Hello! Potential new owner worries

Post #58 for update. I drove, enjoyed, and brought home, an automatic TRD-Offroad.

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Hello all, posting because I'm looking at getting a new Tacoma.

I am worried about all the transmission issue threads though. Is this something that is just magnified on car forums*? Or is it something that will really bug me?

Should I take the manual transmission to avoid any issues? I'm trading out my over-valued Civic Si for this because I want something more comfortable and useful for day-to-day driving (we also have a RAV4 and an old Miata). I was leaning towards the automatic out of laziness but could go the other direction if it was best.

This will be my first Tacoma, first pickup in face. But I've owned 3 Land Cruisers and 4 different 4Runners over the years so I really love Toyota 4x4s. Will a NEW one ultimately disappoint?

I find the other mid-sizers totally uninspiring and they don't lease out nearly as cheaply as the Tacoma. The full-sizers are just way more than I need for a personal use vehicle.

I welcome any thoughts and ideas. I'm about to start test driving and looking at a Dbl cab TRD-Offroad most likely, but maybe just an SR5. As this is a lease there are no big offroading plans in my future and I just want a good, reliable truck, but if the lease payments are dramatically different then it's probably worth getting the TRD-Offroad just for the extra features.

Thanks again!

Pics for clicks

sporin-trucks-all by David, on Flickr

*20+ year active member on the VWVortex forums

 

Been very happy with my manual transmission.

 

Nothing is wrong with my automatic transmission and if its a lease who cares

 

That's kind of what I'm thinking. It's a lease, it will be under warranty the whole time, and chances are I'll be just fine.

 

As a resident long time LC owner (still have my new 60 I purchased), the Taco isn't on that level.

That said, you are going to lease it. So who cares. Enjoy it, don't read the forums. Return in 36 months.

 

IMO, the transmission issues are blown way out of proportion just like most other vehicle nitpicks on the interwebs

Also, the MT isn't perfect...apparently engaging 4lo helps with backing up a hill

Ask for an extended test drive (overnight if possible) and use the truck how you plan to use it to give it a proper shakedown to determine if you can live with it.

 

manual is always the answer

 

Granted I'm in a 2nd gen, which doesn't have the transmission "issues" of the 3rd.

This isn't a question anyone can answer for you.

But from my experience talking to people, and reading the forums, the 3rd gen is still the best selling truck on the market. the transmission and engine are geared for on-road, MPG-focused use. This obviously will bug some people. Those people tend to be the ones most likely to get on an internet forum and complain about it. I feel like it would bother me, but I'm picky also. I probably wouldn't complain about it though, I would just get it fixed via a Tune.

my advice is go for it. especially since you're leasing. If it REALLY bothers you, turn it back in for something else.

 

I drive a manual so I can't speak to the transmission issues. If there is a problem with the shifting, I just look in the mirror.

If you don't plan to off-road with it much, the the SR5. The Off Road has a locker and no air dam. You'll get slightly better mileage with the air dam on the SR5.

I think the truck is comfortable and nice to drive. It doesn't compare to my 1992 Toyota pickup except for the emblem on the front though. Plastic has taken over the automotive world and that's still hard for me to overcome. I would like the bumpers to be esthetic metal and safe, not covers plastic covers over the real mass.

 

I haven't had a problem with the transmission in my 4 banger or my V6.
If you can find a manual, I say jump on the opportunity. They go fast.

 

Nice pig! lol, also, one of those things is not like the others..


17 auto with zero issues, TW is a microcosm of complaints, there are 100x happy owners for every post..

 

I cannot speak for the AT as I do not know how to drive automatic. I love the manual transmission!

 

just drive whatever you like..They will have to pry my manual stick shift from my cold dead hands.

 

Wow, all the manual guys are uniting in this thread. Haha.

 

Manual is the answer. Never an issue.

 

I've had my 2016 AT since OCT 2015, no trans issues.

 

I love my manual . Ya it’s clunky Every time I go over a speed bump with clutch pushed in .I have the differential whine and whistling noise when feathering the throttle at 48mph . It’s slow as shit . If you don’t mind these things then you will love the manual . I personally would stay away from the auto . Especially that you are coming from a manual .the auto can’t decide what gear it wants. Lots of people fix that with ov tune .

 

yea, that happens everytime someone asks about the AT.

 

The automatic transmission shifts kinda funny but I’ve been fine for the last 6 years with no issues.

 

With all due respect, how do we know what you tolerate? 25K a month Tacomas are sold. Maybe 50 people bitch about the auto but make lots of noise. Do the math.