Two problems related to manual transmission have been reported for the 1997 Toyota Tacoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1 parked with truck in 1st gear 2 truck came out of gear 2 times. I stoped the truck 1 time, a tree stopped it the 2nd time. 1 year later, the truck pops into nutural while driving. I put it back in gear, I sometimes hold the shifter to keep it in gear. 3 I have not tryed to fix the transmission, but I always set the parking break.
Date of purchase Toyota of somerset reported this was a second buyer. They reported a lady had owned the vehicle. Through carfax I found me to be the 5th owner. They did not have the warranty information in with the manual information. They did not supply this at time of purchase and has not offered upon request. They said they would honor the service. Upon the reverse coming out there was disagreement and the service manager, mr. Turpin and mr. Johnson were very adamant and refused to honor the mfg. Warranty on the drive train. They first asked $700 and then negotiated for $450. Which I refused. Needless to say we do not have any correspondence but I still have to drive without reverse in my vehicle. This is why I did not report the lug nuts breaking and causing my wheel to fall off and causing damage to the truck. Toyota of somerset does not offer assistance and accuses abuse.