I Am Torn Between These Two Toyota Tacomas Because One Has a Manual Transmission, Which I Like, and the Other Is Newer, Automatic, and Has Fewer Miles

This morning, I stumbled upon a post in the "2016 Thru 2023 Toyota Tacoma Owners" group on Facebook that hit close to home for anyone who loves trucks. Michael Duffus, a fellow Tacoma enthusiast, shared his dilemma, and I couldn’t help but dive deep into his story. Like many of us, Michael finds himself torn between two excellent Toyota Tacomas, each with its own strengths. His post generated a lot of insightful comments from group members, and it inspired me to explore this choice in detail.

Here’s what Michael posted:

"Hey guys, I’m having a hard time here because I really want a manual transmission Toyota Tacoma. I love the look of the lunar rock color. It’s leveled and has my manual transmission. It’s a 2022 TRD Tacoma Sport with 54,000 miles, and they want a $35,000 bottom dollar, private sale. But I just found this other 2023 Tacoma closer to me at a dealership for less than a grand more, but it has an automatic transmission! This truck also comes with fewer miles and a warranty. But on the other hand, I think they still owe a lot on the lunar rock one. I’m thinking of trying to get them down to maybe $33,000. What do you guys think?"

Manual vs. Automatic Trucks: The Age-Old Debate

Michael’s post brings up a classic debate among truck enthusiasts: manual versus automatic transmission. On one side, you have the raw, connected feel of a manual transmission. For those who love the driving experience, there’s nothing quite like it. The lunar rock 2022 TRD Sport that Michael is considering checks this box. On the other hand, you have the practicality, ease, and often better resale value of an automatic transmission, like the 2023 Tacoma he’s eyeing at the dealership.

Let’s break this choice down further by addressing the key factors at play: price, mileage, warranty, and long-term ownership experience.

What Tacoma Owners Are Saying

Michael’s post drew some great responses from other Tacoma owners, offering a mix of advice and insights. Here are some of the most useful ones:

Armin Marinado chimed in with a practical perspective: "How long has it been on the market? It’s not easy to privately sell a $35k truck. Dealers have the advantage of in-house financing. I’d wait a week, and they will go lower on price when it doesn’t sell. It’s a fair price at $35,000 though. It looks like it has the tech package and LED headlights; however, it’s hard to see. It’s amazing how much value these trucks hold."

Armin’s point about the private sale is critical. Private sellers often lack the convenience of financing options, which dealerships can use to sweeten the deal. If Michael is patient, he might be able to negotiate the lunar rock truck’s price down to $33,000 or even less.

Coy Holdon shared his experience with buying a manual Tacoma: "I just bought a 2022 Tacoma SR manual 5-speed V6 4-door! It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, of course, but I didn’t want that either as I already bought everything to build it. Lift, lockers, wheels, tires, and I’m putting a flatbed on it as well. I had 19,000 miles on it and paid $26,000 out the door."

Coy’s experience highlights another consideration: customization. If Michael loves the lunar rock truck for its manual transmission and leveled suspension, it might be the perfect starting point for his own build. However, Coy’s price also underscores the premium Michael would be paying for the TRD Sport trim and higher mileage.

Don Baskette offered a cautionary note: "If you want a manual, I hope you live in a rural area. A manual truck will exhaust you and the clutch in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Trust me, I did for my share of years. There was a time when the manual was more dependable; this is no longer true. The weak link now is the clutch. True, better clutches are made today, but they are not OEM."

This is an important point. For those who live in urban areas with heavy traffic, a manual transmission can quickly become more of a chore than a joy. Michael might want to think about how often he’ll really enjoy shifting gears versus the convenience of an automatic.

Chris Manmino raised a critical question about the dealership truck: "Did you ask the dealer their out-the-door price? Some of them add quite a bit of stuff to the list price. That could really be $38-$40k for the 2023 when you factor that in."

This is a great reminder to always get the full breakdown of dealership pricing. If the 2023 Tacoma’s out-the-door price creeps into the $38,000 range, Michael might find the lunar rock Tacoma to be a better value, even with its higher mileage.

Misael Hernandez added this: "50,000 miles is about a $5k depreciation for TRD Off-Road and Sport Tacomas. $35,000 is a fair price, and it being manual will make it harder to find again. That being said, there’s nothing stopping you from getting a great deal around $32,000. You just have to find the right seller and truck."

Misael’s comment highlights the rarity of manual Tacomas, which could make the lunar rock truck a smart buy if Michael can negotiate the price down. On the flip side, the lower mileage and warranty of the 2023 Tacoma might make it the better choice for long-term reliability.

Additional Considerations for Tacoma Buyers

Michael’s dilemma also touches on broader topics that many Tacoma buyers wrestle with. For example, should you buy a 2023 Tacoma now or wait for the redesigned 2024 model? If that’s a question you’ve been asking, check out this detailed comparison of the 2023 and 2024 Tacomas.

Tacoma trucks are known for their reliability and off-road capability, but like any vehicle, they have their quirks. If you’re considering a used Tacoma, it’s worth reading about common problems to watch out for.

For those interested in the latest features, the 2024 Tacoma introduces several exciting upgrades that might sway you toward waiting for a brand-new model.

Final Thoughts and The Real Question Here

Michael’s decision ultimately boils down to what matters most to him: the driving experience or long-term practicality. The Lunar Rock 2022 Tacoma offers the joy of a manual transmission and a head-turning color, but it comes with higher mileage and the uncertainties of a private sale. The 2023 Tacoma, while automatic, brings lower mileage, a warranty, and the peace of mind of buying from a dealership.

Both trucks are excellent choices, and either one could make a great addition to Michael’s driveway. The real question is whether he’ll prioritize his love for manual driving or the practical benefits of a newer, lower-mileage truck.

What About You?

Have you faced a similar decision when buying a truck? What factors tipped the scales for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear your story.

Also, if you were in Michael’s shoes, which Tacoma would you choose and why? Let us know! Your advice might just help him make up his mind.

The main image of the two Toyota Tacoma trucks is a screenshot from the post shared by Michael Duffus in the above-mentioned Facebook group.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.