Make an Argument for Manual Trans

I'm about to buy a new 2017/18 Tacoma and can't decide which trans I want. I've never test drove either! This way I get that first impression/ love at first sight kinda thing.

However, the manual gearing is for a truck, not a sports car. Is it still fun to drive? Is it worth it? Can anyone make a Tacoma-specific argument to get a stick shift (not just a "you have more control over the car" kinda argument) ?

Thanks!

 

You either enjoy driving with a manual trans and want that, or you don't. Go drive the damn truck and make a decision.

 

read the forum, holy crap there is at least 3 or maybe more active threads on this exact topic! on this page!

 

How about you test drive both and see which you like better. How are we suppose to know what you'll like?

 

Never drove the AT, so cannot help with this.

The MT is a blast to drive. This is my 6th MT vehicle and many more MT's I have driven and this Tacoma is VERY smooth. Another, I am very rarely in traffic, get to drive the country state roads of NH so this adds to my enjoyment. Overall, I highly recommend the MT!

 

@SeanDub Thanks for the thoughtless response. I do enjoy driving stick; my current car is, but it's not a truck. Would you not agree the feeling is different for a wrx vs. a truck?

@St.Germain I did search using multiple different key words and found threads on issues with the trans, not pros and cons. I'm new to this forum; maybe you can teach me more whenever was to search?

@Cold_Toad You're not supposed to know, I wanted to hear your experiences and opinions.

 

I'm very happy to have a MT in my second gen, and I hear it's the way to go to avoid the possible annoyances of the 3rd gen automatic. But you can't expect a forum of strangers to help you make the right decision in a situation like this. It's like asking "What should I have for dinner?". Only you know what you really want.

 

Wait, you know how to drive a manual trans, and are debating over which one to get? Please get the auto as if you are even remotely considering the auto, you don't deserve the fun of the manual.

I think you can tell what I think.

 

It's Friday so pizza.

 

@dnlskier Thanks for your reply! That was very informative and tells me a lot. Traffic is definitely a factor. Good to know it's smooth too.

 

https://youtu.be/BE_NMaIL5IQ

 

Sure, now if only there was a way to confirm this, without a doubt. A short trial of some kind. Preferably on the open road to really get a feel for it. No no, that's future talk. Forgive me.

 

i can tell you for me I am done with manual shifting. Driving big truck over years and having cars with some I much prefer put in drive. As stated some want the shifting and enjoy it and me I am in my truck a lot and just want to drive and not constantly shift. Also towing a bass boat when unloading on ramp wet ramp auto is much easier to deal with

 

I need the convenience of an automatic, but one of the biggest complaints about this truck is the idiotic shift points and sluggish lowend performance. I don't hear any of the manual guys around here complain about that.

 

Haha clearly you don't understand the value of having different perspectives.

Sorry guys, I know my first real thread was kind of ignorant and naive, just figured more people would genuinely want to help.

 

Thanks @Dirty Harry and @crappie man !

 

Fun is subjective. I love driving my manual. Is it fun, depends on my mood and day.

 

I enjoy my manual a lot.

I did drive both Auto vs. Manual on the 3rd gens and didn't find much to complain about. If you start adding larger tires, lift, accessories, then it will affect the auto more than the manual 4.30 hears vs. 3.90.

It really comes down to, do you really, really really love/want to drive stick everyday.

For me, it was control for shift points. I like to downshift, use truck as a bumpstop if battery dies, etc.

Plus the resale value is a mere 1-2% higher for manuals looking at the residual lease from Toyota Corporate.

 

@Spare Parts A lot of things are subjective, like which brand of part to buy. But, we make the best informed decision we can, right? A lot of excellent points were made, some of which I might not have thought of on my own!

I hate my dad's V6 F-150, it always wants to go into the highest gear and there's no power. Now I know the AT Tacoma is similar!

 

Wow, thanks @AdventureKid ! That really helps since I do plan on adding larger tires one day.