Auto or 6sp Manual

This truck is the first auto I've ever owned. And yes, I too wish I had gotten the manual. Autos are easier (read lazier) in the stop n go traffic but manuals are always more fun to drive imo.

 

Manual.

Please look no further.

 

Its worth the wait brother!

 

I initially bought an 18 with an auto, traded it in after 7 months for the manual.

 

Test drive at least 4 or 5 trucks. Different trims. Auto, manual. Give a week or so between a few rides. That'll really help you get to know the Tacoma so there's no surprises.








And then buy the manual .

 

Can anyone speak to the differences in a 2nd gen ca 3rd gen manual? Which is more fun and overall driving experience.

 

3rd.

 

I’ve owned both. The auto is actually a good fuel saver because it likes to be in the highest gear possible all the time and allows you to coast when you’re not on the gas. I had a later build date/tranny flash and had no qualms. Off-roading and traffic are easy mode.

That said, I traded for the MT. Driving is more of a joy now, rowing my own gears keeps me entertained when I’m not on a bike. Also cheaper than the auto up front, but holds more resale down the road. Get it while it’s still offered, MTs are going extinct in the U.S.

 

I would say manual... Oh wait... Fuck yeah get manual! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again...

Unless I were lose the use of my legs I’ll never get an auto Taco. Even then, I would rather use 2 cutoff broom handles for the pedals than to get an auto.

 

Manual. You won't regret it.

 

Manual - makes it fun to drive every day

 

It could be because we are actually proud to say we have a manual!!! They may be quirky but the auto is much worse. I’ll never regret getting a manual.

 

Manual. It is what pushed me to get a Tacoma. The only other loaded 4x4 manual truck you could get anymore is a Ram 2500 with aweful emissions equipment.

 

#1 Reason I considered the Tacoma was the MT option. 5 months of waiting to take delivery, but worth it. As others have mentioned, when you're spending $30k+ get the truck you want.

 

October of last year I purchased a 2017 Tacoma Sport 6AT, and put 25k miles on it. This past Monday, I traded it for a 2018 Tacoma Sport 6MT. Here's my thoughts on it.

AT: PROs: good fuel mileage, easily get mid 20's if going easy on it. Offers push button start, more cup holders in the front (4 by shifter, 1 in each door), better for extreme stop and go traffic, fun to play with ECT/Shifter mode.

CONS: shifting never felt right for me. Always in wrong gear at the wrong time. Getting ready to pass? It goes down to 6th just before you want to get going, had some massive issues with the AT in the start, but seems like they're getting the bugs out finally. AT feels a little underpowered, mostly due to always being in the low rpm range. If you step on it though, loves the high rpms.

MT PROS: better control over shifting, so can always be in a power range for passing or a fuel saving range (have been getting mid 20s for mpg on MT also). Much more fun to drive when zipping around town or back roads. Does have the hill assist, which is nice when trying to get used to the odd feeling clutch on steep hill starts. Women find men who drive stick sexier, I know, my wife says so.

MT CONS: clutch is different than any MT I've driven before (had all MTs since 1998 when started driving, last taco was my first AT) so makes shifting a little awkward at first. Have to sit a little closer to steering wheel due to how far clutch pedal pushes in, and because of this, feel as though the steering wheel isn't going high enough, leaving little room between legs and bottom of steering wheel. (I'm 5'11", 182lbs). 2 cup holders in middle, 2 in door (vs 4 in middle, 1 in door with AT) center console sits a bit lower than the AT, so using the cup holders is a little awkward at first trying to get used to it.

All in all, making the switch, I haven't looked back at all, and am 100% happy with the decision. Wishing I had gotten my first 3rd Gen with the M/T, but with the added options this one has over my last, glad I waited and got an 18 for the truck I wanted.

 

I didn't have to wait at all! They had just what I wanted in the lot and now they have 6 manuals in stock 18s & 19s

 

I agree the clutch goes real deep.. but I think it's probably the easiest clutch I've ever used as far as taking off and shifting.

 

I have never understood the enjoyment that people get out of operating levers as if it requires any special skill. I wonder if they feel the same way about manual locks and windows? Why not take it further and demand a hand crank to start the engine?

 

It's called Anti-Millenial Theft Insurance. My daughter can't drive it, nor any of her friends. Hell, there was a case last year a dude got dragged out of his vehicle, and when they jumped in, it was a Manual, and they couldn't drive it so they took off. Just another layer of protection. plus, in Maine with our crazy snow, back roads, etc, it's nice being able to control wheel power to be low in snow, or high in off road conditions.

 

Pros: it's a manual

Cons: it's a manual.

The ability to be or not be in any gear you want is priceless to me. It also keeps me awake and also helps finish off my torn rotator cuff.