Auto Transmission

Hi Guys,

I am considering buying a 2016 Tacoma. White, DBCBSB, TRDOFFROAD. I think I want an automatic. The concern I have is lifespan of the auto transmissions. I currently have a 01 Tacoma 5 spd. 250,000 miles and no trouble other than the frame recall. Well, no trouble except what I caused by lifting it (CV boots) and some occasional abuse. I am considering an automatic because I think will be easier to drive if and when I injure myself. Operating the clutch with a torn calf muscle was a little bit of a pain, literally. Any input on how well Toyota automatics hold up would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve

 

Toyota has awesome automatics and i would not hesitate to get one

 

The technology in automatic transmissions has come a long way. I don't think that MT is more reliable/durable than AT argument is valid anymore.

I prefer the convenience of the AT both on and off-road. At the end of the day, just get what you like and what suits your needs.

 

Hope it don't break after I say it. I got a 2005 auto Tacoma. Original powertrain. 290k miles; orig owner

 

reliable no, but repair definitely arguable. Manual is way more affordable to repair than an automatic. Usually cheaper to just swap out when an auto goes.
And I agree, I'd much rather the auto for daily commute with traffic and off road, auto is good for most and when you want selectable just push the shifter to the side.

But either way, I was thinking about this too. Mostly because everyone was saying the auto is always searching for a lower gear on the highway etc. But the sport (if not all of them?) comes with the selectable gear option, so I was thinking couldn't you just push it over and keep it in 6th while its on the highway? Might not get the passing torque etc in 6th but you'll get better MPG and if you need 5th just downshift?

I run into this problem often with my DSG, certain times it will either shift up or downshift when it shouldn't so in those times I just push it to the side and keep it in manual option. I run into this a lot coming off the highway, the off ramp is a very steep hill, so even though the next gear up is within ration of engine speed etc, it runs smoother and better in the lower gear. The trans just assumes the more efficient gear.


Those that have the auto with the sport selectable gear option please provide some input on it. How well does it work etc.

 

It works well. Moving to S it uses the first 4 gears. From there you can select up or down to suite your need. With ECT engaged and S4 selected, the truck is peppy!
The new trans always wants to be in the most fuel efficient gear. On the highway it doesnt hunt but will downshift if you hit an incline and start losing speed. It appears to hunt if your roads have alot of small hills.

 

so in the s mode you can't go past 4th gear?

 

Tacoma autos thus far are very reliable. Sometimes they shift a little hard, but they last forever.

 

I don't have one but I've read someone explain how it works. You don't get to select a gear. The S mode only lets you choose the max gear. So in S6 the truck will drive the same as in D. In S4 it won't shift to 5 or 6 but it will downshift if it wants to. S2 won't shift to 3-6 but it will downshift to 1st if it wants to.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong... I'm just reiterating what I read in a previous thread.

 

Thats how the 5 speed auto in the 2nd gen works too

 

If any of you guys can confirm what trans is in the 2016 , It would give me a chance to study the new structure . According to what I have heard , its obviously designed by Aisn Seiki and is much lighter than the A750E as well as having one more gear ( 6th )
One of you guys need to slip under your new 2016 and find a tag on the side of the trans . Post all the info on that tag for us
Here is a link to what I have found so far . I will continue to build the link as we proceed .
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/transmission-the-new-6-speed-automatic-in-the-2016.361114/

 

Doggman's correct!

 

Sounds like S mode would be ideal for towing to stay out of OD gears then?

 

yup

 

hmm
someone with it needs to try, from what I read it will not change gears unless you drop speed past the gears operating range.

So it will downshift to prevent a stall, which is the same thing the DSG does. But it will not upshift. So obviously if you're in 6th gear trying to do 10km an hour it will probably downshift. Someone try it and give us a final answer lol.

 

I agree with Joe, it has to be different than noted by Doggman. That's the same as any automatic I've ever been in. Where's the "sport"?

 

Yeah mine kind of runs in 6th on the highway all the time oh that's right it a 6 speed manual.

 

I test drove a DCSB 6MT and DCLB 6AT back to back and much preferred the AT. It felt faster and smoother. The 3.5L just isn't powerful enough to grant any enjoyment from gear rowing. For the record, I have driven a manual for the last 20 years.

 

Reportedly it has more power that the 4L. I have a 6spd manual but I have only been driving a stick since 1959 (licensed 62 so that's only 53 years) I have no issues with my 6 spd. despite all the whining. I like being in control of my own transmission.

 

You can only get the manual in the TRD sport and SR5 trim levels, OffRoad is only equipped with automatics.

Also you don't have that stupid fake hood scoop on the OffRoad either.