Automatic Vs. Standard

[Burt]

Whats your opinions about a automatic trans vs. standard, I wanted a standard shift but only see people selling automatics over here. What do you all prefer, im sure the standard has more power yes?

[Kamr0n]

Originally Posted by Burt

Whats your opinions about a automatic trans vs. standard, I wanted a standard shift but only see people selling automatics over here. What do you all prefer, im sure the standard has more power yes?

standards have better power transfer. meaning more power to the wheels.

also, if you ever S/C your truck, the manual will take it better than the auto

not to mention, installing a new clutch is something you can do in your garage... whereas tuning a torque converter, or re-valving the auto is something you'll have to pay for.

the only reason i see to get an auto would be if its a 4cyl car that you'll be driving in that god aweful traffic that so cal is known for.

[StemsCornfedTaco]

Real men drive Manual. If you bust up your manual its cheaper to fix(most of the time) than an Automagic is.

[SAR_Squid79]

The SEARCH is your friend!


http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum...ight=automatic

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum...highlight=auto

This has been debated quite a few times on here, and there are lots of good points in favor of both Auto and Manual in the links I posted above.

[Texan1983]

standards are better!

[ljschnel]

I would say that this can not be a serious question, but it IS in the Noob folder.
Getting a auto has probably only one advantage to having a manual. You will always know where the weakest link in your truck is at all times! There are so many reasons not to get a vehicle with an automatic transmission, the least of wich is that you may decide that YOU actually want to drive the thing (i.e. choose the RPM's to run and shift at, use different parts of the powerband, apply power as you choose) not just have it make all the decisions for you.
As has been mentioned, the maintenance on a manual tranny is well within the aptitude of most relitively handy people - with the kicker being that the manual will require much maintenance in the long haul anyway. Efficiency is much lower through the auto - they don't call it a SLUSH BOX for nothing!!!


I could go on and on, but the fact is - YES, in many places it is harder to find a truck with a manual tranny than others. My belief is that this is because people who drive manual trucks are just more apt to do their own maintenance, etc. on the truck and probably hand on to them forever.

The point is wait around until you find a manual or you won't even have a vehicle worth driving in my book.

[YoTRacer158]

the only nice thing about an auto is you only have 2 pedals to work instead of three, which is nice if you have to stop on an uphill or something like that. But even then, once you get used to a clutch it's not that bad. I've never owned an auto and probably never will.

[Eztrog88]

Manual....end of story

[Burt]

YEAH, I have a racecar and all my vehicles are manual, lol just was hoping to see some benefits in a automatic. Honestly in the long run I probably would install a supercharger since all my vehicles are turbocharged

[Eztrog88]

Auto's are great for commuter cars, especially in traffic. And a lot of newer auto's are actually getting better gas mileage than their manual counter-parts.... bu for a truck you're going to use (ie.. haul shit, wheel ect.) manual is the only choice IMO.

[NorcalPR]

I like the automatic on my truck, because it is easier to yank a load or a boat, and not worry about frying a clutch. I'm not saying that it's impossible, but it is easier, especially on the loading ramp.

Manual tranny's get better fuel mileage, and more hp, not to mention less parts can go wrong and you can fix it yourself.

If you do get a Auto, a tranny cooler and a gauge goes a long way.

-Phill

[Eztrog88]

Originally Posted by NorcalPR

I like the automatic on my truck, because it is easier to yank a load or a boat, and not worry about frying a clutch. I'm not saying that it's impossible, but it is easier, especially on the loading ramp.

Manual tranny's get better fuel mileage, and more hp, not to mention less parts can go wrong and you can fix it yourself.

If you do get a Auto, a tranny cooler and a gauge goes a long way.

-Phill

Yeah, it's easier.. but what man have you ever met that wants to do things the easy way?

Just kidding... but honestly, when you drive a stick every day, it becomes just as easy as driving an auto. People like to joke about needing a third leg and shit, its simply not true, just takes a little practice and a little skill.

[YoTRacer158]

I remember the first time I ever drove a manual...I was 14 and had never driven before and my dad parked the truck on a steep ass hill and told me to trade seats with him and drive. I stalled a few times, and then burned out for about 300ft on the 3rd try. Now, I hate driving anything other than a manual. Once you get used to it, it's nothing. People complain about manuals when they're stuck in traffic, but it doesnt bother me at all.

[Eztrog88]

Originally Posted by YoTRacer158

I remember the first time I ever drove a manual...I was 14 and had never driven before and my dad parked the truck on a steep ass hill and told me to trade seats with him and drive. I stalled a few times, and then burned out for about 300ft on the 3rd try. Now, I hate driving anything other than a manual. Once you get used to it, it's nothing. People complain about manuals when they're stuck in traffic, but it doesnt bother me at all.

What you need are manual hubs.. in traffic, I just kick it into low 2 and crawl along.

[ljschnel]

I actually have a hard time driving an auto at first when I get in. I'll push the gas down, let off and stab the brakes. Not cool when crossing traffic. Never owned an auto, never care to.

[02tacotim]

I read a lot of mags and watch a lot of shows a month and there is a slioght edge on auto's over standards whern people are truly "building" a truck. I wouldn't change my auto for anything. Torgue convertor as mentioned earlier is an easy fix. Either way still gotta drop the tranny

Tim

[Eztrog88]

Originally Posted by 02tacotim

I read a lot of mags and watch a lot of shows a month and there is a slioght edge on auto's over standards whern people are truly "building" a truck. I wouldn't change my auto for anything. Torgue convertor as mentioned earlier is an easy fix. Either way still gotta drop the tranny

Tim

I can see that in a rockcrawler maybe, but other than that, I don't buy it.

[Lysmachia]

Originally Posted by StemsCornfedTaco

Real men drive Manual. If you bust up your manual its cheaper to fix(most of the time) than an Automagic is.

Well thank god I'm not a man then... (Viva la difference!)

Automatics are pretty shaweet to wheel in. I can tell you I have never stalled my truck 5 million times while trying to go up a nasty obstacle. But ribbing aside, having an automatic did finally top out for me while doing pritchett this past fall. I could not control my power quite like I could have if I were in a manual. If you are planning to wheel your rig on some nasty stuff, consider that at some point your automatic will likely hold you back.

So instead of saying a blanket statment like "Real Women Drive 4 Runners instead of Taco's..." (LMAO) At least I explain why... *smirk*

[Kyoteh]

Originally Posted by Lysmachia

Well thank god I'm not a man then... (Viva la difference!)

Automatics are pretty shaweet to wheel in. I can tell you I have never stalled my truck 5 million times while trying to go up a nasty obstacle. But ribbing aside, having an automatic did finally top out for me while doing pritchett this past fall. I could not control my power quite like I could have if I were in a manual. If you are planning to wheel your rig on some nasty stuff, consider that at some point your automatic will likely hold you back.

So instead of saying a blanket statment like "Real Women Drive 4 Runners instead of Taco's..." (LMAO) At least I explain why... *smirk*

I'm with Molly on this pretty much! lol! Except I don't think my automatic will hold me back anymore than a manual would in a different situation and I'd have to argue the 4runner instead of tacoma statement.

I was a die hard stick driver since the day I got my license. I use to always say I'd never get an automatic! Then life interrupted and I was told I should be driving automatics. At first I missed my manual but as I learned to *really* drive and work the automatic I'm finding I'm really liking it out on the trail! My main prob has been learning to have a soft foot instead of a lead one. The power I miss is mainly city driving and the off the line get up and go.

I think a lot of it comes down to your driving style, the type of trails you'll run, and personal preference. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

[NorcalPR]

Originally Posted by Eztrog88

Yeah, it's easier.. but what man have you ever met that wants to do things the easy way?

Just kidding... but honestly, when you drive a stick every day, it becomes just as easy as driving an auto. People like to joke about needing a third leg and shit, its simply not true, just takes a little practice and a little skill.

Yeah, if I didn't haul loads and yank my boat, I'd be drivin a stick. I love drivin manual trannies over auto's anyday. Even in the traffic I prefer a manual tranny. Just give yourself some space, and let the clutch out on 1st gear.

What's even better bout manual trannies, you change your brake pads less!

-Philly

[mikerox]

i used to be one of these "i'll neve own an auto " guys. i learned to drive in a 5 peed mini toy so an auto was just plain uncomfortable to me.

we'll kids came along and i needed a truck that my wife could drive if i was not around, and i decided i would give it a try. i feel dumb for driving a stick all those years.

trafic is a breeze now. no more stalling, and i know how to work the clutch but sometimes it just happens. cruise control is so nice. remote start is nice in summer or winter because you can set your heat/ac and staret it from whereever you want and let it get comfy before you get there. if you breake a leg and an arm, you can still drive yourself to the hospital.

AND THIS THING DRIVES LIKE FUCKIN BUTTER OFF ROAD!!!! seriously, it is smooth power on demand.

downside is you can't push start your truck

oh yea, one more thing.

4 BANGERS ARE FOR CHAEP ASSES!! :P

[mikerox]

Originally Posted by NorcalPR

What's even better bout manual trannies, you change your brake pads less!

-Philly

you can downshift an auto, i alway do when i am coming to a flying stop after toasting the pads at 25k. maybe i should adjust my bpv, eeh?

[Lysmachia]

Another nice thing to Auto... I have 5:71 and 35's and I have yet to need a crawler. In 4L I am almost as slow as Mike Ross (LMAO).

[NorcalPR]

Originally Posted by mikerox

you can downshift an auto, i alway do when i am coming to a flying stop after toasting the pads at 25k. maybe i should adjust my bpv, eeh?

Well, with a manual trannie, you have more of a engine braking effect

[mikerox]

Originally Posted by NorcalPR

Well, with a manual trannie, you have more of a engine braking effect

not that much of a difference. 4 speed vs 5spd ratios is all.

[jc3835]

I'll stick up for my automatic. You'll always have the guys that say "Manual only in a real truck."
The gas efficiency debate is no longer valid, or even edging more towards the autos in most vehicles, including our trucks.
Power off the line? No way a manual truck like mine is going to be that much better.
Towing? No win there for manuals.
Downhill braking using engine only? Low gear and even 2nd gear for me I'm off my brakes creeping downhill.
I am having to get used to being a LOT softer on the pedal in low gear though... the torque is instant and I found myself giving it too much quite a bit.
Pros and Cons... there'll always be a debate about it I'm sure, just like weld-on vs. bolt-on sliders. Do what you want, take everyone's advice with a grain (or more) of salt.
Just buy a Tacoma regardless of what tranny

[peekay331]

i think the auto tranny being the weakest link, etc., is pretty overstated in a toyota. how many here have actually had an auto fail on them? not very many. in 100k+ miles, i've had 2 steering racks, tie rod ends, ball joints, front shocks, rear shocks, engine, cv, body cab mount, engine perches, all fail before anything has ever happened to my auto.

and these are HARD miles, including towing a 4500lb travel trailer through the rockies and into death valley in 105 degree heat on a 5500 mile roadtrip.

but how many stick owners have had to replace a clutch or throwout bearing, synchro, pedal squeek, etc? all of them. ever try to tow a heavy load with a toyota stick? the lack of low end torque results in some nasty burned smells.

and yes, i can drive a stick as well as anyone. my daily driver is a stick, my quad is a stick, my dirtbike is a stick, etc.

the reliability argument is bogus. sticks have more power for driving around town. it all comes down to a matter of personal preference. but i wouldn't base it on any perceived reliability advantage.

[mekanik671]

Originally Posted by peekay331

i think the auto tranny being the weakest link, etc., is pretty overstated in a toyota. how many here have actually had an auto fail on them? not very many. in 100k+ miles, i've had 2 steering racks, tie rod ends, ball joints, front shocks, rear shocks, engine, cv, body cab mount, engine perches, all fail before anything has ever happened to my auto.

and these are HARD miles, including towing a 4500lb travel trailer through the rockies and into death valley in 105 degree heat on a 5500 mile roadtrip.

but how many stick owners have had to replace a clutch or throwout bearing, synchro, pedal squeek, etc? all of them. ever try to tow a heavy load with a toyota stick? the lack of low end torque results in some nasty burned smells.

and yes, i can drive a stick as well as anyone. my daily driver is a stick, my quad is a stick, my dirtbike is a stick, etc.

the reliability argument is bogus. sticks have more power for driving around town. it all comes down to a matter of personal preference. but i wouldn't base it on any perceived reliability advantage.

LoL- sounds like someone hit a soft spot j/k... i agree though about personal preferance-when im not driving my automatic tacoma im driving my 79 corolla 4spd (whopping 1156cc under the hood!) LoL...

i DO WISH they made the prerunner models with manual transmissions though... having a 4cyl auto S-U-C-K-S-B-I-G-G-H-A-I-R-Y-B-A-L-L-S

[SgtMunger]

My old 81 Toy was a stick, my 01 Taco is an auto. My is the stick may give you better power transfer, but the auto is much more pleasant to wheel. Also, your less likeley to break drivetrain components, especially if you gear down hard, because the the fluid buffer in an auto. Might sound like BS but I've seen alot more guys with sticks break shit trying to go through what I've played with a hundred times. Just picture your front wheels coming to a dead stop with 1/2 throttle while being directly connected to the motor output via a clutch, rather than a fluid torqe converter
Or maybe I should just quit the crack pipe

[cabo john]

Six in one hand... half a dozen in the other.
Some like manuel and some like automatic. It is what it is.
I just think it's great to have a choice. I got the stick for my own reasons...

What's more important is the color of your tacmoa? lol