Tacoma is "top recommended current buy"

[haven]

http://nadaguides.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=205

NADAguides, the vehicle pricing and information service, has included the 2011 Tacoma Double Cab V6 with manual transmission and 4x4 to its list of "top recommended current buys." The Tacoma is on the list for several reasons:
-- relatively low list price (about $26,000)
-- in good supply at dealers (so bargaining for a lower price can pay off)
-- only 10% depreciation in the first year, according to NADA
-- 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty
-- 2 year, 25,000 mile complimentary maintenance and roadside assistance

The Tacoma also appears on Scott Brady's list of 10 best used vehicles for overland travel.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/resources/91-guide/351-top-10-used-overland-vehicles.html

 

[Christian P.]

I agree but I am surprised why the manual transmission over the automatic? I would prefer manual of course.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I agree but I am surprised why the manual transmission over the automatic? I would prefer manual of course.

The two reasons I can think of are: Cheaper to buy and less expensive to repair. Automatics are great when they work (and they usually do) but when they break, get ready to feel like Ned Beatty in "Deliverance."

IIRC the AT is something like a $1,000 option, too.

:Wow1: "Squeal like a pig, boy!"

I wonder what percentage of 4x4 Tacos ship with manual trannys? I know among 1st gen Tacos of the ones available with a manual (which is to say, regular and extra-cab) seems to be either 50/50 or else a slight balance in favor of the manual (I seem to see a lot more manuals than automatics.) 1st gen double cabs of course are all automatic

 

[edgear]

wonder what percentage of 4x4 Tacos ship with manual trannys? I know among 1st gen Tacos of the ones available with a manual (which is to say, regular and extra-cab) seems to be either 50/50 or else a slight balance in favor of the manual (I seem to see a lot more manuals than automatics.) 1st gen double cabs of course are all automatic

I remember being disappointed that when I purchased my 2004 double-cab 4WD Tacoma, a manual transmission was not even an option. I think they offered a manual in the single- and extended-cabs, but for some strange reason, not in the double-cab. So far it's been very reliable, and as long as I don't end up with a dead battery in the middle of nowhere I won't have to worry about not being able to push-start the truck!

 

[Dave Bennett]

Automatics are great when they work (and they usually do) but when they break, get ready to feel like Ned Beatty in "Deliverance."

 

[Flagster]

The two reasons I can think of are: Cheaper to buy and less expensive to repair. Automatics are great when they work (and they usually do) but when they break, get ready to feel like Ned Beatty in "Deliverance."

...the 2nd gen taco has had much more issues with manual than auto trannys...IIRC

 

[Dave Bennett]

...the 2nd gen taco has had much more issues with manual than auto trannys...IIRC

True. The early version of the 6 spd had issues.

 

[Flagster]

True. The early version of the 6 spd had issues.

have the later ones been more reliable?...or are they just new enough to not have the problems yet?...was there a change made...I still wish sometimes I had bought the manual...

 

[Dave Bennett]

Nothing firm IIRC, just rumors that the issue is resolved in newer mfg date trannies.

 

[SWITAWI]

6spd issues...

Nothing firm IIRC, just rumors that the issue is resolved in newer mfg date trannies.

Is this related to the throwout bearing problem the 6-speed equipped FJ's had?

 

[macgyver_ga]

Is this related to the throwout bearing problem the FJ's had?

The throwout bearings are still an issue. If you want to call it an issue.

IMHO it just squeaks. I haven't seen many cases of catastrophic failure of the bearing. Just a bunch of whiners complaining about a little squeak. My TOB in my '07 squeaks and has since I first bought it used. I have 92k miles now (42k when purchased). My previous vehicle had a squeaky TOB so I was used to it.

I think the earlier versions had some issues with the shift forks IIRC.