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4 Cylinders -- Would you do it again????

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Recurvehunter, Dec 5, 2011.

  1. Dec 5, 2011 at 4:37 AM
    #1
    Recurvehunter

    Recurvehunter [OP] Member

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    Matt
    North Alabama
    New member (take it easy on me) and looking to buy Tacoma. Have found a prerunner 2004 crew cab. Has a 4 cylinder. I have a 50mile/day round trip commute on 90% 4 lane hwy.
    If you onw a 4cylinder (or have owned a 4) and especially if you have owned both 4 and 6cyl:
    1. is the power adequate on the 4? Am not expecting to tow stuff. I hate it when a medium sized hill causes either a dwonshift or a loss of 10mph.
    2. gas mileage? aka to reports on fuelly the 4 avg = 21 (vs. 17ish for v6) -
    3. WOULD YOU RAHTER HAVE A V6?

    Any input is appreciated. i'm 40 and have only owned 2 cars my whole life -i keep what i buy til it falls apart so i am trying t make certain i dont' get something i'm not going to be happy about.

    thanks in advance
    matt
     
  2. Dec 5, 2011 at 4:49 AM
    #2
    Johns Taco

    Johns Taco I'm not 4x4, and have an open diff. So i'm 4x1

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    John
    Albuquerque, NM
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    05 DSM Base SR5 Slug Taco
    Full custom stereo, onboard air compressor, train horns, spacer lift, 30" tires, optima yellow top, rear slider window & tailgate anti-theft mod, pop & lock, class 3 tow hitch, lights in bed, Ultra Gauge, Weather Tech mats, yellow fog lights, camper top, air lift rear airbags, rear diff breather mod, soon to be more...
    I got a 4 banger and it isn't that bad, if you upsize in tire you will be downshifting on hills.
     
  3. Dec 5, 2011 at 4:54 AM
    #3
    T@co_Pr3runn3r

    T@co_Pr3runn3r XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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    <----------------->
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    Yes, I did. Had 1982 prerunner 4 cyl for 27 yrs. Got an 05 AC prerunner in 09 & traded it in for an 08 RC prerunner in May.

    1. Yes, pwr in reg cab 5 speed is just fine, with LCE header is even better. AC was OK but big tires made it bad in wind on frwy or hills
    2. 22-23 mpg when driving nice, 20 if not.
    3. NO

    All this depends on your uses tho. Mine is mostly daily driver fun toy. It doesn't do much hauling or towing and is not a work truck or hard core offroad thing. That would be different.
     
  4. Dec 5, 2011 at 5:12 AM
    #4
    tacomathom

    tacomathom Well-Known Member

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    It's not new, it's not Mexico
    My previous Tacoma was a 1999 Extended Cab SR-5 2.4 L four cylinder automatic. The power was only adequate. I could keep up with traffic on I-25, but it did have to down shift on the hills. I averaged 24 MPG. The truck was totaled or I would have kept it another 10 years.
     
  5. Dec 5, 2011 at 5:25 AM
    #5
    maineah

    maineah Well-Known Member

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    Tim
    Maine
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    I have owned 3 4 cylinders and 2 6's all standards. For a beater fetching fire wood lumber and the likes the 4 is fine towing I'll take the 6. Personally I think the gearing is too high in the latter 4 cyl. all though my old 94 was a 2.4 it had more pull then the 97 2.7 because of the gearing.I'm sure the newer ones are better on fuel because of that but if I'm towing I want to be able to climb hills with out throwing my are out shifting.
     
  6. Dec 5, 2011 at 6:30 AM
    #6
    RattleTractor

    RattleTractor Lube: It's the key to penetration.

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    VT
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    1KZ-TE Diesel, GFC, Pizza cutters, Dorkel
    For 1st gen, here's my experience:
    -I've had 1 4cyl and currently own a 6. Both have 4wd, manual, xtra cab, same mods, same tires, same miles on the clock.

    1. 4 cyl has to downshift on hills. 6 does not.
    2. 4cyl got 17-18. 6cyl gets 20-22 (summer) and 17-19 (winter). I think it's because the power means I don't have to hit the skinny pedal as hard on hills and such (I'm also NOT a crazy/fast driver).
    3. YES. 100% YES. I bought the 4 because I didn't tow much and I wanted the better mileage. Turns out the V6 gets better mileage (for me) and I like not downshifting as much. It works better for mulch/firewood loads and I have started towing more in the summers so that's nice as well.

    It also means that I get the TRD package...I wheel so the locker is nice to have.
     
  7. Dec 5, 2011 at 7:07 AM
    #7
    wcp0611

    wcp0611 Well-Known Member

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    Cliff
    Rockvale, TN
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    Grey wire and keyless entry. I like stock.
    1. Prob will lose some speed, but its not bad. I usually am never in a huge rush to get where I'm going, so the small loss in speed doesn't affect me.
    2. I get about 17mpg, due to bigger tires and a little bit of an exhaust leak
    3. No, but I have no towing or speed needs of a V6
     
  8. Dec 5, 2011 at 7:07 AM
    #8
    wcp0611

    wcp0611 Well-Known Member

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    Grey wire and keyless entry. I like stock.
    1. Prob will lose some speed, but its not bad. I usually am never in a huge rush to get where I'm going, so the small loss in speed doesn't affect me.
    2. I get about 17mpg, due to bigger tires and a little bit of an exhaust leak
    3. No, but I have no towing or speed needs of a V6
     
  9. Dec 5, 2011 at 7:11 AM
    #9
    stunt man hans

    stunt man hans DISPLACED VIKING LIVING IN WYOMING

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    LIVE FREE OR DIE
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    FULL AEV PROSPECTOR KIT++
    yes if it was a diesel d4d :)

    otherwise you'll have to pr my current 4 banger from my cold dead hands.
     
  10. Dec 5, 2011 at 7:45 AM
    #10
    Mexicant

    Mexicant Well-Known Member

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    1. Yes it's got enough power to throw a bike in the back or tow my 3 rail bike trailer

    2. I've been averaging 23-24 and I'm happy with that, I believe on a long road trip or at least getting out of the 7k-8k ft elevation could boost that.

    3. No, the 4cyl fits the bill for what I expected my lil Tacoma to do.
     
  11. Dec 5, 2011 at 8:04 AM
    #11
    ToyoTaco02

    ToyoTaco02 Well-Known Member

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    Scott
    Decatur,IL
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    I own a 2002 double cab Prerunner with the 2.7L. Any slight hill the tranny will downshift. Any strong headwind the truck will not stay in 4th gear and will downshift. Gas mileage wise I get about 18 mpg. In town the 4 cylinder has plenty of get up and go, its the interstate is where it can struggle. Don't forget the double cab 2.7L also comes with 4.56 gears. So that will help.
     
  12. Dec 5, 2011 at 8:16 AM
    #12
    jcksnjn

    jcksnjn Active Member

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    2003 Xcab 4x4 5spd.

    1) The 4cyl power is fine for a dd.
    2) I get 21/23 mixed 60 city 40 highway.
    3) No. For me the V6 would be overkill. I occasionally have to downshift when approaching hills ( only if i am in fifth gear) but it isnt a huge annoyance. I know the roads i drive on daily and plan accordingly.
     
  13. Dec 5, 2011 at 8:26 AM
    #13
    Dustyroades

    Dustyroades Well-Known Member

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    1) I have never "needed" more power. Yes, you have to downshift on some hills. My dad's V8 automatic F-150 downshifts occasionally as well. That is the point of a transmission IMO.
    2) I'm averaging 20 mpg but that has been 90% winter use so far. In the summer I see 21-23 mpg.
    3) If gas was free, sure. But it's not and the I4 will save a couple hundred bucks a year easy.
     
  14. Dec 5, 2011 at 9:46 AM
    #14
    4Wheelin4Banger

    4Wheelin4Banger Supercharged Toyman

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    Randy
    Ferntucky, NV Halfway between Reno & Falabama
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    3" OME lift 885s & Dakars riding on 33" KM2s
    '11 Tacoma 4x4 AC is my 4th 4banger manual Toyota PU
    1. Yes! Cruise control maintians speed on most hills. Some hills I have to downshift for. CC works better with manual than auto from what I've heard
    2. 20 with winter gas 24 with summer gas
    3. Only if I towed stuff. My 4banger can go any where the V6s go. I use my PreTaco to haul firewood (1/2 cord at a time)
    My Toys '11 & '95
    [​IMG]
     
  15. Dec 5, 2011 at 10:08 AM
    #15
    abn2060

    abn2060 Infidel

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    Stock
    Same here. I own a 2002 Dcab 2.7 as well and my only complaint is the lack of towing power. I love in Florida so I do not have to contend with many steep hills but it will down shift when I do go over any steep hills or over passes.
     
  16. Dec 5, 2011 at 10:23 AM
    #16
    TacomaBuzz

    TacomaBuzz Well-Known Member

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    Most people buying the 4 cyl tacoma's do it with the understanding that it's not a race truck or a heavy towing rig. They buy it knowing we are getting the best possible MPG's and easiest maintenance. The v6 in a Tacoma is a recent addition. The 4cyl has always been adequate, reliable, and just plain bulletproof going back to the era of the 1970's Toyota pickups. Would I do it again and buy another 4 cyl Tacoma?? Hell yes I would, no need for extra Hp/ gas money , fits my needs just fine!
     
  17. Dec 5, 2011 at 10:35 AM
    #17
    4Wheelin4Banger

    4Wheelin4Banger Supercharged Toyman

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    :facepalm: Say what? :facepalm:
    In all years the V6 was available in Tacomas.
    The V6 was around even before there were Tacomas
     
  18. Dec 5, 2011 at 10:40 AM
    #18
    DanglingFury

    DanglingFury Creeper

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    Bowling Green, KY/Lake Cumberland, KY
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    Daystar 2.5"/1" lift-level BFGoodrich KO2's
    I've got the 2.4 back by a 5 speed manual. My truck is not fast by any means at all. It's weak, but it gets me where I need to go. You have to downshift to maintain speed if you're going say 65 or 70 uphill and i'm running 235's instead of factory 205's. on average i'm spending something like $100 in gas per month. Granted, I don't drive very far.
     
  19. Dec 5, 2011 at 10:49 AM
    #19
    jflan

    jflan Well-Known Member

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    Absolutely would have another 2.7 5 speed.
    I was surprised at the way it holds 5th with cruise set while pulling grades.

    Toyota needs to fix the V6 fuel economy before I buy one.
     
  20. Dec 5, 2011 at 10:50 AM
    #20
    johnanm

    johnanm Well-Known Member

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    Hey OP, I noticed a lot of the replies were coming from guys who owner 4 bangers over a decade ago. Take it from those of us with a later model, it's a very useful vehicle. I picked up mine in September, and use it a lot for hauling, and I towed a 3000 lb trailer from Atlanta to MS with no problems whatsoever.

    1.) If ANYONE had reasons to complain, it would be me and others who have the double cab paired with automatic transmission. Bottom line is that this Taco has get-up, but you can't be scared to use the pedal. Torque is good on the low end, but peaks from 3000-4000 rpm. So the fact the the truck wants to downshift on medium hills is a result of good shift logic, not because of a underpowered engine. Once I found myself doing almost 100 on the interstate (with traffic flow) and I didn't feel like I was gunning it at all. So unless you have a 5000 lb boat, you don't NEED the v6. It would be purely a preference based on what you are used to driving.

    2.) Drove like hell to Nashville and back last weekend, including about 30% city driving. Got 22.5 mpg. Remember, I'm a Prerunner DC, so if the truck were lighter or lower it would be even better.

    3.) V6 for heavy towing use, or if you weigh 300lb and have an obese wife and 3 fat kids. Else I see no reason why more people don't get the 4 cyl. It's more than enough, and I love the peace of mind with this engine. :)


    Edit: also running 245/75/16 tires, not the baby donuts
     
    EeeOrr likes this.

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