2006 XRS 6 Speed

[Our Trix]

Just bought the car for my wife and all we could test drive was a 2005 XRS with a 5 speed so we ordered the XRS with the 6 speed and the linkage is not smooth at all. Any one else notice this problem? I have driven a lot of Toyotas with manuals but never had one that was as tough as this one.

[Brando8844]

My dad just bought a used 04 5spd XR and I noticed it shifted alot smoother than my 04 XRS 6spd so there must be a differance somewhere in the tranny Also the clutch for his XR seemed alot easier, shorter, and smoother but I still wouldnt trade my XRS!

[acrylucs]

The XRS clutch is a pain to get into, i learnt on it. Give it some time and wait for the break in period to pass and it soften up a bit. and you'll get used to it!

[xrs22]

It took me a while to get used to it but now i just lay into that sucker and jam out.

[357wheelgunner]

The XRS tranny is very stiff and notchy. It is a terrible car for anyone but a driving enthusiast. Warn your wife that a common problem with XRS (drivers no the car) is misshifting to second instead of fourth and popping the motor. It only takes one slip and boom you need a new $5k motor. Oh and be sure she uses 91 octane or better.

And if this is a commuter car and she wants better feul economy get a K&N dropin air filter and a free flowing exaust (I got flowmaster but others like magnaflow or other name brands). When I did these two simple mods my milage went up to 38-40 mpg from 32-34mpg stock. The muffler splices into the stock 2" piping, any muffler shop can do it.

Grats on the great car, I love mine, they are a bit touchy though and hard to get used to.

[slipknot490]

Oh, the memories...I did that once driving in Boston on I-93...I was in the right lane and cruising in 6th...a car was merging and not doing a very good job of it, so I downshifted and instead of hitting 4th, I hit 2nd...OUCH. I didn't do any damage though. As soon as I heard it start to rev, I shifted QUICK!!! I would consider myself a pretty good driver AND pretty familiar with the XRS. I put 30,000 miles on it when I did this...

To make a long story short, be careful!

[silver04rollas]

The difference is gear ratios. XRS has aggresive closely spaced short gear ratios in order to allow the revs to stay up during shifts and keep the car in it's best powerband due to the high revving nature of the motor. The XR 5 speed you drove had tall and widely spaced gear ratios for maximum fuel economy, quietness and effortless smooth shifting.

Originally Posted by Our Trix

Just bought the car for my wife and all we could test drive was a 2005 XRS with a 5 speed so we ordered the XRS with the 6 speed and the linkage is not smooth at all. Any one else notice this problem? I have driven a lot of Toyotas with manuals but never had one that was as tough as this one.

[thebarber]

long story short, the xrs shifter is notchy as all hell. get some brass shifter bushings and itll smooth it out...

6-4 on the highway? 6-3 only nothing beats dropping into lift at 120kph