Automatics

I have been looking for a manual access cab and there just aren’t many.
My question is how bad does the automatic suck.Seems 90% are autos and seems everyone bitches about them but they sure popular.
I understand anything will suck with a bunch of weight and 35s but how a modest 32-33 inch tires,topper and 2-3 in lift.
I do pull a side by side from time to time.
I understand a tune helps but if I buy new I prefer to not until warranty is up.

 

A 3 inch lift is going to screw up the aerodynamics enough that you'll probably want the tune. You'll be killing your MPG pretty solidly as well.

 

Mine is a 16, so the factory tune was especially bad. Some say the newer ones are better. I'd plan on a tune as soon as you get it home. I have 32's and a lot of weight. Before the tune, I nearly sold the truck it was so bad. Now it's hard to tell the weight is there. I've also towed my tractor (800bs) on a U-Haul 16' trailer. Power was no issue, but the brakes were working over time.

 

Auto is fine until you add a bunch of weight and bigger heavier tires and and and. Damn, back in the day my Chevy C10 was fine until I added 37's and skids and a camper. Manufacturers don't build them in case the person mods. They build them to be stock.
It will suck. Add gears and maybe it won't suck so bad.

 

I bought a new SR automatic in '17, and the transmission was OK. My new '23 SR5 is a pretty sizable improvement across the board, especially the transmission.

 

I think you will find the transmission issues to be industry wide it is the nature of the beast, multiple speeds and lockup converters. Fuel economy mandates.

 

I think it is the luck of the draw. My 2018 gear hunted my 2020 is perfect. Couldn't ask for a better stock truck.

 

Sounds like it's time for a test drive. The proof is in the puddin'.

 

What are you worried about voiding? The tune isn't easily detectable by the dealer and all you are "voiding" is the ECU if Toyota can prove the tune caused the ECU to brick. I am lifted on 34's and the tune helped a ton! I still only get 13mpg but that is self inflicted with a lift, tires, armor, tent, lights, driving habit and shitty ass midwest wind.

 

Newer ones are definitely better, Toyota has definitely improved the programming and the way it shifts. I had a 2018 SR5 as a rental in 2018 and fucking hated the gear hunting. I watched it shift back and forth between 5th and 6th at a constant speed on the highway for a good 5 minutes before it finally picked 6th.

But my buddy picked up a 2022 trdor last year and it’s honestly fine. Didn’t exhibit any of the behavior I noticed on the older one.

 

I have a 2” lift, an ARE shell and 265/75/16 tires. My truck is tuned and it drives absolutely fantastic. I was extremely upset with the shift points and transmission in general before the tune, and I know it’s a truck not a sports car. Not sure if that helps at all.

Also I wouldn’t worry about the tune and the warranty, the dealership most likely won’t know it’s tuned.

 

Well I am not one of those people that bitches about the automatic cause I love mine and have no issues with the shifting etc etc. Some just like to bitch about anything to make their day. just saying

 

Good to know,thanks

 

A bad tune (say, ignition timing advanced too far causing detonation) can kill the engine. The popular tunes on the market like OTT and KDMax have had thousands of people use them, so they're relatively safe.

 

I test drove a '23 auto then ordered an MT. I do live in the VA mountains (hills)

 

Manuals are great. Automatics probably are too if you just drive it and keep your opinion of what it should be doing to yourself. Manuals are fun to drive if you like rowing your own gears.

 

I feel like the tranny issues are mostly overblown to begin with and have supposedly been fixed on the newer model years. If you decide you want to tune, it will not affect your warranty as they can’t see it. The truck is slow as balls though and not much you can do about that other than be patient. Unless of course you wanna spend a boat load.

 

All I can comment on my 2020 v6 access cab thats all stock. The automatic performs exceptionally well. I had a tundra auto, and the tacoma is much smoother, and has perfect shift points to match the power its given.

 

It depends on your meaning of slow. The 4 cylinder is slow. The 6 isn't terribly slow unless comparing it to an eco boost powered ford. Even against the new frontier, it's not that far off. Imo, its a good reliable truck that will get the job done.

 

What I mean by slow, is that I sometimes fear for my life when I have to pass people on a two lane highway even when I leave ample time and space.but yeah it does just fine in most applications and very well in most others. Also I live at elevation and have some added weight so that makes a difference.