Would you prefer the 80 in an Auto or Standard?

[firetruck41]

Hello All.

Toyota stopped importing Diesel and Standard Transmission Land Cruiser's to North American in 1989.
The 80 and 100 series have only ever been available in a Auto and Gas in North America.
I have been recently thinking wondering something.
Who would want a Diesel and Standard transmission option if made available (it is to late now - But if it had been)?

What I am wondering is how big of market is Toyota leaving out here?

I for one would want a Standard transmission and diesel.

Thanks,
Nick

With the poll being close to 50/50 right now, you have to remember that even though it seems Toyota is "leaving" half the people out of it's marketing, about 100% of those people answering the survey bought an auto/gasser.

 

[Shahram]

The Cruiser is the first auto I've ever had. I used to think autos were for wussies who couldn't drive. Now I'd never go back. I wheeled a manual for a long time. Try a near-vertical, low speed, bumpy obstacle--pop the clutch, hear the engine die and have a heart attack trying to keep the thing wheels down, depress the clutch, turn the key, keep your foot on the brake, use the hand brake, and steer all at the same time while you can't see the ground over the hood, the sun is in your eyes and your passenger is saying "Oh God Oh God Oh God Oh God". Not fun.

 

[wussyPup]

about 100% of those people answering the survey bought an auto/gasser.

my vote, drops it to about 96%

I thought I wanted standard, but for this weight/engine, and after listening to the advice of those with more experience, I bought an automatic.

Some report that the HDJ81 with a standard is a bit too twitchy to enjoy off-road; see
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=63774#5

 

[LukeO]

Until I bought my 80, I never owned an auto nor desired one. That being said, I've learned to appreciate an automatic transmission. They're nice in stop and go traffic jams as opposed to riding the clutch, plus they're better while eating on the road, on the phone, reading maps or whatever. I've also been impressed with the auto in Uwharrie, I never thought I would like a auto trans offroad.

I would "love" to have a diesel 80 with a manual however, always wanted one.
Environmental issues are important to me and I believe burning bio-diesel or SVO in standard diesels is the best, most cost effective and practical way to improve reducing harmful emmissions. Especially in gas guzzelers with big tires. Besides that, manuals are easier on the engine, in my opinion. I prefer to have control while accelerating, autos tend to redline the RPM's, manuals allow reasonable RPM regulation while going through the gears, especially on the highway going uphill. I like to go easy on my Cruisers and save the redlining for mud days, not everyday highway/traffic time.The less wear the better.

 

[Fly Rod]

After driving manuals for 30 years on and off road I will never buy another. (Unless it is in an old cruiser)

BTW, what is a gas tansmission?