Am I Making A Huge Mistake??

I'm going down to Tampa, FL to buy a 2012 Access Cab 4 Cyl on Saturday. I have not driven it yet. I'm not locked in to buy it by any means but I've sorta got my mind set on it.

I know the limitations of a 4 cyl and I'm fine with it. But am I going to be very unhappy with the auto?

I dont mind driving a stick at all but the auto is definitely more convenient for everyday around town use. I live in Florida and drive mostly on flat land around here with occasional light off-road use to hunt and camp. I'm not planning on hauling much. I will have a topper on the back and for road trips, will have a sleeping platform and camping gear. I will take it into the mountains on a road trip. I'm not going to be off-roading but need to be able to do 75-80 on the interstate and need to make it up steep hills when necessary.

The main reason I'm choosing the stick is because other people will need to drive occasionally and nobody seems to know how to drive a damn stick these days. What if I need a driver because I'm hammered-drunk? What if I'm injured in an outdoor adventure and the person thats with me needs to drive me to the hospital but doesnt know how to drive a stick? Thats funny but Im serious.

I want the MPG of the 2.7, especially since I'm putting a small suspension lift and 265s. Can someone lend some useful, preferably encouraging advice? Thanks in advance!

**********UPDATE ON PAGE 5*************

 

I drove a manual truck for 14 years before getting my auto Tacoma , I don't regret not having a stick shift

 

also ; in before the manual or no man card tiny penis posters

 

If you're happy with the decision you're making then you're not making a mistake. If you drive the vehicle, like it, and it meets all your needs and expectations, then you're doing the right thing.

The only mistake you can make is overpaying to a certain extent, but even then, if your level of happiness overshadows the amount of money you spend, then you're golden.

Don't feel obligated to buy something you don't like simply because you feel guilty for making the drive. Be 100% you love the truck, and you won't make a mistake.

 

Oz! I haven't been around here long but you seem to be a reputable dude. So I appreciate your input. The key is: Auto 2.7 4cyl. Will I be ok with it? People make it sound like I'm gonna get a traffic ticket for going under the speed limit.

 

I haven't driven the 2.7 , but I can tell you I sure wish I had one sometimes when I fill up with gas getting 13 mpg

 

Thanks! Great advice. But...its actually a one-way flight hahahaha. Oh well. I'll figure it out. This damn forum is making me so eager to get it. Hell, I've already ordered upgrades for it and I havent seen it or drove it yet.

 

Yep, that 13pg is the reason I'm getting it. I knew I would want to lift it and upgrade tires and with the V6, that would leave me with an mpg that I'm unhappy with. The reason I'm getting a new truck in the first place is the MPG. I currently drive a Chevy Silverado 2500 gas guzzler that gets about 11mpg. Im going from one end of the spectrum to the other.

 

I personally prefer a manual because for 99% of the time I'm driving it and I find it more engaging and like the control I have over the vehicle.

In regards to being drunk, my fiancé learned how to drive a stick in my truck whole I was hammered and needed her to drive. The best part was, I didn't care or worry about her stalling it and beating on the clutch because I had so much in me. It was the best way to teach someone else, hahaha.

 

Well if you're going to lift and add big tires you will lose power

 

im only moving up to 265s.

Billstein 5100s on all four with 885s and dakar OME rear with one leaf removed.

Will that hurt my power much?

Are there any engine mods or upgrades that I should look into?

 

I can't speak of the access cab but the double cab with the 2.7 and short bed sucks in an auto. I got to drive one for a few days when mine was at the dealer getting new wheels. I couldn't believe the power difference in the two. that was in stock configuration and mine is lifted with 285's.

 

I'm gonna let some of the 4cyl guys chime in because they know and I would be guessing

 

I have owned both. I wasnt happy with the manual tranny 2012Double cab (just to sensitive for me) and switched to the auto. Turns out i got better mileage with the auto and could eat my burger king whoppers without getting onions all over the damn place. i dont think youd be upset with the auto IMO, especially because whoppers.

 

Can't speak for second gen 4 calender autos, but first gen autos are just fine if you are in flat areas. I live in central Michigan, and it's just as flat as Tampa. I have no issue with our 4 cylinder.

 

5-speed manual gear ratios: 3.95, 2.06, 1.44, 1.00, 0.81
4-speed auto gear ratios: 2.80, 1.53, 1.00, 0.71
Axle ratio is the same 4.10 for both

Note the 5-speed's 3rd, 4th and 5th gears are similar to the auto's 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. The manual will be quicker off the line and in some scenarios such as 50-70 mph acceleration for passing:

At 50 mph, the manual driver can downshift from 3rd to 2nd and rev the engine to about 4800 rpm for passing (peak power is at 5200 rpm).

At 50 mph, the auto in 2nd gear would be at 3300 rpm. The auto driver can't downshift to 1st at that speed because it would redline the engine, so he would have to stay in 2nd gear and wait for the speed to slowly build. This can be a problem on two-lane roads where you have to go into the oncoming lane to pass.

Going at 75-80 mph steady or climbing steep hills won't be an issue with either transmission.

 

The good fuel mileage of the 2.7 only really appears on stock trucks. The more weight and wind resistance, the less efficient it becomes. In short, if it were an unmodified work truck, go for it. If you want a custom beast mobile, go with the V6 because you'll see no fuel mileage benefit from the 2.7. I love mine with the manual, but I could also give less of a shit about MPG. I can't imagine how much I would hate my truck with an automatic though. The manual gives me control and makes the little engine shine, the auto skims power off the top and in return gives you nothing but disappointment and a brutally slow truck.

 

2012 ac 4cyl auto, stock except for 265 toyo's. Filled up lastnite 18.3 mpg. Used 4x4 3 times this week going to work, living in ohio, roads are tricky in the mornings, about 40 min drive all 3 times. Not a power house but love this thing to death. No regets what so ever. My .02 worth.

 

gas mileage isn't the best in the 4 cyl. My next one will be the 6. Automatic is the way to go, that shifting gears all the times gets old in traffic.

 

not an access cab but a 2013 standard cab 4x4 4cyl auto here. Living in flat southern nj and daily driving it to work on 55mph and under roads gets me 21 in the winter and 24mpg in the summer. Don't expect a race car and you won't be disappointed. Enough power to pass other cars and do occasional light tow duty. I am curious how the new 4cyl/6 speed auto configs are going to do. My only complaint is not enough gears in the auto and sometimes it hunts at partial throttle.