need advice on 1st tacoma purchase

I’m looking to purchase my first truck within the year, and I’m considering a new or relatively new Tacoma 4X2 Double Cab. I’d appreciate some advice regarding engine size; should I go with the 4-cylinder or the V6? I live in a small town in the wine country region of northern California. My house is on about ½ acre, and land/garden/house maintenance requires seasonal hauling of soil, gravel, wood, etc. I drive mostly residential streets and highways in a somewhat hilly area, and I have children in my near future. I’m leaning towards the 4-cylinder due to its better MPG and I’m not sure if I really need the power of the V6. Thank you in advance for your responses and any additional advice you'd like to throw my way!

 

Get a 4 CYL Access Cab. Thats all you need. Pre Runner would be a little higher.

 

Def. go with the V6. There is hardly any difference in MPG. You will regret the 4 with the hills and what not. V6 will be easier hauling anything, esepecially uphill. Plus the additional power is nice to have. I just bought a 2011 prerunner, SR5, 4.0l v6 DC, short bed. Love it. I say go with the 6. no doubt. Most guys will probably agree. good luck!

 

Well....having children in the future screams Double Cab......while your're at it get the V6. The 4 doesn't get that much better gas mileage anyway....

Just do it! and welcome.

 

Thanks for all the replies! Now that I've got my mind set on buying, I see Tacoma's all over town, and every one I see has at least a V6 badge on it. No surprise that I'm now leaning towards what the locals and experts in this forum suggest! Thanks again!

 

Good luck man! I just bought my first Taco back in June. Its been my dream truck since I was a kid. You will love it.

 

Get this^

 

Ever go to Tahoe in winter? If you do, you'll regret a Prerunner.

 

Yeah got 19.87mpg out of my last tank of gas ... access cab v6 auto.

 

why is that?

 

Sorry. Why would I regret a prerunner in Tahoe?

 

Ditto on the bags, I just installed some on mine a couple of weeks ago and i love em. I say get the six, because A: You don't have a big commute> B: You will be glad with all those hills> and C:You got a family comin at some point, if you want to keep the truck awhile, double cab is the way to go.
Oh yeah, one more thing, Long Bed, IMO a five foot bed is as useless as tits on a boar.

 

Because a Prerunner is 2WD...

The OFF ROAD TRD has a locking rear differential, but getting 4WD will be a night and day difference. If you want a Double Cab, then the Off Road only comes with the 5 ft. bed... but it hold plenty.

 

Whatever model you get , get a 4wd , doesn't matter so much about having a locker , they are useless in snow

 

V6

 

definitely a v6 4x4 if your near mountains and snow at all! and double cab for family friendly!

 

oh and now that your a member on here your gonna have to lift it, get new wheels, etc

 

i actually live in Mendocino County, not Tahoe. I was curious about the Tahoe comment because I go there at least once a year, but the area I live in is not exactly mountainous and gets maybe one day of snow every year. Is there an MPG difference between 2wd and 4x4?

 

Pics by the end of the day? In my dreams! I'm going to need a few more paychecks from The Man before I can put down anything beyond a trade-in. Just starting the research process, but it's quickly becoming an obsession

 

'god' has some great advice!

I changed from an Xtra Cab (now called an Access Cab) to a Double Cab in 2005 when my kids were 15/16 (girl/boy) as they were getting mighty uncomfortable on our long trips to Baja, and an adult would be in pain... The Xtra Cab was first gen. (2001).