Should I go Manual, or Automatic 4WD

rgolladay · 10-21-2006, 07:26 PM

Hi, I'm considering buying an FJ, and will need 4WD pulling a trailer up a steep incline - periodically. The salesman says Manual 4WD is all wheel drive, all the time - ie., can't ever shift into 2WD with this option. Is this for real ? An owner told me her Auto is 4WD but can shift to 2WD, if desired. I don't know which way to go. I want better gas mileage, but want a transmission that is reliable, long term. Any suggestions ? Thanks

micrad · 10-21-2006, 07:30 PM

Rgolladay, Welcome, All the information you seek and more can be found by using the search function. key word "Transmission"..There is probably a good 2 hours of reading there. It will answer every possible inquiry you have....

stnmikita · 10-21-2006, 07:31 PM

This is a pretty well-debated subject.

You can get a lot of differing opinions here:

Manual trans or Auto for best 4X4 ing

But it will probably end up being more confusing than helpful. It was to me.

FJENG · 10-22-2006, 10:49 PM

The lady is wrong. It is 2 wheel drive and can shift into 4wd. Good luck.

Prof T · 10-22-2006, 11:51 PM

Quote:

rgolladay previously said:

Hi, I'm considering buying an FJ, and will need 4WD pulling a trailer up a steep incline - periodically. The salesman says Manual 4WD is all wheel drive, all the time - ie., can't ever shift into 2WD with this option. Is this for real ? An owner told me her Auto is 4WD but can shift to 2WD, if desired. I don't know which way to go. I want better gas mileage, but want a transmission that is reliable, long term. Any suggestions ? Thanks

If you drive mainly in city type conditions the auto might be better (less work). The word is the auto also gets a little better MPG. Both will take care of your tow job with ease.

knight_vision4u · 10-23-2006, 12:27 AM

Manual all the way BABY! This is my first "stick" and i love it !!!! How did i ever live with out it!

majojo4 · 10-23-2006, 01:30 AM

Manual here and i wouldnt trade it for nothin

FJAggie07 · 10-23-2006, 01:33 AM

Yes the manual is all the time 4wd the automatic is just a regular old 2wd that can be shifted into 4wd. The automatic will be dependable and long lasting and in the end save you money on clutches. That is my story and i am sticking to it.

ancient1 · 10-23-2006, 02:03 AM

It took a long time for the crowd I ran the woods with to change over from manual to Auto. Most younger folks prefer the manual, as I did. But, not only from a convenience standpoint but also I (we) found that they pulled better in the mud. Less likely to spin a tire and lose traction. Never any chance of being in the wrong gear and maybe stalling. It's a legitimate debate but I like the slush box.

forgot · 10-24-2006, 01:54 PM

A little more info for an informed decision....

Toyota worked with these transmissions to give you kinda the best of both worlds in each. The manual has a clutchless start button, making it easier to start and take off up a hill, especially under a load. The automatic, like most, is designed to let you pick which gear you would like to be in or top out in, but still downshifts when you slow. The automatic is also designed not to jump from gear to gear when your going up a hill at higher rpms, and it allows for compression braking (engine braking) like a manual when going down hill.

Hope this help!