Manual or auto trans for new Tacoma purchase?

Yeah, that's why I love my MT : )

 

^ THIS! Exactly.

 

I can't think of any reason to choose the manual in a Tacoma, especially if you plan to tow or haul any weight. The engine in 3rd gen's requires much more rpm's than previous gens to get any power. There is no low-end power to get loads moving, especially when trying to back a trailer. The torque converter in an automatic does a much better job. If you want to select the best gear for conditions, you can do so with an automatic too.

The engine/manual combo Toyota uses is well suited for a sports car. If you want a sports car with a bed the manual might be for you. If you want a truck, get the automatic.

 

Yup. A few 4.88s and a 5.29 or two have posted here.

 

A lot of folks feel as you do, and the rest of us respectfully disagree.

 

Here comes mr Marshall with his nonsense again.


So much wrong info there.

 

Da FAQ did I just read

Are a car salesman?

 

I appreciate the info, but that is honestly the first time I have heard someone say to not get an MT for the reason you listed. It's mostly "...don't get MT if you live in the city in stop/go or bumper-to-bumper traffic.." sort like that. Isn't the engine the same in the MT/AT? Not sure much would change there?

 

If you want a manual get one, this is your last chance.

When the new gen comes out the odds of a manual option are pretty slim I think.

 

Haha!

He literally posts the same nonsense paragraphs in all MT vs AT threads.

 

The engine is the same but they are geared differently. Also the reverse gear in a manual is stupidly tall which makes it a nightmare to back a trailer up a hill, or even just back up a steep hill sometimes. There's someone on here that offers a 2lo mod but I've yet to get one since I rarely tow.

Edit: Added a gearing info link. It's in the second post

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-3-5-6mt-differential-gear-ratios.754702/

 

Oddly enough, I had a MT and wanted to go to AT.

The auto problems are fairly easily solved with a tune unless you go big enough in tires to need a regear.

The irony is that I could have bought a MT Pro, right color and all, over a month ago if I wanted a manual... Instead I waited for an allocation for an auto, and am now waiting for it to be built...

Anyway, life is too short. Get the truck you will be happiest with and enjoy it.

 

If you're debating an MT or an Auto, you'll probably want the auto. The way I see it, if you want an MT tacoma, you get the MT. There is no maybe sorta kinda woulda shoulda among the Tacoma peeps.

 

Well said sir.

For me, it was MT Tacoma or no Tacoma.

 

Hmmm, wonder if that's what I'm feeling but its intermittent so hard to determine. I feel the power wakes up at at 3500+rpms but I also feel some power dip at times around that range. Strange

 

I had the auto and wasn't a fan of the transmission trying to find the gear. It would up shift on me when I needed it to stay in the gear it was in. Got so frustrating that I eventually just started doing the manual gear changes. Not sure what it's called but the little section where you can up/down shift with the gear selector on the side.

I do want a manual for being able to select my gear and stay in it. Or if regearing the rear might help in an auto. Just looking for info on what others have done to help me see some pros/cons of each.

I'm leaning heavily to MT

 

I'd get a manual (it's what I have) for the fact that this engine needs to be rev'd out for VVTI to kick in YO! But the super tall 1st and Reverse gears are a pain tbh....if you love manuals, this is probably your last shot at a manual pickup truck once the 4th gen drops.... unless Jeep keeps making the hideous Gladiator in a manual.

As far as the issues with auto transmissions hunting for gears......with a manual you do have to drive in what feels like a gear too low when climbing hills etc. or you will be searching for gears just the same. Just remember that RPMs are your friend.

 

People have been towing with manuals forever… now apparently they do not work? (I do not agree!)

The beauty of the manual is that you manage the gears. You will have a problem if you want to drag race your trailer on a green light.

As someone said above, If it was not for the manual, I would not be driving a Tacoma.

 

1st gear is actually pretty low, I noticed it right away. Reverse though… 2WD low mod to the rescue.