2013 Tacoma driving gears

So I just bought my 2013 Tacoma with 127,000 miles on it and regular oil changes every 5000 miles. I used to have a '16, and I usually drove it in D. With this truck I feel like anywhere from 20mph-40mph in D it feels slow and sluggish, but when I down shift to 3rd gear it just seems to drive easier or more 'effortlessly'/ smoother is a better word.

My question is, my owner's manual states to do regular driving in D, but it feels easier on the truck and smoother to drive it in 3rd.

Which would you recommend? Am I gonna mess up my truck by driving it in either or? Thoughts opinion?

Thanks

 

The only thing that you may hurt is fuel economy driving in a lower gear, your not gona hurt the truck though as long as your not redlining it lol.

You may look into a tune as well to change transmission behavior.

 

4 or 6 cylinder?
On the 6 the five speed trans upshifts to 5th fairly early like 1300 rpm so better gas mileage.
There is also a torque converter lock up in 5th after about 50mph and you will (or should) feel it.
Want more power step on the gas it will downshift otherwise don't waste your money.
More info:
Transmission- 5 Speed automatic write up with pics for second gen 4 liter trucks | Tacoma World

 

Get it tuned, look into OTT tune.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/overland-torque-tune-ott-by-overland-tailor.759590/

 

If the new truck is a 2.7, you live in hilly country and it has big tires..........

If it's a 4.0, start with a tune up, again assuming you don't have jumbo tires killing performance

 

Throw it in D and just drive it, 4.0L makes much more low end then the 3rd gen, zero need to use 3rd when driving around down.

 

Start with spark plugs

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feed back and the reassurance. I agree, I do need to start with the plugs, and then go a tune-up. And after buying her, I think I'm too poor for an OTT LoL, but it's awesome to learn more info.

 

I default to driving my 07 in "D", but under some road conditions will run it in "4". If I'm on a road where I'll never get over about 40-45 mph the transmission wants to shift into overdrive. It doesn't have enough torque at engine speeds that slow to be in OD. It runs better, has more power and will actually get better fuel mileage in 4th gear. While the 2nd gens are better than 3rd gens in this regard, even the 2nd gens need some engine speed to get power.

I've never had to drop to 3rd gear except when driving in mountains. If the tires are oversize that effectively changes your axle ratio and the transmission will need to spend more time in lower gears to compensate.

 

I understand why your asking this. On these trucks, they shift as early as they possibly can and will be in overdrive as little as 35. When its in lockup, going up hills, sometimes before it downshift if I'm behind a grandma and I can't give it the gas, I'll feel the truck vibrate some before it downshifts. From 35-40 on mine in lockup, I can feel it. Took me forever to figure out it's just when it's in lockup going up a incline and it doesn't have the power to be in lockup at that speed up a incline. Just drive it in D. These transmissions run cold. As long as your not towing with it for it to heat up, it will be fine. Just give it the gas to downshift.