:3RD GEN: V6 6-speeds, do you have one? What do you think?

(Edit: I stand corrected. 2012+ are not 3rd Gen)
We don't have a 3rd Gen section on the forum yet, but this is about '12-'13 models.

I'm trying to find a 3rd Gen V6 6-speed to test drive, but the dealerships (in my area) DO NOT stock them.

So, my questions are
1.) Do you own one?
2.) What do you think of the 3rd gen 6-speed vs. the 2nd gen 6-speed?
3.) Do 3rd gen 6-speeds still have that outrageous throttle hang?
4.) What do you think of the gearing in general? Fairly low, high?
5.) Is 6th gear still pretty low?
6.) What was your mileage if/when stock?
7.) What would you like to be different?

I'm interested in trading my 2nd Gen in for a 3rd gen, but before I custom order anything, or even entertain the idea much further, I want to hear all about the 3rd gen 6-speeds to see if it's even worth the extra $12-14k I would probably spend. (Dealer doesn't like my mods, and only quoted me 16k, or 'good' for a trade in. Bastards).

My ideal 3rd gen would be a Limited Edition 2013 Super White AC 4x4 SR5 with factory tow package. I would get rid of the chrome rims the moment I bought it, and probably go back to black ones. On the fence about the chrome bumper. Once I lifted it 3" and put ARB lockers in it, I'd probably go with a black TAG or Relentless bumper. I still love the SWB, and would probably do a TRD SS with custom black w/ blue piping shift boot, and maybe some blue SockMonkey 'Zombie Response Team' decals on the bed, as a throwback to the good ol' 2nd gen days. Blue LED dash/AC mods and a chrome Satoshi Grille would also be in the pipeline.

 

I'm not aware of any changes to the 6 speed after 2009. I own a 2007 and I drove a 2012. Same animal...... same gearing, same throttle, same throw.

I don't think it matters what we want. I think the gearing is done to generate mileage numbers for the window sticker. The 4.0 doesn't need a 6 speed. I would have made the 1st gear a true granny and made 2nd the first road gear. OD needs to be 20%. Reverse needs to be cut in half if not more. It's a mess for a working truck. I wouldn't even consider a manual if I were buying again.

 

Your saying 3rd gen, but even the 2013 is still 2nd gen.. There are some cosmetic changes, and radio changes, but they are still the same truck in the end. If you didn't like the 2011 and earlier, the 2012 & 13 will bring the same disappointment...

 

Not sure about any changes for 12' and 13', but I do know that I'm considering trading up to get rid of my 2010 6 speed. Not real happy with it.

 

There are no changes. As someone who has owned a 2009 6 speed and a 2012 6 speed I can tell you that there is no difference. And as far as I know the 12s and 13s are considered 2nd gens as well, only cosmetic changes other than that everything is exactly the same including hp, torque, and towing power. But yeah the trucks transmissions and engines are exactly the same

 

As mentioned the new trucks are still 2nd gen which is why there is no 3rd gen section. Id imagine the 6spd is still the same.

 

The 3rd gen section would surely be filled with diesel threads

 

Ah, my mistake. I was under the impression that 2012 marked the dawn of the 3rd Gen. Well, crap, so it's basically the same as '09-'11s? That sucks. I thought the rumor was they changed the throwout bearing, and possible the transmission design for 2012, leading to better built and better driving. One person, back in Dec 2011, drove a 2012 and said the 6-speed felt "much better."

 

I love having a stick shift but I do think they could make some changes. For one I'm not convinced it even needs a 6 speed but since it does the first gear should be lower and used like a granny gear in the old days and reverse is way to freaking high geared in these trucks. Not sure what they were thinking there. Basically needs a lower first and 2nd and a higher 6th gear and a much lower reverse then would be a pretty good tranny. Still would much rather have this one than an automatic. Autos are just so freaking boring and always seem to shift when i don't want them to.

 

That report could be easily marked as sample variations.. His truck was really bad, or the new one, was really good. Even then, with some mechanical changes i dont think you could call it 3rd gen.


As it is though, everything i see says there are no significant changes, but i will let a 12/13 owner chime in for good...

 

I see you have a configuration very similar to what I wanted. What do you think about the 6-speed when off-roading? I've only been out a few times in mine, so it could be driver-error, but my clutch seems to take a beating on the rocks and inclines around here. And wish me luck when I get stuck in sand and mud...

 

To be honest I've only had the truck since May 31st and have used 4wd twice and that was just going up a super steep gravel road with loose gravel and didn't want to tear the driveway up spinning out the whole way lol. I think it would be fine if you were crawling over rocks in 4low but anything steep in 4hi is probably going to require some clutch burning or using the ebrake especially the reverse gear.

 

hehe, my clutch gets stinky in rocks. only cause my son usually falls asleep and i dont want to beat the daylights out of him. on the otherhand if he's falling asleep while wheeling maybe i should step it up a notch

 

1.) Do you own one? Yes
2.) What do you think of the 3rd gen 6-speed vs. the 2nd gen 6-speed? Didn't have a 1st gen Tacoma but compared to my 2001 Pathfinder I don't like it as much.
3.) Do 3rd gen 6-speeds still have that outrageous throttle hang? All new vehicles do...performance cars like my 2011 Civic Si and cars I've driven like the WRX, STI, 370Z, and BR-Z all have the same rev-hang...apparently it's for emissions reasons
4.) What do you think of the gearing in general? Fairly low, high? Gearing could stand to be lower for forward gears and higher in reverse, but this is nitpicky, I am happy as is...
5.) Is 6th gear still pretty low? It is pretty high, but see above...
6.) What was your mileage if/when stock? 19 in winter, 20-22 in summer depending on driving style and A/C use...
7.) What would you like to be different? Having synchros made for a truck, not ones made for a toy...higher reverse and lower forward gears, otherwise I am satisfied...

 

The weird thing is, my 2009 2.7 5-speed has no rev hang at all. The RPMs drop like a stone, all the way back to 700rpm if you're slow, whereas my 4.0 6-speed will happily coast in neutral at 2200rpm. I'd like the 2.7 to have a slight hang, and the 4.0 to calm the crap down and let me drive.