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TacomaGeneral discussion forum for the 2005 and later Toyota Tacoma.
This is a discussion thread titled "5 speed auto or manual (Tacoma)", within the Tacoma forum, part of the Truck Forums category.
I prefer manual trannies, but as one reviewer did, I found the clutch movement to be sort of uncomfortable at times. Maybe too close to the floor or something. Haven't driven the auto yet. Any feedback on a four-cylinder stick vs. auto? It would be for a 2005 Tacoma Access Cab w/SR5 pkg. 2 (SL). I'll be trading in an '03 Tundra Access V8 TRD Sport. Looking for fuel savings and I like the new Tacoma.
I drove both.. well, the auto had the V6 behind it. My region only has the 4cyl with a manual tranny. Like you, I agree that the shifting takes some getting used to, (it's like the box truck I sometimes drive at work.) and reverse took more than a few attempts...but after a little while it's quite fun. I personally would rather have the auto for one reason: better gas milege (if the sticker is true). Sounds like you and I are looking for the same rig.
I think the clutch area may just be a tad cramped or something. I'll have to give the manual one more try. I'd guess driving the V6 auto with the new 5 speed will be a different experience than driving the 4-cyl. with the 4-speed auto. Although reverse is awkward, but not a big deal on the V6 manual, you'll find reverse on the 4-cyl. isn't an issue at all, as it's a 5sp, not 6sp and reverse operates fluidly there on that stick. I live in the hills and I'd like control over the gears if I can cope with the clutch travel. I'm thinking I'd get bigger wheels/tires than the stock steel 15's and on a manual it might be easier to work with incorporating them than dealing with how they might affect an auto tranny... just a thought. Also, for the record, the other vehicle of choice I'm seriously considering is a Subaru Baja Turbo... a somewhat hated vehicle on this site.
I test drove the 6cylinder auto and stick. In addition I drove the 4cylinder with the 5 speed. I liked the feel of the 5 speed much better than the 6 speed. I did not notice any problem with the clutch. I'm not sure what you mean by the clutch being cramped or uncomfortable. I did not notice that. I think I was more concerned with the feel of the stick which after just driving the 6 speed it felt much more connected and precise. I will drive the 5 speed again when I get a chance, I have ruled out the 6 speed.
I think I'll get over whatever issue I have with the clutch. If I remember correctly, I had to stretch my foot forward more to engage the clutch, than other sticks I've driven over the years. Could be the 11.5 shoes I wear and wanting a little more heel/floor clearance or something. Anyhow, too much analysis I'm sure. I'm used to a lot of left foot dead pedal resting room in my Tundra auto and although the new Tacoma has good leg room, there's less room down there... but again no big deal. I'm now heavily leaning toward an Access Prerunner 4-cyl. stick with the (UH) SR5 pkg. and hitch. I've previously dealt with a S.Houston lot who thinks they can deliver one in the colors I want within days and somewhat near invoice.
I am also interested in the Prerunner Access with the 5 speed. They did not have any 4 cylinder Prerunner's here in Florida when I Test drove. Just regular access cab.
I'm also interested in knowing more about putting a bigger tire under the extended cab 4 cyl model - those 15 inchers look too small. Has anyone done this yet, maybe put the pre-runner tire set up on? Any pictures out there with larger tires on the 4cyl on non-prerunner? It seems it would get a little better hwy gas milage, but would it affect performance any?
I have a manual truck now, but thinking of going auto this time with all the stop and go traffic here -- we'll see - I'm in the same boat with the auto or manual question. I haven't had time to test drive either one yet. But you do bring up a good point if putting bigger tires on have any effect on the transmission whether auto or manual (besides maybe changing the speed ration gear)? Hopefully someone knows and will chime in.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dealingdawg
I think the clutch area may just be a tad cramped or something. I'll have to give the manual one more try. I'd guess driving the V6 auto with the new 5 speed will be a different experience than driving the 4-cyl. with the 4-speed auto. Although reverse is awkward, but not a big deal on the V6 manual, you'll find reverse on the 4-cyl. isn't an issue at all, as it's a 5sp, not 6sp and reverse operates fluidly there on that stick. I live in the hills and I'd like control over the gears if I can cope with the clutch travel. I'm thinking I'd get bigger wheels/tires than the stock steel 15's and on a manual it might be easier to work with incorporating them than dealing with how they might affect an auto tranny... just a thought. Also, for the record, the other vehicle of choice I'm seriously considering is a Subaru Baja Turbo... a somewhat hated vehicle on this site.
I prefer manual trannies, but as one reviewer did, I found the clutch movement to be sort of uncomfortable at times. Maybe too close to the floor or something. Haven't driven the auto yet. Any feedback on a four-cylinder stick vs. auto? It would be for a 2005 Tacoma Access Cab w/SR5 pkg. 2 (SL). I'll be trading in an '03 Tundra Access V8 TRD Sport. Looking for fuel savings and I like the new Tacoma.
Same model I am looking for. I am hoping for a better MPG and easier loading (lower bed to ground height).
Isn't the 5 speed manual same as previous gen's (4 cyl.)?
I'm in TX. Gulf States won't be getting in 4-cyl. Access Prerunner's for months. SE states have them now or soon and for the record, they offer interesting wheel/tire pkg.'s not found w/Gulf States... like Enkei wheels w/Michelin LTX/MS. 4-cyl. Prerunner's only come in 5sp manual, not auto and specs say 3mpg less mileage than non-prerunner's. Thus, I'm shooting for a 7113 (base Access 4-cyl./5sp. {best mileage}), SL (SR5 pkg#2), DH (hitch) 08P4, (Indigo Blue), FE13 (graphite inter). MSRP is about $19,900. Invoice is a mystery. The internet shows about $18,000 including delivery. The fleet managers so far are suggesting $200 over invoice in a price-match scenario would be about $18,800... so that's what I'm shooting for. I don't know how new the 4-cyl. engine is, but it's got variable valve timing, which I believe is a new add. I've got a couple fleet manager's looking into realistic availability of colors. The graphite interior is a must, as I have black Recaro seats being transferred from the Tundra. The Indigo Blue isn't looking too likely any time soon. I'll have more info on colors tomorrow. Only the base models and the X-Runner have 5-bolt wheels, the rest are 6-bolt. The 18" X-runner wheels/tires might fit, but aren't a recommended fit for base 2wd models. I spoke with a so-called expert at Discount Tire. He said the happy medium for an intelligent match for any base '05 Tacoma 2wd would be 17" wheels with a 235/55/17 tire... maybe a Pirelli... not too low profile, not too big to cause any interference issues. That wheel/tire setup and the addition of some Bilstein shocks would theoretically create a 4-cyl. 'son of X-runner.' So that's where I'm at for now. My Tundra's getting a professional detail done tomorrow and Wednesday I start looking into the trade-in/purchase situation.
...just to clarify, Gulf States won't be getting Access Cab 4-cyl. Prerunner's with the SL (SR5 #2) package any time soon. If you can live without power windows, cruise, etc., they're already in.
Few dealers in the Tampa area seem to be right at MSRP now. Hopefully when the Nissan Frontier start hitting the lot's and day now, we'll see Toyota's response and if they will get back to offering internet discounts soon for the 05's.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lelandstanford
dealingdawg:
Let us know how you search goes. It seems street price is close to MSRP.
Few dealers in the Tampa area seem to be right at MSRP now. Hopefully when the Nissan Frontier start hitting the lot's and day now, we'll see Toyota's response and if they will get back to offering internet discounts soon for the 05's.
That's the reason I bought a Nissan truck instead of Toyota back in '87. For the same price I get extra features such as one-touch tail gate, fuel injection (TBI), double wall bed, more power, chrome front bumper and 5 speed.
I have a 4X4,4 cylinder with the manual 5 speed. I think that the clutch is just fine. Although I didn't drive an automatic I don't think that I would want one because that is a pretty small motor and performance with a auto performance wouldn't be very good.
I drove an '05 Tundra Access 6sp and there was obviously more room for the left foot to shift and rest than the Tacoma. Again, I'm over it as any kind of issue. I've always enjoyed manuals. I agree that for the 4-cyl. it's kind of a must. Is yours an Access Cab? How do you like the acceleration thru the gears? I didn't take a long enough test drive in the 4 cyl. What kind of mileage are you averaging? Do you think an exhaust upgrade or some other kind of basic performance enhancement could enhance acceleration?
2005 Tacoma 4-cyl. stick or auto?
Linear Mode
