No JBL in manual... but WHY?

The JBL-less manual has been addressed a lot in the forums, but I was wondering if anyone has insight as to why. I mean, is there an actual reason for this? Does the JBL system adjust volume per speed? Would that require an auto tranny somehow (weird)? Besides a supposed lack of buyer interest assumed by Toyota, anyone know if there's a mech/tech reason that they didn't offer it? 'Cause it really sucks that they don't...

 

They're trying to kill off the manual. I mean, it gets worse Milage than the auto. Other than towing, why else would you want a manual? It's not like it's any faster, cause you can't speed shift these trucks.

Toyota is just trying to make manuals less appealing IMO

 

I like driving a manual. A lot.

 

Yes, double cab. I assume it's a lack of space issue for the access cabs.

 

Driving an auto is boring.

One of the reasons I choose a Tacoma was because they're still offered in manual transmission while other companies don't even have that option. And I'm sure eventually, all cars will either be auto or some form of hybrid.

 

I was quite annoyed that the TRD sport DCSB manual did not come with better speakers. I opted for M/T over JBL. on my list to upgrade the speakers at some point, manual is much more fun to drive.

 

why can't you speed shift....

 

can anyone with the jbl comment on thr location of the 7 speakers? How many speakers are on the front? Any near the tranny hump? I ask because i read that floorboard is different from the auto to the manual, weathertech even acknowledged this.

I was really upset at this also, i purchased the manual with tech pkg. I would've gldly paid +$700 more for better speakers and a sub from the factory.

 

Just install the shit yourself and get more premium than JBL bullshit, you can do better.

 

At least with my 1st gen, if you try to speed shift, it's followed by a huge clunk, bang, or jerk. Don't get me wrong though I love my manual.

 

Actually driving the manual is a night and day difference. Feels like a real truck and not like a lethargic minivan with a heavily regulated throttle. With all the complaining about awful power, erratic shifting and screaming RPM's of the auto, the manual sounds better and better each day. Even if that means a 2 mpg hit. I don't think I could live with awful off the line acceleration of the auto (which I tested). The manual felt a lot like the gen 2 manual transmissions with adequate low end torque. That 2 mpg hit is made up with driveability.

 

its just how the bean counters determine the configurations to build. in the grand scheme of things, the <1% demand for that exact setup is not worth the hassle.

from our perspective, we cant even imagine the hassle it would be to add JBL to a M/T double cab, but somewhere someone has determine that it doesn't fit the grand plan.

 

Tweeters left/right top dashboard, mids/woofers bottom 4 doors, Sub/Amp behind right rear passenger seat. No storage behind seat with JBL.

 

@trexTRD has one.

Said he got a good deal on it, too.

 

SAY WHAT?!

Getting an error saying profile doesn't exist...

 

Toyota must have put too much pressure on him.

 

Lol..

I'm with you OP.. total bull shit that we can't get the JBL system with a manual. It's exactly what I would do if I could but oh well. I'm settling for a 7545 (trd OR dcsb 6mt) with the HH package (prem&tech) and will likely go aftermarket for audio.

I was a bit torn between that or the same thing with an auto and JBL but it's a $2400 price difference and it's much easier to replace audio than the transmission. Plus, the new auto is garbage and for $2400 I can get a way nicer system than the JBL.

 

I'm sure this is the route I'll be taking; manual is more important than those speakers. I just hate aftermarket setups that look all janky. Maybe that subwoofer housing will be available down the road. But honestly I am past audiophile age and just don't want to deal with that shit.

Ideally I'd get a manual double cab long bed, but according to Toyota I'm batshit crazy for wanting that, so no dice. I'd even settle for access cab off road manual, but I'm not Canadian. That one is truly baffling. Every bachelor in the world would want that config... and isn't that the target market for this truck?

 

Yeah.. I guess in the end it all comes down to the numbers and what they think will sell the most. Some of it just doesn't seem right though. I wonder what the breakdown is for minimizing configurations. Clearly Toyota strives to do this so they must be reaping some benefit from it. Improved factory consistency due to less variables? I dunno..

As for audio, I'm the same way... Not looking forward to tearing off all the interior panels in a brand new truck but unfortunately I don't think the stock system is gonna cut it. Hopefully I'm wrong.

 

It's dumb. Not many people buy manuals, but the ones that do are all enthusiasts. People that buy manuals tend to be gear heads, so they value their vehicles more than the average person. Because of this, they should be fully loaded in my opinion.

BMW understands this. You can not get a 528 or a 550 with a manual, but the M5 is always available in a stick.