which truck?

Hey all, first post here.
I am in the final stages of choosing and purchasing a new truck. Right now, the frontrunner in a 2013 tacoma base standard cab 4wd. What i need a little assistance on is the transmission choice. When i first looked at them i felt the no brainer was the 5-speed manual. However, after looking through many threads about how terrible the bench seat is and so on, i am considering the auto, as it comes with bucket seats. Those who own a similar truck, what did you go with, why, and if you did it again would you make the same choice?


Thanks
Alex

 

You can replace the bench with bucket seats easily enough. I've heard that the 5 speed manual is much better than the 6 speed manual of the TRD models.

 

Thanks, i have heard good things about the 5 speed as well. I do like the fact that i wont have to add a transmission cooler to tow anything with the 5 speed. I regularly do 4-5 hour drives though and im not sure how the bench would do for me. I have seen the conversions though. Going to get a price difference between the standard and access cabs, though i feel the access will be well above the 22k for the standard.

 

The auto will be a good bit slower than the manual.

 

Alex,
I have the the 2013 base reg cab with the auto and I love it. I chose the same exact truck that I traded in which was a 2003 reg cab with auto. The transmission was trouble free for 10 years. The only issue I had with my 2003 was a rusting frame which Toyota replaced. The buckets in the new truck are extreemly comfortable for my 6'3" 200 lb frame. Also, the pull park brake on the 2003 had to be replaced. The 2013 auto comes with a parking peddle brake (which I prefer), the 5 sp does not.
Welcome to the forum and enjoy your new Tacoma!

 

Hey thanks, you have a nice looking truck. I am starting to consider the auto a little more. I feel it may have a slight edge on the manual for resale value if for no other reason more people would be comfortable driving it. Not planning on selling it quickly, but it is always a consideration. Also the effective torque doubling of an auto transmission at the boat ramp would be nice. For an 1100.00 premium i get the interior i want and an auto. need to think.