Manual or auto?

hey guys, so I’m back in the market probably for another Tacoma coming from a 2012 auto dclb 4x4 sr5.

I’m liking the trd models just for the added luxuries. And the fact 2012-2015 models are only a couple thousand less than a new one.

There are a few manuals on sale in my location. I know and have read about the auto transmission so I’m leaning towards a manual. It would pry be a sport because I would like the long bed.

I’ve also read people not liking the manual while towing(could be not wanting to keep it in the higher rpms). I don’t plan to tow maybe once a year. But I do haul five people and five bicycles w/ gear frequently when I did have my old Tacoma.

Is manual the way to go?

Also the trd comes with Bilsteins does that mean it’s slightly lifted as well?

 

If you can drive a manual, it would be silly to compromise to the auto.

Just my opinion.

 

Manual is more fun IF you enjoy that kinda thing. Auto if you don’t.

 

Manual, not just for the sake of it if that's not your thing... but the gearing is better for towing and hauling things too. Or... if you are one of those guys who needs mall rated tires... it won't hurt your acceleration as much.

 

I would say manual is the way to go...

 

Manual

 

If you want DCLB, sadly auto is the only option.

 

I love the MT in the truck and highly recommend it. I never drove the AT, so cannot give a real world experience there.

 

Yeah I actually just looked that up. I thought the sport came in a long bed double cab. Uh decisions to make

 

Test drive both. Then decide which you enjoy better.

 

If you are gonna go Manual, also look at the Off Road, same price as the Sport.

 

Manual, I had to settle for the short bed though - double cab was a must. Sport 4x4 for the win!

 

I think the biggest downside to the manual is they are not commonly stocked and are about a special order item.

If I get one it will be a manual.

 

first three replies answer everything for me. what do you think, OP?

 

Ha ya Like I said I’m leaning to the manual, the biggest downside is no dclb option. I used to use the bed of my previous truck pretty regularly.

The other downside is the push button start haha. Of course there was a whole other thread on that lol. It’s a pretty nice convenience in my day to day activities but not a dealbreaker.

 

Manual FTMFW

 

Get the manual and a bed extender. Boom!

 

That one is a plus for me, I don't care for push button. You also gain a sunglasses holder in the roof console too.

 

I was in the same boat. Couldn't figure out if I wanted a long bed or a manual. Manual won.

 

I've driven manuals since I was a teen. Love them. But for my Tacoma, I got an auto. Few reasons. One being my wife can't really drive a manual that well, and at times, she needs to drive. Second is I drive in traffic at times, especially during the winter. I've done the pedal dance all of my life and don't care to do it any more. Third is MPG, which is 10%+ better in the auto (maybe real world is different). Lastly, I like going in the back country and always wonder if I happen to break a leg or arm, if I'd be able to drive out. Very unlikely scenario, but just an added peace of mind.