100 series cruiser...maunual or auto?

Good question...

Diesel...Turbo

The auto box and diesel are a match made in heaven.
Less hassles in city traffic
Box does all the work for you in the bush.
Never miss another gear change in sand etc
Slightly higher fuel consumption.
More expensive to repair.

I've driven manuals all my Toyota life, but my next one will be an auto if the $$ allow it.

In the 100 series, the std diesel 5 speed is questionable strength, but the 4 speed autos last forever if serviced every 2 years/20k...its a bit early to speculate on the 5 speed autos, they dont seem to be as bulletproof as the older 4 speeds... the petrol and t/d both have stronger 5 speed boxes, that dont have issues. In general, the auto is much better in 4wd situations aswell as towing. The engine revs less at highway speed and the auto locks keeping fuel usage down...and climbing ability is heaps better, as the wheels dont seem to break loose as often as does with manuals....so end result is more traction.

i agre 100% down hill engine braking is superb for an auto,have had manuals in past but no comparison to the 5speed auto. Paul

Hey Davoe,

I have a manual, and my last 100 series was a manual as well. In honesty I have never owned an auto vehicle, so I am probably in no position to make any comment. I like to feel like I'm driving the car so I guess I am biased towards manuals.

A friend of mine has an auto petrol 100 series and I hate to admit that in technical soft sand conditions, or steep sandy climbs he has the advantage. He just puts it in drive and can keep the optimum rev range and keep momentum. If I fluff the change from third low to second low I stop. Mechanical sympathy dictates that flat shifting in these conditions is not conducive to the long life of my gearbox!

Low range first gear in my standard model is pretty capable (slow) in rocky off-road conditions and I can't see much of an advantage here. Downhill I have a huge advantage over him (don't know anyone with an auto diesel so this might be closer to mine).

Sometimes I think an auto would have been a better option (not in a standard unfortunately, and not getting into the durability debate-Toyota auto boxes are stronger).

Ross.

thats my point - why start in 3d low? 20 m runup with proper tyre pressures in 2nd low is all you need - if it doesnt make it it never will. They are governed to 4500 so just put your foot flat and way you go. anyone can sit behind the wheel of an auto - a manuel will do exactly the same but you have to give it some input

are you talking about the prado or 100 series as mine(03 td auto)has a dipstick for the auto?Paul

is yours 5 speed auto? If so there isnt a dipstick on it. Have a look in the handbook. Talking about 100 series auto. post Sept 02 (manufacture date not rego date)

jan 03 built 5speed auto 1hd-fte 100 series and it does have a trans dipstick 2 inches directly behind engine oil dipstick orange T handle marked ATF!agree that manual doesnt show it but its wrong!!!cheers Paul

well Ill be stuffed? I have been out with the torch and there is DEFINITELY not an orange dipstick of any sort there? There is 2 breathers there, nothing else. Out of curiousity, can you tell me what is on your VIN plate, not the vehicle numbers but for engine trans/axle, and date and where it was built?

trans/axle A750F/A02B plant/built A11/JAN 03 are straight off the plate.mine doesnt have any breathers in that area.what r they for?Paul

exactly the same for mine except Jan04. Have you had it from new? and have there been any probs with the tranny? As they are supposed to never need fluid changing unless over heated and so I am wondering if they fit one in place of breather after that has happened?

yep had it from new,few outback trips etc,towed a few heavy loads on tandems etc and no problems.cheers Paul

cars not here to check those breathers but Im guessing they are transfer and auto. 1/4" tube up to a little swan-neck on a factory bracket 2" behind engine dipstick.

aint that the truth my main gripeagainst autos are my experiences with tri matics and B/W 35s or god forbid powerglides they would change into 3rd at 20kph and would only change back if youput your foot flat - accelerating out of a corner at 15 kph in 3rd isnt good for economy or exilerating performance

"god forbid powerglides they would change into 3rd at 20kph"

arent Powerglides a 2 speed auto?

Ahhh....the GMH 'Traumatic'. Been there, done that, never want to do it again.

Just sold my Fordomatic 2 speed auto about a month ago. Surprisingly good box, but then again I'm a big fan of the mighty Windsor V8.

yes fisho64 they were - need more be said?

was only curious how they would change into third-being a 2 speed! They were a very strong and versatlie box though, hence still modified for dragracing nowadays.