2016 AT issues - resolution

I currently have a 2003 Tacoma OR TRD with a 5 speed manual transmission. I have had this truck since new and I'm now looking to buy the new 2016 OR TRD.

I plan to get an automatic transmission and have read, both here, and various tests that the 6-speed auto transmission is finicky and searches for gears constantly.

What I'd like to know / hear from those that have purchased the truck with an AT is how big of an issue this really is? Also, has anyone spoken to Toyota directly about this and do you know if this is something they are looking into and plan to address?

I don't want to spend ~ $40K to be disappointed.

Thanks -

 

Love the truck, had a 2011 4.0 for almost 5 years, everything is better
imo in this truck. Have had zero issues with the AT... zero.

 

Best advice is go test drive one. Preferably try to get the dealer to allow you to take it for the entire day. Drive on the freeway, hills, city driving, country roads, etc. The truck does "learn" your driving style, but it's not a significant improvement over what the truck will know on the dealership lot.

I don't mind how mine shifts. Driving a truck with a smaller engine, I expect the transmission to shift more than a big v8 or forced induction v6. It just doesn't have the low end torque to deal with decent grade changes or small accelerations. Hence the "searching" feeling.

 

I don't think it's as big of an issue as some are saying. I only have an issue when I'm driving it to get as much MPG as possible, while looking at the MPG display... I finally switched the display to MPH and forget about MPG and it drives fine. I have found that on hills (going up mountains) and while using 4x4 I use the ECT, doesn't hunt as much on the hills and I get a better "feel of the rear of the truck into the road" like my old manual.

 

I agree with everyone. Not a huge issue. You definitely notice it when the car is brand new, but it gets better with time. I don't notice it at all anymore.

 

Not a big issue. At first it's going to be going through gears until it learns your driving habits. It would continually downshift to 4th when going up hill when I was under 1200 miles while using cruise control. I ended up just not using cruise. I'm at 1800 now and have been using cruise periodically with no issues. I think the transmission learned that 5th gear can handle Central Texas highways since the grade changes aren't dramatic. I have zero issues with the transmission. The forum would have you believe these trucks are falling apart at the seems but that's because mostly those that have problems come here to find answers. I went from 18 MPG to 21 as well over the course of me owning this truck. Fantastic purchase and I'm happy with what I have. Give it a go, see how it works for you. Worst comes to worst, get a manual, unless you are looking at Limited, in which case you were stuck like I was and had to get an AT.

 

Tried to convince myself I NEEDED a manual (since that's all I've had all my life) and to complicate matters, since I realized I couldn't get the manual in the package I wanted, began the FREAKOUT process reading all the CR@P in here about, well, the CR@P Automatic. Damn near talked myself out of the purchase.
But I proceeded, and now I have my TRD Access Cab Off Road WITH the A/T.
(LOL! Almost caught myself saying it was "Terrific". Well, I won't go that far, BUT,)
I'm quite pleased with it, and VERY happy I made the purchase.
Issues? Nah..... Manifestation of the Over-Imagination.

 

I think you are right. My transmission shifts a lot especially wants to go to the OD gears. I don't view that as a "problem" needing to be fixed. I guess if one has a heavy foot and wants to feel some G forces on their chest leaving a red light , the transmission is inept. Those few of us who drive as if there is a glass of wine on the dash have little complaint with the transmission. I don't need or use ECT in my driving area.

 

Since I came from driving a manual every day, it seemed a little weird at first - now I don't even notice it. No big deal.
For most of the complaints, it is either people being picky because the transmission doesn't read their mind, or non-owners just stirring shit. It's not a big deal unless you are expecting it to perfectly conform to your exact wishes. Just relax and drive and it's fine.

 

On top of what everyone else is saying, when you test drive, experiment with the various functions like enabling ECT Power and just leaving the gear selector in "5", which allows the tranny to behave much like the 2nd gen 5-speed auto.

 

Misleading thread title

 

big time!

and secondly, yes the transmission learns your driving style and the so called issue is a non-issue.

 

All, thanks for the "real" world feedback. I really appreciate it. @swimmer - apologies for the thread title if you felt that it was misleading.

Cheers

 

I am going to have to say this....

* My test drive of my TRDOR left me wondering why it was geared the way it is, not the tranny or which cycle the motor was using in question....but I bought it anyhow...

* After 1000 miles I still had this thought in my head, regardless I still love the way it felt.

* After my 4th of my last 5 Toyotas (96 4runner limited) of which I only used ECT to tow my boats, sea doos and trailer with more toys and cargo I found usefullness in ECT.

* Without no trailer behind me I tried the ECT with the 16 TRD....wholla...

OK, so what ?

* In 30-45 MPH or so stop and go traffic, short runs, hilly uneven terrain, when you want more throttle response and yep towing I find I use ECT more than I ever though I would. I also use the short stick more than I ever did before on any other vehicle in downhill, school zones and the likes..

* I do not use ECT in long flat runs, slow stop and go traffic and when hungover,

I guess the moral of this story is use what you have to make it feel like your driving a truck and not a Jurassic Park electric.... really I find usefullness in this ECT implementation and the sport stick combo more than I ever have before to bring to light the versatility in this model to get the full ride experience potential out of it.

Give it 1200+ miles to break it in and adjust your past driving habits to get the most out of the ride, in the end I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

Driven my 2016 DCLB V6 with auto about 1900 miles since Nov when I got it. Highway and city. The Taco is like everything else in life, it's what you make of it. Yes, it shifts more than most of the vehicles I have owned before. No, it doesn't bother me nor am I/will I look for a fix or regret my purchase.

Good luck in your decison.

 

I think its great overall, it changes for me when I would want it to change or maximum fuel efficiency.
The one gripe I do have it the cruise control makes it shift between the top 3 gears way too often, so much so that I rarely use it even when i would like to be using it.
I only use it to give my foot a rest for the most part.
I would have no hesitation in recommending it.