Why Manual Transmission?

I know how to drive a manual transmission, I like manual transmissions. However, I would not want a manual transmission in a minivan. It's just not the right type of application.

Some of you got the rare bird, a Tacoma with manual transmission.

Just wondering why some of you choose the manual transmission over the automatic?

My question maybe is more in line with does a manual transmission truck offer some advantage over an automatic transmission truck?

I don't own a Tacoma/Truck, so that's why I'm asking. I've not decided if it will be 4X2 or 4X4.

Please help guide me or offer your reasons. I know manual Tacos will be hard to find and maybe pay a premium over an automatic on the lot.

TIA

 

Because it's awesome.

In all seriousness, it's not that an MT double-stamps my man card or anything, I just prefer having the added control... doubly so once I experienced the AT's economy-focused shift patterns. It's not as easy to off road and it's more work but I have an irrational love for engine braking in many situations where the MT excels.

 

How are you using it? I love manuals...but alas, I'm getting old and mostly city drive. So, it's AT for me.
Cheers

 

I purchased a MT for a few reasons: Longevity, full transmission control, saves on brake parts.

 

It avoids the finicky shifting of the automatic that only cares about fuel economy, it comes with a 4.3 rear end to help with a smaller less torquey engine, it's fun to drive, and it's like $3k cheaper. The only con is a slight hit to fuel economy

 

I got one because it is what I wanted to drive. You will see all kinds of pros and cons. I don't care, I just like to drive a manual truck.

 

I love manual transmissions. I had a manual transmission for my first and second vehicle and later my third (a motorcycle). When shopping Tacomas, I knew that I wanted the 4x4 TRD Off Road trim. I was also commuting 1+ hours to and from work; thankfully I live closer now. Given those two factors I chose the Auto transmission.

It boiled down mainly to the OR trim having crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select, two of the major perks of the OR package, and those perks being removed when buying a manual transmission TRD Off Road. IMO, if you want the 4x4 TRD OR trim (or Pro) you should consider the auto transmission. If you're looking for a 4x2/ 4x4 SR or SR5, then a manual would be a good option. The manual offers simplicity and theoretically more reliability in the long-term if you plan on keeping the truck until it dies.

I've got no problem with the auto transmission in the Tacoma personally, but I know that's subjective. It's not a sports car and it's not fast; therefore, auto...

/ $.02

 

It kind of depends on the vehicle for me. I had a girlfriend with a manual V-6 Camaro, and that thing sucked to drive, terrible clutch and gearbox. I found S-10's to be similarly bad. For my '76 Lancia Beta and '77 280Z, I liked the manual. For my '72 Mustang with the straight 6, auto was nice. Manual in my '92 Toyota pickup. Generally, for a 4-cylinder or smaller sporty car, I like to have a manual, whether it is a car or a small truck. But with V-6's and V-8's, I prefer having an auto. All my 1st, 2nd, and now 3rd gen Tacomas have been a V-6 with an auto.

 

In general I prefer MTs over automatics, but not in every case. I had a Subaru Outback 6MT and couldn’t stand the thing. They nailed the CVT in that one.

The Tacoma is one of those vehicles they nailed the MT. It feels Trucky. It’s got a decently long throw and since the V6 isn’s A powerhouse to write home about, I can put the power where I want it when I want it. The whole thing was just really well done.

It’s honestly the reason I bought the truck. Would have gotten a Tundra if the stick wasn’t an option.

Get the 6MT and get the 4x4. You won’t regret it.

 

Off-road (for me) an auto trans does add an extra worry item. I watch the transmission fluid temps and I have had the fluid up to 285 F out of the converter. I have been doing an annual drain and fill and nothing smells burnt. Regardless, I would still go auto trans over manual because 97% of my driving is around town and traffic is a PITA.

 

Cheaper, more fun, more control, more fun, rare, more fun, almost theft proof, more fun, valet proof, more fun and your more connected to the truck when you have to actually drive it, not be driven.

 

If Honda or Toyota had an MT in their minivans, I would have had one instead of our Volvo V70 T6 MT. Just sayin'. . .

I had to have an MT in this truck. It was part of the reason for giving up my second bike.

Beyond that, even good-functioning ATs make me hate driving.

 

Higher resale value

If you ever sell it

Which you shouldn’t

 

It is very funny that I have the opposite take on our Forester. Although, I have heard that the programming between the 2.5 NA and the 2.0 DiT is different? For me, they nailed the motor and ruined it with the CVT?

 

4x2 or 4x4 is the important question you should really find the answer for, the reason is because it will narrow your options to how new or old you want to go...not sure if they offer a 4x2 in a 3rd GEN with MT..( i don't know because i didn't want 4x2 so i didn't look)...as for me why MT because AT is mind numbing and boring seeing as how i don't text and drive or eat and drive i can deal with rowing gears in and out of traffic ( i've owned 4 other tacos with AT before) since i wanted a 3rd GEN i wanted the exact one i wanted considering how much they go for now...the MT honestly seems to work less hard to get it where i want it go...let us know how the search goes man..good luck

 

I would buy a manual minivan.

 

Can't disagree with the MT fans here...but, an AT has other settings than just "D".
thought I'd throw that out there and see where it lands

 

I can believe that.....my Dad’s got a 2.0 NA CVT Crosstrek and it’s nothing to write home about. It whines and is a bit temperamental like you hear about. I believe the CVT in the 2.5 NA Outback is different. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not fun or anything, but it was just doing it’s job exactly how you’d expect it. The MT in my Outback drove me mental.

 

does the ridgeline come with a manual?

 

And here, I've been giving Subaru credit for the tuning. Even going so far to say that Toyota should let them have at it. They just must have nailed it by luck? The XT could have a bit less indecision off the line, but by the time the turbo starts to spool (like 1,500 or less), it starts doing its thing. Just not engaging in the least after that.

I do have a long term lust for the old 2.5GT 6MT wagons though. We missed out on buying one and I still regret that.