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1st Genner Looking For Advice

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Aquatic Tacoma, Aug 17, 2019.

  1. Aug 17, 2019 at 6:45 AM
    #1
    Aquatic Tacoma

    Aquatic Tacoma [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Odessa, Fl.
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 Dbcb , 2004 Tacoma S-Runner
    Both are Stock - built correct from the start.
    I've been a Toyota truck owner since my 79 I bought in 1980. Currently driving a 2003 TRD Dbcb. I'm looking new truck. It will be a Tacoma Dbcb Sport 4x4. It will be used to tow my T@B 320S Boondock trailer around the country and Canada. My question/decision point is manual or automatic transmission? I prefer sticks in trucks but couldn't get one in the 2003. Recommendations?
     
  2. Aug 17, 2019 at 7:02 AM
    #2
    HacksawMark

    HacksawMark Well-Known Member

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    OREGON
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    2018 Silver Tacoma V6 DCSB TRD OffRoad traded for 2019 Ford XLT 3.5L EcoBoost SC
    Nice trailer. Personally, I would get the auto just for the convenience.
     
    Chew likes this.
  3. Aug 17, 2019 at 7:06 AM
    #3
    ThumperJones

    ThumperJones Active Member

    Joined:
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    Frank
    Vehicle:
    2018 TRD Off Road DCSB, MGM, Manual
    I don't drive automatics in anything. With that being said, a new Tacoma with a manual is damn near miserable to drive in stock form in my opinion. Remove and bypass the clutch fluid accumulator and it's much better.
     
  4. Aug 17, 2019 at 7:08 AM
    #4
    shakerhood

    shakerhood Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Southern Ohio
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    2017 MGM DCSB Off Road, 6 Speed MT, P&T
  5. Aug 17, 2019 at 8:22 AM
    #5
    OnHartung'sRoad

    OnHartung'sRoad -So glad I didn't take the other...

    Joined:
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    Somewhere in the Mojave Desert...
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma OR 4x4 (formerly a 1998 SR5 PU, 2002 OR 4x4, 1995 4x4 4Runner, 1985 4x4 Toy PU) ... and RIP’s (rust in pieces) to a Bronco II 4x4 & S10 Blazer 4x4
    Look at my trucks owned list and my avatar as a resume of experience like yours- I sold my 2002 DCSB OR TRD AT for my current 2017 DCSB V6 AT due in part to wanting a newer truck to tow a 20 ft Jayco. My 1st gen had 275k almost perfect miles, I was pretty sad selling it but knew it would be needing some work soon, and if I towed with it it would be wearing out even faster.

    My decision was a good one- my 3rd gen has been doing well, even very well with our trailer.
     
  6. Aug 17, 2019 at 8:31 AM
    #6
    edgerat

    edgerat Well-Known Member

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    Isaac
    Olympia, WA
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    Brown Tacoma
    gas and oils
    manual manual manual. If I had known how good this truck is with a manual in it, back before I bought my first 3rd gen..... buy the manual. I sold my '18 auto and bought a '19 manual and it is so much better.
     
  7. Aug 17, 2019 at 8:38 AM
    #7
    naked farmer

    naked farmer Well-Known Member

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    Nor Cal
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    If you prefer manual, get manual. I went from first gen manual to 3rd gen auto.
     
  8. Aug 17, 2019 at 9:52 AM
    #8
    Kevin Jones

    Kevin Jones Well-Known Member

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    Va
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    1996 Tacoma - 2018 Tacoma
    I have a '96 manual and have always liked it, went back and forth as to which to get in my new '18 TRD Sport DCSB. Went with the Auto and it was the right decision.
     
  9. Aug 17, 2019 at 10:16 AM
    #9
    befann

    befann Well-Known Member

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    Bobby
    Burlington NC
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    2019 TRD OR 4X4 MT
    This. Exactly what I did. Went from auto to manual in a matter of 8 months.
     
  10. Aug 17, 2019 at 10:21 AM
    #10
    Whitetail Assassin

    Whitetail Assassin Well-Known Member

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    Tedric
    West Virginia
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    2024 Underground TRD Off-Road 6 Speed MT
    I say manual. It isn’t a car so expect it to be a bit more clunky but it’s a truck. Also, maybe drive a Sport and then drive an Off-Road and see if you like one better over the other since you will get a locker on the OR and pretty much everything except for suspension, wheels and hood scoop are the same.
     
    shakerhood likes this.
  11. Aug 17, 2019 at 12:07 PM
    #11
    OnHartung'sRoad

    OnHartung'sRoad -So glad I didn't take the other...

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2017
    Member:
    #224878
    Messages:
    9,573
    Somewhere in the Mojave Desert...
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma OR 4x4 (formerly a 1998 SR5 PU, 2002 OR 4x4, 1995 4x4 4Runner, 1985 4x4 Toy PU) ... and RIP’s (rust in pieces) to a Bronco II 4x4 & S10 Blazer 4x4
    The gen 3 AT has a “manual” override option which lets you set it to the highest gear you want, so for towing you can lock out overdrive (6) and high(5) if needed. Many of us set it to S4 which does well for more towing power at speed, but sacrifices gas mileage.
     
  12. Aug 17, 2019 at 5:55 PM
    #12
    edgerat

    edgerat Well-Known Member

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    Isaac
    Olympia, WA
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    Brown Tacoma
    gas and oils
    I believe the OR has hydro-assist brakes or clutch and the Sporty has vacuum one or the other. Helpful I know. It does make the brakes feel different in the Sport, they are mushier.
     
  13. Aug 17, 2019 at 7:36 PM
    #13
    Pickupman2007

    Pickupman2007 Well-Known Member

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    Kenneth
    Murfreesboro, TN
    Vehicle:
    2022 Rivian R1T
    2020 Tacoma: Morimoto xB LED Headlights & fogs, MESO Total Tail S1, Fortin Evo One Remote Start, OEM Audio Plus System 500Q,, Redarc trailer brake controller, Carplay2Air wireless adapter, Custom shift knob, Electric tailgate lock, Chrome tailgate inserts, Limited fog light bezels, 2018 TRDOR Grill, Chrome door handle covers
    Also the manual transmission trucks are geared lower. 4.3 vs. 3.909.
     
  14. Aug 17, 2019 at 9:39 PM
    #14
    Colin_R6

    Colin_R6 Well-Known Member

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    British Columbia
    Vehicle:
    2017 Access Cab TRD OR 6MT
    Fresh gas.
    I've had the 3.4 (a 2003 in fact) and i've had the 3.5....

    Sink the money into the 2003... the 3rd gen doesn't tow well. You have to wind the everliving hell out of it to squeeze that power out.
     

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