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. (I've always driven a manual in winter conditions and value engine braking.)

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!

 

I prefer the Manual, although both will get the job done in snow/ice etc.

 

If you like a manual and prefer it, I wouldn't worry about how it does in snow.
I don't think there is much difference between an automatic and manual in the snow. Some will argue that manuals give you more control with stronger engine braking.

 

@TRD4X4TOY Thanks, good to know automatics do ok in bad conditions (bearing in mind a truck is a truck). I prefer manuals as well, but low mileage, good condition manuals without rust concerns are scarce!

 

@Chako Thanks, I am definitely not worried about a manual in the snow. It's what I prefer to drive, and I do like the engine braking! But, I am having a hard time finding a truck that meets my wish list, so I am considering expanding options by looking at automatics. Someone suggested I ask the Canadian forum for input on how the automatics do in icing conditions.

 

I know how rare the manuals are getting. I personally would keep looking for a manual, since I love them that much.

 

More to do with tires and driver than transmission. That said I like knowing exactly when it will shift if driving at the limit, which gives the nod, for me, ever so slightly manual but it doesn't really matter.

 

@Dubiousveracity Getting a good set of winter tires before I head north is on my list. And I agree it's nice to have control for shifting when at the limit, especially towing on steep passes. But hopefully I won't have to push the truck there too often...

 

TIRES are key in snow and ice.

 

Over the years I've had 9 manual's and 8 automatics. There is nothing a manual does better except be fun to drive. If you like such things. Especially with modern engines that need 3500-4500 rpm to develop torque.

Back in the day most of the manual transmissions I had developed torque at 2000 rpm or less. With those engines you could put the truck in 2nd gear and let out on the clutch at idle speed and drive away. That was a huge asset when maneuvering a trailer or trying to get moving on slick pavement. When you have to rev the engine to such high rpm just to get moving with newer vehicles with a manual it is a handicap. The last manual I had was frustrating for this reason.

The torque converter on modern automatics avoids this negative. And just because the transmission CAN shift automatically there is no law that says you have to let it. Putting the auto in 2nd gear and lightly feathering the gas will get you moving on slick stuff without spinning a lot better than is possible with a manual. When driving in mud, snow, or in mountains I always manually select the proper gear just like I did with the manuals I used to drive. The transmission is reactive and only downshifts AFTER it begins to struggle. I can see the road ahead and downshift before the truck starts to struggle. It works a lot better. And on downgrades I can down shift to lower gears and keep the truck at a safe speed just as easily as I could with a manual.

 

@Marshall R Thank you very much for this thoughtful input. I *do* think manuals are more fun to drive, but I'm happy to hear that might be all I give up by letting that part of my wish list go... for now. I really appreciate it!

 

Have patience if you can, and don’t give in. If you prefer driving the manual as do I, you will regret the choice to go auto.
Just my two shekels worth.

 

The automatic transmission in the 2nd gens is a terrific automatic transmission. If I’m not mistaken, it (or some version of it) was first used on the 4.7 v8. With a fluid change or two in its lifetime the thing will never let you down.

the benefit I see to auto in winter is an easier gentle start in low traction conditions without breaking traction by spinning your tires.

the benefits to manual in winter is that you will never drop a gear unexpectedly going up a hill or around a bend and have the back end break traction and come around beside you.

You can use the transmission to keep your speed down, or even to slow, when in 4wd with either, because you can always keep the auto in a lower gear.

but yeah.... dedicated winters (Not just all terrains with a mountain snowflake symbol) and all of this is really nitpicky and unimportant by comparison.

 

@neverstuck Definitely I’ll have a good set of winter tires. I agree that’s important. Thanks for the nit picky... it’s what I wanted, to help decide whether I hold out for my first love or get what is available.

 

When I lived in Alaska I logged over 50k miles on the snow and ice between AK and northwest Canada in my 2nd gen v6 6 speed. Pretty much explored the entire road system throughout the year and the truck did excellent. Had a set of all terrain tires for the summer and dedicated hankook studded tires for the winter. Never had any issues. I also applied fluid film every fall and never had any rust issues. Depending on where you are in AK, there are some great local Toyota shops.

 

I have been driving a manual car/truck for the last 8 or so years and I personally really like that I can in essence, engine break by gearing down with my manuals.

I’m not sure how well this works with an auto when you can select your gears so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

the real benefit to me is the connect feeling when driving. I suspect that the choice of tranny won’t make too much difference in winter conditions realistically.

 

Down shifting works just fine with a modern auto. About the only thing you can't do with a modern auto is shift early to reduce the torque on the slippery stuff. The auto isn't a torque monster down low anyway so a manual offers no real advantage. But I still prefer to row my own gears.