission) is the 'just like', or somewhat similar to a stick; - then YOU Definitely should drive an automatic.

If you keep messing up clutches and having to replace them, clearly there is something lacking there... then please do stick with automatics.

Just stop repeating the same BS!

 

my 2 cents as somebody who owned a taco trd offroad 2019 for 1.5 years but just traded out for a 2020 nissan titan pro4x.

the seats suck. for me at least. there wasn't a trip of more than an hour where my hip didn't hurt. i had no prior hip issues in my whole life until i got the taco and went on that first 4 hour trip. with the 2020's they added adjustments so maybe that has been taken care of. any test drive you do won't show if you have an issue or not unless you go on an hour or two test drive.

the automatic was fine if you used ect mode on. In mountains i had to use ect mode on with S mode and it was fine except for that big throttle lag accelerating from a rolling turn. the truck gives the vibe that it can go anywhere and i think it can.

in the end, i decided to go a different route with the pro4x to save my hip. This past couple of weeks the pain is gone. No more hip or leg pain. The titan's big v8 and the 9 speed auto never lacks for power at any speed.

the resale value of the taco is insane- i got more as trade than what i paid for it new AND dealer gave me their truck for 11k under sticker. Yeah, i know. nissan isn't toyota but i tend to keep my vehicles forever, the ones i love, and i expect this to last at least as long as my 2007 xterra has lasted since i bought her new back in 2006.

so if you are around 6 ft tall and have long upper legs, i'd think twice UNLESS the new seat adjustments correct previous model shortcomings. Also be aware of the 2018-2019 toyota fuel pump recalls- not sure is 2020's are immune or not- probably are.


end of my 2 cents.