Should I buy an automatic or manual Tacoma? (2021)

I was also leary of the automatic from reading the horror stories on the internet. When I took one for a test drive I was pleasantly surprised to find it shifted just fine. After 500 miles on the truck it drives even better. From what I can tell they've ironed out most of the issues that led to the complaints.

Whichever way you decide to go I hope you enjoy your new truck as much as I am enjoying mine.

 

I am with you, 100%. I have a 2020 TRD OR. Love it. To be honest, I haven't had any issues with the automatic transmission. Honestly, it seems pretty good to me. But then again, I am not a hardcore auto enthusiast where I am obsessively focusing on those things. Not saying that is a bad thing, mind you, but I really haven't noticed anything unusual and I have about 5,000 on the new truck.

As far as the manual versus automatic, I see both sides. I used to have a manual but that was a long time ago. I now have automatic transmissions pretty much exclusively now. Respect the manual but I live in New York (very close to the city). No way am I driving a manual when I need to head into the city. I had a friend who once went to a Yankee game. He drove a manual. Bronx traffic nearly killed him. . It is just too much.

But it depends on how you drive. I will make three simple points in favor of the automatic:

1) If you drive in extreme traffic it is a bummer. No way around that.

2) If you like to listen to podcasts, etc. the screen is a bit hard to navigate. Having stick adds just another thing to manage as you are driving. Many can do it but frankly there are a lot of people who can't.

3) The older you get (as is my case) the easier you want life to be. The old me used love the manuals. The older me just wants things to be comfortable and easy.

Good luck! And be sure to let us know what decision you make.

 

No actually it makes a ton of difference. I was responding to your se

It does make a difference and no one said anything about stomping the gas and changing lanes. And I don’t stress when I drive I enjoy driving. I simply stated where I live if you sit back and chill people will constantly pull in front of you there by slowing you down. I go with the flow of traffic and use defensive driving skills and basic common sense to move smoothly through traffic in an area where traffic is very heavy. I have witnessed drivers that just chill and those are the drivers that actually cause problems with traffic flow where I live.

 

Totally agree. But a Toyota (Asian) AT can last 300K miles with nothing but a fluid change every 50k miles. 3rd gen AT are 6 speed.

 

If traffic is moving, then you are not stuck in traffic. I feel like you are being intentionally pedantic to start an argument.

When traffic is at a crawl, i.e. stop and go traffic. i.e. heavy congestion... it has been proven that just idling along at a steady pace vs defending your position (i.e. constantly accelerating and slowing to keep people from pulling in front of you) makes no difference as to how long it takes to get through traffic.

 

I had 292k miles on my 2001 4 speed tundra automatic tundra with only 4 quart atf changes every 15k miles. It was still working perfect when i sold it.

 

A lot of folks are straying away from your requirement list…

Based on your end user requirements, the short answer is I don't see anything wrong with purchasing a A/T over the M/T for your end user usage.

I think a lot of guys are voting on what they like without reading what your usage requirements will be.

You stated that this will be your daily driver. From my own experience, a A/T is always welcomed over a M/T for comfort. I have daily driving a M/T (for 12 years) I can honestly say I appreciate a A/T when stuck in traffic. Our family owned a ‘04 Tacoma (M/T) and it sucked driving in rush hour when we were living in Chicago. Almost 90% of our cars growing up were M/T, but man am I grateful to have a A/T living in a large city.

You asked if a M/T v. A/T is more “proficient” in regards to hauling? That depends on a lot of factors, but given that you would be “hauling max 3,000 pounds on relatively flat land” the answer is no, you would not see much of a difference between the two in my opinion. Add in varying grades, surfaces, etc. and I think you can make a point the M/T could be better for controlling shift points.

Lastly, you’re talking about fuel economy… honestly, the Tacoma is pretty crappy on MPG regardless of trim. So keep that in mind when you move forward with your purchase. If you want better MPG in a truck, I think there are better options out there.

 

Very... cereal.

 

New guy is right.

Welcome.

 

Just got off the phone with Heffner Toyota In Kitchener, Ontario. They will infact build me a Toyota right from the factory. Its going to take 2 to 3 months. MT TRD offroad.
I didn't think that was true but it turns out they will! AND They DO NOT require a deposit. Outstanding.

 

Wow, thats fantastic! I learned something new today!

 

Congrats! It took 4 months to get my truck from when l handed my dealer a deposit and they ordered, it's well worth the wait!

 

I’ve had my M/T for a year and glad I opted for it instead of the automatic. Yeah it’s a little bit of work but I don’t regret it. I feel more connected to it while driving, prefer a key ignition, and for some odd reason enjoy setting the parking brake.
Have also taught my kids to drive a stick. Maybe that’s an obsolete skill but my 19 year old daughter enjoys that she can.
I drove 20 K last year in outer suburbs of Chicago FWIW. One downside is no remote start option. I get 20 to 21 mpg. That’s good coming from a Tundra.

 

FYI, I did see on here somewhere that it's possible to add remote start to the MT with an aftermarket kit. I may end up adding that myself further down the road.

 

Manual if you live in a rural area and you take it out wheeling and want to feel in control of the vehicle. Auto if you live in a more metro area and are in stop and go traffic often. I live in Portland, OR and traffic out here sucks. Automatic until I leave, but I'd prefer stick.

 

I just got my 2021 TRD off-road DCSB with the automatic... it seems kinda clunky around town but it’s not that big of a deal to me. I just use sport mode around town and it kind of take the clunkyness out of it.on the highway it’s fine. I did not test drive a manual

 

Just make damn sure it’s in neutral when you get out if it...haha

 

Yep, S4 works the best around town for my buddy with the 19 AT. Gotta lock out those OD gears.

My dad uses s4 around town also in his 4runners.

 

I agree with the sourpuss

 

Automagic