Manual V Auto Prado

Having owned both manual and auto 4X4's I now prefer the auto.
I know some people may think it's not "macho" but the auto has been brilliant up in the bush and on the beach.
Where a manual may stall on a lumpy hill (depends on your level of expertise of course) with an auto you can just squirt a bit more power on to get over a rock or whatever and not need to do a stall start. Some stall starts can be pretty scary.
I know that, at times, my mates in manuals are working awfully hard pumping clutches and throttles and working levers while I just use my right foot.
That's my experience anyway, others will differ no doubt and that's OK too.
There's some good info futher down the forum on downhills in an auto.
The main point is to ask around for information (as you are doing) to find what best suits your needs.
Cheers
Oskar

Hi
I own a 80 series auto, and find it better in rock climbing and general 4wding than the manuals. Where they let you down fast (pun intended) is climbing down hills.
If these prados have HDC then your right :-)
The other benefit is lower engine revs at highway speeds.
Andrewwheredayathinkwer mike?

Just me, I can only agree with the first two. I now have a TD for the first time and wouldn't consider manual or petrol by the way. However I have friends with manuals and they too are happy so it's personal choice mate - not what others think - just what suits you. Just a thought too - in 100,000kms, how many steep descents and hill starts will you do. Actually hill starts are a breeze in auto!
One more thing - not many manuals around as not many people want them - only one manual in my 4wd club.....

Auto's are great for touring, playing in the sand,eating up traffic and highways. Once the terrain gets serious, read potentially life threatening if make a mistake, then manuals are far safer, easier to control on down grades and can be stalled out if things get out of control.
In a nut shell, autos for going up, manuals for coming down.

I have owned an RV6 manual, and now I have a TD manual. If you plan to take your car into areas that require all things going for you, buy a manual.
However there are not many places you can get yourself into this type of trouble (closed tracks in winter) unless you try. The low range in the TD is very good, well ahead of the RV6. If you live where there are lots of traffic lights, get the Auto. The wife will like you more as well.
They are a very good touring 4WD, enjoy.
Thommo

Some interesting stuff in the thread above - almost sounds like a Nissan vs Toyota discussion. You have those who are convinced about autos (like John), who present arguments in accordance with their preference. Others (like me) remain unconvinced that an auto box (on balance) is the best in a number of 4wd situations - I also don't like them for general driving but seem to be in the minority here. Sure they seem easier to drive on sand, and they rev lower on the highway, but I've never had trouble on sand, and I'm much happier in the high country with my manual box. My two brothers both have TD Prado autos, and both think they're great, but one only has one arm (reasonable excuse for auto) and the other got auto because the missus wanted it. Neither have modified their trucks and they don't use them for off-roading. The only reason autos are in 4wds is because people are lazy - just like road cars. The manufacturers have tried to 'improve' them to get rid of their shortcomings, but will never get there! :-) Your choice - drive the car yourself with a manual box, or let the car make half the choices for you (you may not like them) with an auto! :-)Russell S
Prado RV6