Hi Scotty, I’m looking to buy a new or used Tacoma — no more than a few years old. How would you describe the quality of the manual vs automatic transmissions? I’ve heard the recent automatics (2016-2018) had big problems. True?
Jon H. Sarasota, Fla.
Don't buy an automatic unless you have to....
The added benefit of a manual is that it is a millennial anti theft device.
Both transmissions were good, buy whichever you prefer.
Something to keep in mind as well, in my opinion, get an automatic if you are planning on towing and heavy hauling. The computer is better at shifting under heavy load.
Buy the last year of the previous generation, 2015, the auto trans is bullet proof
Some other things to keep in mind that were addressed here:
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/2021-toyota-tacoma-double-cab-trd-sport-4wd/#post-24573
I will always choose a manual trans over an automatic. Easier and cheaper when it needs fixing (not very often) and nobody these days will steal it because they don't know how to drive a manual!
I will always choose a manual trans over an automatic. Easier and cheaper when it needs fixing (not very often) and nobody these days will steal it because they don't know how to drive a manual!
Well yes for specific model years yes.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Tacoma/2016/
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Tacoma/2017/
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Tacoma/2018/
Do your research!! From a basic look at owner complaints, I see that those years of the Tacoma did indeed have transmission issues but the 2015 model year did not: https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Tacoma/2015/
Also, though some don't trust it, the Tacoma for those years went to below average reliability in Consumer Reports' reliability survey, and they seem correct. You should honestly be fine if you do your research and have a mechanic check it out. For now I would look into a 2014/2015 model. I mean it was a 5 speed automatic they should be bulletproof by now. The 4runner also had engine issues just like Scotty mentioned in one of his videos. In this case I would stick with the old school bulletproof earlier generation.
Hope this helps!
Also, interesting to note that the problems with the Tundra seem to be tied to the vehicles being made in Mexico.
Yes that really is true when production moved all of the Tacomas to Mexico the quality fell but really I haven't seen Toyota introduce a new engine/transmission/generation without introducing new problems so after a while they should patch up the issues.
Almost in every car, the manual transmission outlasts the automatic one and this is the case for Toyota too. It seems that for those Tocoma model years, people complain regarding their automatic transmission quality and engine issues. It reminds me Scotty saying that do a little research before buying any vehicle.
