Last year the SR5 was Xtracab and had a manual transmission

So I recently inherited my late grandfather's 2000 SR5 Xtracab with the TRD addon with a manual transmission. It's not in that great of shape, but I love it and plan to drive it until it gives out. He bought it sometime between 2010 and 2013. It also has about 223,500 miles on it.
What was the last year the SR5 had the Xtracab and manual transmission so I can be on the look out for one when mine goes out? I want to find one that is newer and as similar to that one as possible for the nostalgia and because I love the SR5, specifically.
Sorry if this isn't the correct place to post/ask this.

 

2000 model year was part of the 1st generation of Tacomas (1996.5 - 2004). So, if you're partial to the look and feel of your grandfather's truck and want another just like it then 2004 will the most recent model year before the redesigned 2nd generation of Tacomas rolled out.

In 2005+ the Xtra cabs became known as Access Cabs (bigger, better suited to forcing your least favorite passenger to sit back there) but the manual trans was an option in them all they way up until recently. I think the manual transmissions are only available in certain double cab trims now but I'm not 100% sure on that.

 

Do you know when they stopped having the Access Cabs as manual transmissions?

 

They made Xtra cab manuals from '96-2004, and the Access cab(rear suicide doors) 2nd gen from 2005-15. Access cab 6 speed manuals were still available (but a bit rare) in the 3rd gen Tacoma (2016-23). Gen2 and Gen3 manuals are 6 speed vs the 1st gen having the 5 speed. Additionally the 1st gen with manual transmission are much different in overall size and driving experience than the newer generations, so you probably want to look for a newer 1st gen in the '01-04 range.

 

Thank you for the information! Just wondering, how different is the driving experience in newer generations compared to the old ones? My 2000 is the first vehicle with a manual transmission that I have driven, and I've been driving it for about a year.

 

Honestly, very different. You may be best to try and test drive a used one at a dealer.
On the 1st gen they drive 'like a proper manual' but the newer trucks have ECM tuning that introduces rev-hang for emissions. What that will translate to is when you push in the clutch to shift to the next gear the engine rpm 'hang' for a brief time before dropping down to where they may match the rpm for the higher gear. Many Tacoma owners find this bothersome as it leaves one of two things- either the time for shifting between gears must be extended for smooth shifts, or if you drive and shift normally or sporty you will likely experience rougher shifts as the rpm doesn't line up between gears leading to a more herky-jerky driving experience.
Also, the gear ratios on the earlier 5 speeds are arguably better than the newer 6 speeds. The 5 speeds feel like the gears are where they're supposed to be, on the 6 speeds many people find the ratios a bit oddly spaced or too tall.

 

What bothers me more about my 2018 MT (and it's not a huge bother) is the drive-by-wire throttle lag between when you step on the gas, and when the engine actually responds to it (it sometimes can be up to a one second delay, but usually it's around ½ second) (yes I am aware a tune can reduce or eliminate this). The rev hang thing I have experienced with past vehicles going as far back as 1994, so I guess I'm just already used to that, doesn't really bother me (letting the clutch out a little more softly reduces the lurching from the RPM/gear mismatch).

 

I had a 1994 Extra cab with a 5-speed manual transmission, so they go back before 1996.

 

Thats not a 'Tacoma' though. That was the prior gen Toyota 'Pickup'

 

I have a 2021 Access cab (same as an xtra cab, essentially) manual. I thought it was the last year, but I've heard of some 2022's out there. Mine's a TRD Sport. They don't make (AFAIK) a TRD OR AC manual 3rd gen. I'm pretty sure you can get a double cab MT through the whole 3rd gen cycle and into 4th gen, but then you don't get the longer bed. Ahh, choices....

 

I haven't been by the Toyota dealer to see if there's any new extended cabs with a manual. My 2023 is a Manual TRD OR AC. Canada rules!