Manual or Auto?

I have an Auto with the DC/LB its good around the city... I hold it in 4 til I hit around 80 km/h or roughly 45 -50 mph then I put it back into D. But on the highway sometimes it shifts down to 4 and will hold it for a bit. If I could have I would have gotten a 6 spd.. I enjoy driving standard instead of auto weather I am in traffic or not. If you need the longer box size on the Double cab you won't have a choice like everyone else has said. It sucks not being about to get a DC/LB 6 spd....

 

i have automatic...i dont know how to drive manual, i go to mexico too much and border waits with a manual would suck ass, plus in automatic i can shift from 1st to 5th...is it the same or nee?

 

This is a great post. I voted for Auto but my first car was a Manual and love the control. I have a Auto in my 97 BMW and it's good for LA/OC/SD traffic. I am debating on whether to get a Man or Auto for my Tacoma. I would like to hear from the Off Roaders since I want to get into off roading once I get a tacoma. I am looking at Access cab with TRD 4x4.

 

The auto might be nicer for off roading and being easier than a clutch. But with that said, I off road and deal with that so I don't have to put up with an auto the other 99% of my driving time!

 

I have only owned manual transmission cars before the tacoma and I definitely miss the control and feel of the manual. Wish I could have found a taco that I wanted with a manual transmission but I don't think Toyota makes them for a double cab?

 

They don't make a DC long bed in manual. DC short beds can have the 6spd manual.

 

I've driven manuals.......just too lazy to shift. I need my other hand free for texting, talking on the phone, my beer, beating my kid, picking my nose....you know all the stuff you do while driving

 

LMAO! Thats funny.

And the fishsticks!

Daad... There's something white on the floor.

"That's my A$$!!

That is so halarious.

 

Id say Auto... if you hit traffic alot...
If your racing or don't mind constantly shifting up and down then go manual...
i like that the tacomas have the shifter where a manual would be
i like how the know is down their i just don't like manual

 

Manuals you can start in gear are awesome off road - just use the starter to get over the bad stuff!!!

For me, it depends on the engine... Manual for sure if it's a 4 cylinder to make sure it stays in the power band, auto for bigger displacements and power bands for the ease of use 90% of the time.

 

... easier to drive in the city.

I saw somebody post that the manual gets better gas mileage. Is that true? The specs from Toyota states that the auto is actually better than the manual.

?????

 

on the older drivetrains - yes, the manual gets better mileage. However, the 6 speed manual for the 4.0L V6 is geared lower than the 5 speed automatic. So, the automatic gets better gas mileage in the 05-09 trucks.

 

Ive owned both and its really a matter of personal preference.
The manual tranny guys will say a manual is better because it shifts when they want it to shift, because they feel they have more control, are more in-tune with the vehicle and because manuals have fewer moving parts (more reliable, in theory).
Automatics do have their advantages though. For slow-speed off-roading, automatics are better. With an automatic you can crawl along all day long and not hurt a thing, whereas with a manual you would be burning up your clutch.
Backing up a trailer is waaaay easier with an automatic. Trying to back up while feathering the clutch and gas to keep the engine from stalling, looking out the back window and remembering that to steer, you do everything backwards and you will quickly appreciate an automatic.
Plus, automatics are nice for when you are tired as hell and just dont want to hassle with using the clutch and shifting gears.
Uphill stop signs suck with a manual, especially when the car behind you is 2" away from your bumper. Granted, you could use the clutch to keep you from rolling back, but thats hard on a clutch and it takes some skill to be quick enough at taking your foot off the brake and letting the clutch out while stepping on the gas without stalling the engine or rolling back into the car behind you.
I personally prefer an automatic because Id rathar shift it into drive and step on the gas, nothing having to hassle with using the clutch or shifting gears.
I do agree that manual transmission are more fun, but when it comes to a daily driver (especially one that is a truck) ease of use often takes priority over fun to drive.

 

I love your avatar! Hino engine for my Tacoma, please!

 

Automatic

If I got a car that had some balls then i'd opt for the manual for sure, truck I just like to cruise in.

 

Id love to see Toyota offer the 3.0L 4-banger from the Hilux.

 

I'd settle for the 2.5L D4D, but the 3.0L D4D would be awesome!

 

Auto....

I get my kicks when shifting my Harley.

 

manual, for me is bored drive auto, i love to feel the car in my hands, not the car to decided what to do and when, u have the power in ur hands( wow, too cursy eh) but real for me!, thats my simple opinion,

 

I have had 4 vehicles, a 5 spd Prelude, 5 spd 94 Toyota 4x4, Auto Accord, and now my 6 spd Taco. I got SO bored drivin the Accord. I love the feelin of goin to pass someone and shiftin down and feelin the get-up-and-go instead of waitin for the passin gear to shift in. And, the girlfriend doesn't know how to drive a stick...so she can't touch my baby