Auto or stick?

[Chris619]

I'm in the market for a 2002+ V6 4x4 (maybe 4x2) and was wondering what people's opinions on transmissions were. the reason I want the V6 is because I like the option of eventually putting in the super charger, headers, exhaust but I also realize the Tacoma isn't a lean, mean little sports car machine. so should I go with the convenience of an auto tranny (eventually with the TRD tranny cooler) or just get the sportier(?) 5-speed? I don't want to be kicking myself later for not getting the manual tranny because I once had an Audi A4 auto that I always wished was a manual. but I don't think having a manual tranny is all that great for casual four-wheeling but its got better off-the-line acceleration than an auto that I might appreciate if I got the supercharger.... so I can't decide

[themariachi]

TRDOLMAN has one of the most powerful Tacos around, and it's an auto. It really depends on what you want to do with your truck and what you are going to be doing most of the time. There is a bunch of threads that talk about the pros and cons of both, but it really is up to you.

[themariachi]

Here is one...there are more out there.
http://ttora.com/forum/showthread.ph...ht=auto+manual

[Chris619]

I'll have to check out some of those threads.
back in college I had a '97 4-banger Tacoma that was a stick and after I graduated I got rid of it for my Audi because I was tired of the manual tranny and wanted something more comfrotable to drive. but on the other hand I had a Prelude a few years ago that was a manual that I liked a lot so I think I just have to decide if I want to go sporty (manual) or comfortable in CA traffic (auto).

[themariachi]

My girlfriend has a 95.5 taco v6 5 speed and it's fun to drive, but, for what I do, I like my auto.

[Chris619]

basically the whole reason I sold my tacoma was because it was a manual (in a four banger 2WD pick-up I just couldn't see the use of having one besides making it cheaper than a truck with an auto) so I think I should look for an auto.

Anyone in So-Cal selling a 2002+ V6 w/ TRD package for under $16k?

[themariachi]

That was fast...
**edit**
Here's something that you might like.
http://ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13606

[Nelium]

Unless your rockcrawling, manual is just fine for trail riding, also it can be faster and better on gas if u want to.

[tacomaman87]

Manual for sure, so much more fun to drive in all seasons. I love my 5spd, i had an auto v6 pre-tacoma truck before and i am definitley happy i went with the 5spd this time.

[tbst]

5 speed for sure. It is more fun, less tedious when driving, gives you something to do. Just make sure you get cruise control.

[tacotoy]

Originally Posted by tbst

5 speed for sure. It is more fun, less tedious when driving, gives you something to do. Just make sure you get cruise control.

amen to that! and that seems like they do less and less of that combonation every year.

[Chris619]

these are all great replies.

now I just need to figure out the whole TRD thing... I might get stuck just buying a truck off a used car lot so I want to make sure one of those slimeballs didn't just buy two TRD stickers from the parts department at a Toyota dealer...
will it say anything about a TRD package on the sticker in the door sill?
and what does the TRD sticker mean? locking diff and heavier suspension?
i'm sure this has been discussed up and down but I might as well ask now while theres people posting in this thread.

[Blitanicle99]

I love my manual but offroad I definately would rather have an auto. It really depends what you are doing. For instance Ive gotten stuck alot more because of the manual tranny and not being able to slowly move the vehicle rather than slipping the clutch. And anything like rocks or hills or things you really need to take slow not to break things that automatic would really come in handy.

[ARB1977]

Originally Posted by Chris619

I'm in the market for a 2002+ V6 4x4 (maybe 4x2) and was wondering what people's opinions on transmissions were. the reason I want the V6 is because I like the option of eventually putting in the super charger, headers, exhaust but I also realize the Tacoma isn't a lean, mean little sports car machine. so should I go with the convenience of an auto tranny (eventually with the TRD tranny cooler) or just get the sportier(?) 5-speed? I don't want to be kicking myself later for not getting the manual tranny because I once had an Audi A4 auto that I always wished was a manual. but I don't think having a manual tranny is all that great for casual four-wheeling but its got better off-the-line acceleration than an auto that I might appreciate if I got the supercharger.... so I can't decide

I had a manual once then traded it in for my auto. The only thing about autos is you need to control the heat other than that i like my auto.

[Chris619]

can anyone help me out with the TRD thing?

[ShowStop]

Originally Posted by Chris619

can anyone help me out with the TRD thing?

Originally Posted by Chris619

and what does the TRD sticker mean? locking diff and heavier suspension?

Yeah, those are the important factors of the TRD package. The rear axle will have a roundish device attached to the driver side upper portion of the 3rd member (center section). Thats the actuator for the locker. In the cab, there should be a "RR diff lock" button on the left side of the dash. When pressed, it will flash initially then light solid when the locker is engaged.

[Chris619]

I've read some older threads and am all up to speed on the TRD thing.
basically I just have to look for the stickers, locker button left of the steering wheel and progressive springs. can't go wrong if I do that...