4 Stages of Manual Tacoma Ownership

[@stephenfranciszielski6309]

The kids today who never learned the manual gears don't realize or know that there are certain tricks that the standard gears can do. For instance, in a bad snowstorm or any potential hazard you might see coming up, instead of hitting your brake which might just kill you sending you into a crash, With the standard you can simply down shift your gears on the fly instantly slowing you down or stopping you. It's happened to me now and then in the past saving the day big time. Other gear jammers know this. Have a great day.

[@RobMotive]

As long as you aren’t going too fast. If you lock the wheels it can also be a disaster😬

[@stephenfranciszielski6309]

@@RobMotive If ya can't find um grind um LOL ! Gear jammers Rule.

[@RobMotive]

Lol! Been there😬

[@thesixgunfighter288]

Doing that in a 5 speed Tercel, once saved my ass in a snowstorm in KS at 19. I’m 30 now, and want a manual Tacoma 😂

[@starlapenner]

I’ve had my 2021 manual Tacoma for 2 days. It’s definitely clunky. It took me a full day to get used to first gear but now I’m starting to just have fun with it

[@RobMotive]

Congrats👍. Good that you’re getting used to it👍👍

[@robme3660]

It could be worth trying a weighted shift knob and changing out the shifter cable bushings for solid billet aluminum ones. The combo did wonders for my Rolla hatch 6mt. I doubt the aftermarket has them listed for the 24 yet, but maybe someone in the forms will say that it uses the same bushings as [blank].

[@timmzey]

I have a 2nd Gen Tacoma with a Manual Transmission. My 3 previous vehicles were also manual. The Tacoma 6mt definitely feels a bit like a tractor compared to the others manual transmission vehicles I've owned. I've accepted that it's not a sports car and it suits me just fine. Over 200k miles on my truck and the trans still works great. Just changed the oil with some Redline GL-4. Hopefully that helps with shifting a bit when it's cold.

[@RobMotive]

That’s great to hear! Hope mine lasts that long👍

[@michaelrullis7501]

I first test drove a used 19 manual sport. Transmission didn't feel right, but once I drove it I knew it was for me. I ordered a 21 off road manual and absolutely love it. After about 500 miles on it, I'm noticing more how heavy duty and unsmooth the transmission feels. But in all honesty it doesn't really bother me. I drove plenty of sticks with buttery feel through the shifter. And idk it doesn't bother me I appreciate the truck and love it's manual.

[@RobMotive]

Hey, that’s all that matters! As long as you like or it👍

[@hyperwall]

I just got a new manual Tacoma today, and experienced all of these things. I spent about 4 months finding one in the color and trim I wanted. I ended up flying a couple states over, and driving 250 miles back home. Clunky is the word I kept coming back to on my way back. Coming from a Ford Fusion manual that's one of the smoothest I've ever driven highlighted that. Still definitely the way to go in this truck, and I think it's great.

[@RobMotive]

Yup! Just a different experience 😁

[@mikebb9769]

I waited 6 months for my M/T OR. Drove it for the first time yesterday. What a complete let down. I don’t think I’m going through with the sale. I can’t stand the feel and noise of the transmission. Ugh. What a bummer. And I’ve been driving a 1986 M/T Toyota pickup. Transmission feels so much better in that

[@RobMotive]

Definitely not the smoothest slush box out there😬

[@bennyb6071]

@@mikebb9769 did you keep the truck?

[@curtisc2581]

Those nuances you mention, also differs from Taco to Taco, even from the same year.

[@d.customs3175]

Clutch Accumulator Delete makes a huge difference!!.

[@DBerkowitz4]

I am lucky enough to be the 2nd owner of a 2005 5-speed Manual Rear Wheel Drive 2.7 Liter Tacoma with under 120k miles. The 1st owner babied her and provided complete service records. I've driven stick for 30+ years and when this popped up on Craigslist I flew to the small local dealer. One test drive and I paid in full. One of the best purchases I have ever made! I gave my manual Corolla to my 18 year old son and he is now a stick driver. I learned on an '81 Nissan and driven 4's 5's 6's and once a three-on-a-tree. My favorite stick has to have been my wife's 2000 Subaru L Wagon. Drop that boxer engine into 3rd and just fly onto exit ramps!

[@bradd5509]

I had 93 Nissan hard body and a 97 tacoma both manuals. When I got my 19 tacoma OF manual clunkie is the exact word that came to mind. But it still preforms well. "It is what it is". Having said that underdog racing makes a short throw shifter kit that is less than $150(i think). Installing that made a huge noticeable difference in a good way.

[@alexheigher6756]

With a short shifter, i have never, ever accidentally shifted into reverse. Thanks, previous owner!

[@erniearruda8861]

Well the good thing about newer vehicles with a stick is mandatory to have back up camera to let you know you are in reverse 👍🏻can’t screw up. But I do know how you feel . Been there done that and still have two vehicles in my driveway both from my sons and both gear box are different. Ones a vw golf gti and another old Mazda/ford ranger with a stick

[@RobMotive]

I’m surprised it was never agreed to make them uniform 🤔

[@chrisguapo69]

I've been driving performance BMW's and Audi's and good thing the manual transmission is the same configuration as the Tacoma. The BMW's though you have to push down then shift far left get it into reverse. I've even driven older manual vehicles where the gear shifter is on the steering column. So the Tacoma wasn't that hard to get used to. So far I haven't shifted it into reverse when trying to get into first gear. I found the sweet spot for shifting is above 3000 rpm. Mostly between 3200-3500 rpm.

[@RobMotive]

Two of the best for sure. I’ve had both too although not manuals. They were awesome cars👍

[@joshsnow3603]

I shift at 2500 in my second gen. I don't think I've ever had the truck past 3000 rpms.

[@robme3660]

Don't downshift from 5th to 1st, and then blame the Taco for having a week clutch.

[@landonp17]

I know what you mean, it's not the smoothest shift. But I love my 17 trd OR 6mt, wouldn't trade it for an AT. It did take a while to find and I moved quick on it. I still have my 03 SR5 5mt with reverse in lower rt position. It's tricky going back and forth but each one has their own feel and I've gotten used it after 7 months

[@jmyers6175]

Manual transmission fan here They are unique, nostalgic love driving it in a modern truck.

[@landonp17]

@@alexp.6406 17 as a daily driver and long distance. 03 for trails and just banging around local backroads

[@keepupmcgee5099]

That’s how six speed manuals are, reverse up to the left. Back in the day, cars had mostly 5 speed manuals so the reverse was down and to the right.

[@RobMotive]

Not all. I've had a few others that were not that way.👍

[@bambikiller338]

My Jeep TJ is a six speed and it’s reverse is all the way to the right and back. The exact opposite of my new tacoma MT 🤷‍♂️.

[@RobMotive]

Yup!!! That’s what I consider “normal”👍

[@joshsnow3603]

Chevy used the T56 Transmission with reverse full right and up

[@KINGLIME1]

I love it and I’m still learning

[@hahtsauce]

FINALLY FOUND A NEW MT TRD OFF ROAD!!! WOOOOOOOOO

[@RobMotive]

Congrats 👍👍

[@doncarpenter577]

60 years of MT this is a little kunkie but still love it

[@POGIAKO62]

Before i ordered my 2022 Tacoma Off Road manual transmission, i asked the sales guy if i can test drive the used Tacoma M/T. I told him if i still can drive M/T. I really loved the shifting because it was the same feel as first 1998 RAV4 M/T. BUT i’m glad i watched this video first because before i start the engine i tried to re-learn myself about the REVERSE GEAR. Two minutes later im having fun driving it because it’s been 8 yrs since i’ve driven M/T (1998 RAV4). After that i ordered my very first Tacoma Off Road M/T. It will arrive between mid to end of September 🥰

[@RobMotive]

That’s awesome! Congrats 👍

[@POGIAKO62]

@@RobMotive thank you. By the way i really love your videos. I am trying to catch up almost everyday because this will be my very first truck and just happened to find your youtube channel. I love your honest opinion on every mods you made. 👍🏼

[@RobMotive]

Thanks Manny. I appreciate that👍👍

[@mrfunkybassist]

I had a civic si, definitely had a smooth transmission. My buddy used to have around a 2000 trans am with a standard trans and it had the reverse on the upper or lower left, i always thought that was odd

[@80srockerable]

I had a '96 TA. It was a Borg-Werner T6 transmission. I kinda liked it. I remember you had to push down in order to get it to go left & up past 1. But when you changed from rev. to 1 it was a simple 'u' pattern.

[@jonathandesilets7516]

Just got mine and have to agree it feel slushy when its really cold...not just goint through the gear with the shifter but also the clutch become a workout itself lol....would not change it for an auto anyways.

[@0s0xkiing32]

I typically double clutch to make sure its smoothe or im just gentle with it.

[@adamsmidkiff1]

Lol I got my MT Taco back in November. I had to wait two weeks. Got super lucky the dealership had one coming in anyways.

[@RobMotive]

I’d say so! Very lucky👍

[@davewilson76]

It took me less than a month to find an 06 Tacoma with a 6-speed

[@HDDynalowrider]

Just found a 2018 trd offroad 6 speed. Love it

[@RobMotive]

Congrats 👍

[@C.Lopez-SWFL-Off-Road-Trucks]

I don't know what you're talking about Rob! I drove a standard 2020 and it seemed great to drive it much better than the automatic, the engine feels like it responds better with that transmission

[@RobMotive]

I don’t know🤔

[@doncarpenter577]

I ordered my in March of 22 got it finely in Nov 5 ordered it my way M/T it's a riot love ❤ it

[@RobMotive]

Wow! That’s a long lead!!

[@XCELERATIONRULES]

I joined the club,! Picked up my trd sport in blue crush. One month wait and paid MSRP,!

[@RobMotive]

Awesome! Congrats 👍👍

[@ethanbrown9985]

Where do you find a Tacoma for msrp

[@XCELERATIONRULES]

@@ethanbrown9985 firelands Toyota Sandusky Ohio

[@audreysflyingfeather]

LOL.. I bought my first Tacoma in 2019 and seeked out a manual, yes it took months. I just bought my new 2021 and again I picked a manual. Iv been driving manual transmissions for yrs and found that the Tacoma had one of the hardest learning curves. I love my manual and never had drivers remorse.

[@RobMotive]

It takes a bit to get used to👍

[@tycer7]

I’m not one for snake oil however the Redline MT-90 makes all the difference in my ’07 5-speed. Especially in cold weather!

[@mr.horse1801]

I just put a deposit on a 2019 6 speed manual today. But i also have a manual honda prelude in the driveway that shifts like butter. But ik exactly what im signing up for.

[@AmbientShades]

I just test drove my first 3rd gen Tacoma today - 2018 off road 6-spd manual. I've had a 1st gen 5-spd manual as my daily driver for 15+ years but I felt (and looked) like I didn't know how to drive a M/T in that lot, lol. I stalled it 3 times cause I had it in 3rd gear when I thought it was 1st, til I realized the backup cam kicks on when it's actually in reverse. Feels very different than my 1st gen, but I still really like it. Hope I didn't burn the clutch too bad. Drove it about 15 miles or so, hard to tell when to shift in this one, but I'm still in love with it. Quicksand, and a sunroof! Hard enough to find a 3rd gen w/ a M/T but with a sunroof too? LOL. 55K on the ticker, same as my 1st gen when I got it. I'm not a fan of the over luxurious high tech vehicles out there today with bells and warnings yelling at me every time I make a move. I like this Tacoma because it still feels like a fairly rugged 4x4 with just enough comfort to not feel outdated. If all goes well it will be mine in a week.

[@RobMotive]

Awesome! Congrats 👍👍

[@h001139]

On point

[@henryholliday1]

I am looking forward to finally learning how to drive a manual transmission

[@Doug_NEPA]

Learned on a K Car? HA! That takes me back...I learned on an '81 Nissan Stanza, but the WORST manual I've ever owned was a '79 Chevy Citation in light blue (of course). That car lasted me only one semester in college before I saved up enough to get something...anything else. On a side note - I just bought a '22 Tacoma TRD Off Road manual. I'm only 100 miles in, but I have to agree with your assessment. Be safe brother.

[@RobMotive]

Yup…good ole Plymouth K car! That was a POS! Congrats on the new Tacoma 👍

[@JoseLopez_1]

I got a 2011 Tacoma 6speed and it’s clunky going through the gears when I was test driving it I was kinda weary about it then I done a quick search and realized it was totally normal lol

[@RobMotive]

Yup….not the smoothest version out there☝️

[@tohloc]

I drove a golf for a decade. That reverse location looks fine. And say you miss R or 1st, nothing really happens cuz when you’re shifting into either you’re at a stop. Seems smart to me.

[@RobMotive]

Seems wrong to me .

[@tohloc]

@@RobMotive any reason other than preference?

[@RobMotive]

Preference and personal history.

[@tohloc]

@@RobMotive right on

[@nicholask7347]

An M/T on a Tacoma makes me not want to race it. However it is a truck transmission. Now if I want to race I will use my stripped out 2015 XV.

[@RobMotive]

Nice👍

[@atomicorang]

You would be the one to ruin wanting a 6 speed manual transmission in my Tacoma

[@RobMotive]

Why would I be the one? 🤔

[@atomicorang]

@@RobMotive Just luck

[@RobMotive]

😂

[@atomicorang]

@@RobMotive Have a great rest of your weekend sir.

[@RobMotive]

Absolutely! You too👍

[@valarieruedas2263]

Oh my God first of all yes I’m the few people with a manual doing off roading and trying to get used to the 6 feet I too love civics that was the first when I learned on my last phone was a SRT challenger so this is by far the worst

[@RobMotive]

Honda has it down! By far the best👍👍

[@soopsoopdawoooop5586]

I just found an 07. 6 speed manual with the v6 in it. 5k ..265k miles tho

[@deemac3037]

Looking for a manual Tacoma now, few and far between. But they seem to be cheaper than the autos.

[@RobMotive]

Yup….they typically are when you can find one😬

[@MrPwor]

I just ordered a 2022 Tacoma manual and they said 4 months wait time, I’ve heard the transmission can be a little clunky but that’s what I expected from a truck. Most of my manual transmission have been Jeeps so I’m used to the rough shifts and I’ve been daily a Subaru Outback with the CVT and can’t stand it anymore

[@mikebb9769]

It sucks. Mine just came in. Don’t think I even want it. And the sad thing is the automatic sucks too

[@RobMotive]

What’s wrong with it?

[@mikebb9769]

@@RobMotive clanky clunky and rattling

[@mikebb9769]

@@RobMotive my 1986 pickup m/t feels better

[@mikebb9769]

@@RobMotive I feel I will have regrets whichever decision I make lol.

[@hobbiesarefun1665]

They are unicorns. I can’t find one. Called every dealership

[@RobMotive]

Yup…they only build a few😑

[@markhudon2495]

Accumulator delete - I've owned a manual 93 Toyota pickup for many years and I've driven my buddies manual 2013 Tacoma. In both shifting was always awesome and I never had issues. My 2016 manual however has been very disappointing to say the least. As I understand it Toyota added an Accumulator in the clutch assembly to soften the shifting sweet spot. Would removing this accumulator make a big difference? The word is that Toyota did this for inexperienced manual drivers and YES I've had all the same growing pains as you. I find that in emergency situations I've jam into reverse instead of first. Embarrassing!!! LOL

[@RCpilot1013]

I have a 2011 v6 Tacoma with the 6MT, I removed the accumulator and could tell a difference in how precise the clutch felt vs before when I had the accumulator on. Before it definitely felt inconsistent and harder to drive. I’m sure you’d see the same results on the 3rd gen.

[@russellmorash3816]

Hi Rob I to learned to drive on a manual by my dad a pro truck driver with a class 3 tractor trailer license I was 14 years old in his company's large box truck 5 speed overdrive with split rear axel when I went to work at 17 I didn't have my own truck or car but I was one of the only laborers that could drive a manual so I drove small dump trucks gmc and ford's manly the gmc always had reverse next to first gear like yours ford's pattern was conventional reverse right and down when I drove my first manual car years latter it was night and day extremely light clutch very tiny gear stick and the gears where so close together and so smooth that it actually took me time to get use to it even stalled a couple of times just my 2 cents hope someone finds it useful thanks rob

[@RobMotive]

Yup..each one is just a bit different. There’s always a small learning curve when you switch👍

[@cperkins172]

I picked up a TRD Sport last month….it’s one month old and i love the truck. I hate the six speed manual. The car has 235 miles and the gear box feels like it’s out of oil so the gears are notchy. I am still trying to figure where the damn clutch releases….from a stop light i have to floor the clutch to get the first gear engaged…after that i am still experimenting with where it releases and how i may get this thing smoother. As i said earlier, i love the truck but the manual is really disappointing. If anyone knows how to get it smoother please let me know.

[@RobMotive]

Try the Sprint Booster. It won’t smooth out the manual, but without lag it makes the whole experience much better👍

[@cperkins172]

@@RobMotive I just drove the truck from New York to Atlanta Georgia (900 Miles) ….I think I have it figured out…The shift from first to second is always slamming regardless of how you use the clutch. I now only move from a stop in second unless it’s uphill or i need to crawl….the rest of gears are as smooth as butter as long as you match the engine revs with the gear box. I am going to investigate if the Hilux uses the same gear box and if they have a better one…..I am willing to change it.

[@silverhorder1969]

You forgot stage 5. The stage where you realize you wish sometimes you had gotten the automatic transmission..

[@davidloucks3769]

Just got one. Too many gears. Should be a 5 speed.

[@anthony445]

i don’t miss switching gears in my 15’ Si! it was a lovely vehicle and gearbox but it was a hassle in traffic getting from marina to marina down here in miami sometimes.

[@RobMotive]

Yup...manuals can be a drag in traffic😬

[@80srockerable]

I have a 2007 tacoma reg. cab 5 speed. I think it shifts great & tight. Do you think the current 6 speed shifts are less satisfying?

[@RobMotive]

I’ve never had the 5speed to compare. That said, the 6speed I’d pretty loose😬

[@80srockerable]

@@RobMotive interesting. Good to know. I figured would be the same or better. How hard is the clutch pedal to push. Is it easy like a car? My '07 is pretty stiff.

[@RobMotive]

More firm than modern cars for sure.

[@80srockerable]

@@RobMotive I agree honda knows how to build excellent manuals.

[@RobMotive]

One of the best out there IMO🤔

[@walter8373]

Hey rob scotty made a video were he shifted gear without using the clutch while driving, is that possible and why do you think scotty did that?

[@RobMotive]

It’s possible. I wouldn’t recommend it. As to why he did it...Views of course👍

[@The1KMnO4]

Sync things up and it’s smooth, get the timing wrong and..... well, the phrase ‘they’ll make em outta rubber next year’ will be common.

[@jmyers6175]

Buyer remorse for some people because it different, not as fast off the line and if you live in a big city with alot of traffic lights they suck. Acceptance, happiness, enjoy it or trade it back to a dealership for an automatic. That is how I found a '21 Tacoma 4wd trd off road in army green. Love it so much! Incredible find!! I had to drive 41/2 hours one way in Colorado to get it. I got a army green toyota tacoma 4wd double cab trd with 11k miles. I live in a town with average traffic lights and bypasses. People can change their mind afterwards. I know you switched back to an automatic, please remember your fans with the manuals.

[@RobMotive]

Good advice👍

[@SMITT359]

@jmyers6175: Sorry. But I personally would not do “buyer’s remorse” BS. I rather drive manual transmission, I don’t like automatic transmission. I do not care if up, down, sideways on hill crap. I drive manual over 30 years, and I love it!😊

[@jmyers6175]

Congratulations

[@dalestan1565]

Is your jeep a manual? I found the switching between manual and automatic when you are driving multiple vehicles, something you had to think about, when you are reaching for the clutch pedal, that is non-existent . Same with all the safety in the new Tacoma, and the lack of in my 2006 Lexus. Clutching makes you actively engaged in driving, while automatics allow you to be less attentive to your driving.

[@RobMotive]

Nope, my Gladiator is automatic. I have experienced the “phantom” clutch pedal a few times! 😬

[@uno3863]

Primero, roberrrrrrtooooo ✌️✌️

[@uno3863]

I too enjoy driving manuals moreso than automatic, when I searched for my tacoma I was looking for a manual, and I found a 2012 one owner trd sport at 91,XXX miles and I must say, I was never a truck guy even when I owned a manual 97 Ford ranger , but when I bought my taco I became a true truck guy 👍🏼I've never thought of driving a manual as a "chore" is why I love driving manuals so much, except in traffic ofc, lol. I don't mind the reverse where it's at either, it's unique, kinda reminds me of driving my buddies VW Rabbit 😂.

[@terrancetatum7599]

I'm not trying to diss you, but I just find it amazing that you spent +40k on a manual Tacoma without ever test driving one first. 🤔

[@RobMotive]

I did test drive it.

[@billylee2312]

Manufacturers don’t put any research or money into the manuals.

[@RobMotive]

Not anymore.

[@longjohn725]

Hmmm 🤦‍♂️

[@ironcagedragon]

You have to learn to place gears smooth. If you suck dont blame the tool.

[@RobMotive]

Ahh…Yeah😵‍💫

[@C.Lopez-SWFL-Off-Road-Trucks]

😒😒😒😒😒

[@MikeSmith-mq9yb]

I want a truck to drive like a civic if this throttle control is gone it would shift better

[@RobMotive]

Have you tried the Ridgeline🤔

[@MikeSmith-mq9yb]

How do I get rid of the electronic controlled accelerator so I don’t have to rev match when I’m at low rpm

[@RobMotive]

Try the Pedal Commander. You’ll be amazed👍

[@MikeSmith-mq9yb]

Get rid of electronic Therottle accelator so it will drive like a civic