I recently went to a dealer and was told that the 5 speed manual tranny would no longer be offered on the runner - or any other Yota SUV (only on the 2 pickup models). Is anyone else upset by this??

 

That's the lamest thing I ever heard. Are they doing away with manual transmissions all together or only going to have 4 speeds available? Why wouldn't you want a 5 speed in your little Toy? Here they go, messing with another good thing.

 

This is old news, as I think '99 (don't quote me) was the last year of the stick in a 4Runner.

 

I was thinking the same thing. I thought 2000 was the last year.

 

Are you serious??? What are you going to be doing there, if you already know?

 

2000 was the last year for the manual 4Runner.

 

Do what I did. I sent an email to Toyota telling them that since they only sell 4Runners the way they want, not the way I want to buy one, they'd just have to count me out as a customer.

Dear Toyota:
My wife and I own a 1995 4Runner Limited with a 5-speed manual. Sadly, it will probably be our last Toyota since you no longer build cars the way your customers like, but only the way you like. Every new 4Runner we've been in has every automatic doo-dad possible and costs as much as I make in a year (we're teachers).

This is what I'd like to see in a 4Runner: Turbo diesel engine (like you sell overseas), 5 speed manual, manual hubs (so I don't have to keep turning the machinery up front all the time), locking rear differential, leather interior ( stands up better to hard use), electric sunroof, electric windows, interior plastic that will still be looking good 8 years later and paint that resists scratching. Price all of this at less than $30K. 4Runners used to be great vehicles. Now, I couldn't use one the way I use my 95, because all your plastic doo-dads would either fall off or get scratched.

You only let me buy the vehicle the way YOU want to sell it, not the way I want to buy it.

I've got a brilliant idea; I think I'll look elsewhere.

 

E-mailing Toyo is a good idea - maybe we could get a grass roots thing going!! Kinda like they did when "Cagney and Lacey" was 1st cancelled or like they are about to do in Califonia. Who's with me??!!

Seriously though how can you not make a TRUCK with a MANUAL!!

 

Or a diesel,
That's too expensive,
Or too plastic,
Or too delicate
To do what trucks are meant to do.

I'm with you.

 

That is funny that you put that in there because my company is working with them as we type on that problem.

Shhhhhhh it's a secret though.

 

What is your major?

 

2000 was the last year for the manual tranny. I was going to wait to get mine but when I found out no mre manuals I just had to get it..

 

i think it's a shame to not offer manual transmissions. i think they should be offered in ALL truck configurations, not just tacoma 4banger and extended cab, and tundra v6. last i remembered, they were still cheaper to manufacture?

also maybe a tacoma or tundra HD -- a truck with 3/4 or 1 ton axles, solid front and rear...but i'll keep dreaming...

 

i wouldnt buy the manual myself, but they should still offer it

 

Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University.

 

I have two words for Toyota and all of you...

Nissan SHIFT

I'm sure you have all seen the ads.

Go for an Xterra, 3.3L supercharged 5 speed.

$29,604

 

Well, I'm glad I got mine when I did! As it was I had to search long and hard to find a manual.

I guess I'll just have to make this truck last forever. "Oh, what a feeling!"

 

I have thought about an Xterra. I looked at one 5 years ago. Maybe I should look again.

 

what about those of us who dont know how to drive an automatic what will we do!!!!

 

get a :tomcat: