1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Most reliable year, engine, tranny combo?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by srp223, Apr 6, 2013.

  1. Apr 6, 2013 at 8:23 PM
    #1
    srp223

    srp223 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2013
    Member:
    #101504
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    northern ontario
    Hi, New to the site and looking at buying a 2006-2011 tacoma. I would like to know if there are any years or engines to avoid because of known problems.

    Also, which engine and tranny is more reliable? 4 or v6? auto or manual. I don't mind less power, and enjoy getting the best mileage possible, but reliability is more important.

    Thanks
     
  2. Apr 6, 2013 at 8:33 PM
    #2
    Tacoyota

    Tacoyota senile member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2009
    Member:
    #20028
    Messages:
    2,931
    Gender:
    Male
    North of Cali, South of Canada
    Vehicle:
    08 4wd
    4.56 gears, rear trutrac,DT header, 235/85r16 Duratracs, 2nd filter pulled, inter.wipers, Cruise control, Factory alum. whls/winter tires(2nd set), Afe pro Dry-S , Dumbo eared flaps cut down.
    Oh jees. Welcome to TW , but you just restarted a fire.

    Best mpg is likely 4 cyl w auto , reliability might be the same but a manual trans. I don't think one engine is proven more reliable over the other, just perhaps lower maintenance on the 2.7L
     
    Last edited: Apr 6, 2013
    MasterYota1992 likes this.
  3. Apr 6, 2013 at 8:42 PM
    #3
    68Whiskey

    68Whiskey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2011
    Member:
    #67020
    Messages:
    444
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Richie
    Ft.Bragg NC
    Vehicle:
    2008 4x4 DC TRD Off Road
    its more the Auto transmission vs Manual transmission... more owners have experiences a plethora of issues with the manual transmissions
     
  4. Apr 6, 2013 at 8:42 PM
    #4
    Fire252fighter

    Fire252fighter The guy that comments every now and then

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2013
    Member:
    #97895
    Messages:
    536
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Pittsburgh pa
    Vehicle:
    09 sr5 tacoma
    Nothing
    Welcome. I have the 09 and dig the led tail lights... But seriously I have had 4 cylinders before and will never go back v6 got balls. If you have driven a stick before this one will be tough to get used to. Due to what I have been told is engine computer mapping issues I have gotten used to it tho. Consider traffic and what not but really I'd say its all up to you.
     
  5. Apr 6, 2013 at 8:51 PM
    #5
    TacomaG26

    TacomaG26 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2011
    Member:
    #67283
    Messages:
    430
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nic
    Goldsboro NC
    Vehicle:
    4.0v6 4x4 TRD Sport
    2.5in spacer leveling kit with Toytech AAL in the rear, Brute Force Fab front and rear bumper, AFE stage2 CAI, Alpine headunit with Rockford Fosgate amp and sub, tibted windows, KC lights.
    I have a 4.0 auto love it but if you get one be ready for TICK TICK TICK TICK sound (its normal tho)
     
  6. Apr 6, 2013 at 8:56 PM
    #6
    jandrews

    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2009
    Member:
    #18122
    Messages:
    16,109
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '09 FourDubDee TRD OR
    A-TRUCK, Fat Kid in the Bed, Custom Pinstriping, Ported and Polished Muffler Bearing, Hi-Performance Bed Mat
    Motor reliability is fine for both.

    The 2005s and early '06s had some problems with the manual transmissions. Weak synchros and shift forks. Toyota updated the tranny and parts in late 06 to make it more robust.

    Example: The 05s and early 06s also had some problems with engine mounts on the frame failing. They were redesigned in late 06 as well to a much beefier setup.

    Manual tranny throwout bearing sometimes has issues for folks.

    I say auto tranny with whichever engine you want.
     
  7. Apr 6, 2013 at 9:02 PM
    #7
    EDJY

    EDJY Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2011
    Member:
    #52459
    Messages:
    437
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Elliott
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2016 DCSB TRD OR MT
    05 06 had motor mount issues. IMO the most reliable trucks are the first gen. I had an 01 that had 285000 miles and never had a hiccup once. It also just felt better built than my 05.
     
  8. Apr 6, 2013 at 9:11 PM
    #8
    MountainEarth

    MountainEarth Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2010
    Member:
    #30519
    Messages:
    2,481
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    CO
    Vehicle:
    2010 TRD OR Access
    Leer 100XR Shell, BedRug mat - comfy sleeping, GT Covers microfiber seat covers, BFG All Terrains 265/70r16, Dashmat, Antennax 13" shorty antenna, Weathertech liners, Ultra Gauge, Avid Light Bar, PIAA 520 ATPs, one old dog
    2010 V6 auto Taco is the most reliable truck ever built in the history of history (please please please please God let it be true). ;)
     
    MasterYota1992 likes this.
  9. Apr 6, 2013 at 9:22 PM
    #9
    Boost JuNkY

    Boost JuNkY Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2011
    Member:
    #54706
    Messages:
    370
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Billy
    Vancouver, BC
    Vehicle:
    2003 TACOMA DC OFF ROAD
    35'S ON 3s
    Ive had both Auto (08) and Manual (06) V6's. Engine is well built, doesnt consume oil.
    Auto trans felt more solid to me. Not that there's anything wrong with manual but you can't dump clutches on these very hard. I enjoy the 6 speed more though.
    09+ gets the electronic traction control and/or locker
    05-08 Mechanical LSD or locker

    I chose the 06 with mech LSD as I like to slide the truck at times [haha] but if I were to do it again, Id chose the later with A-trac and locker.
     
  10. Apr 6, 2013 at 10:56 PM
    #10
    Jimmyh

    Jimmyh Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2012
    Member:
    #78991
    Messages:
    13,732
    Gender:
    Male
    SC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prerunner SR5
    This is my experience!
    I was going to buy a used truck and for what I was looking for used ran around 17 - 18K. $2,000 more got me a into a new one instead.
     
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2013
  11. Apr 6, 2013 at 11:34 PM
    #11
    2004TacomaSR5

    2004TacomaSR5 Nemesis Prime

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2011
    Member:
    #55722
    Messages:
    5,081
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Montana
    Vehicle:
    2004 Tacoma DCSB & 1980 Toyota Pickup 4WD
    Tacoma is stock and staying that way, Pickup is TBA as of now.
    All years
     
  12. Apr 7, 2013 at 6:57 AM
    #12
    srp223

    srp223 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2013
    Member:
    #101504
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    northern ontario
    $20 k bought a new truck? I think they are $30+ up here (Canada).

    I work in the bush, so putting on lots of highway and dirt miles, with lots of skid trail driving too. The extra 2-3 mpg of a 4 cyl. means $500 a year by my estimate, which is not a big deal. Some reports show a difference of 5-6 mpg though. Is this realistic?

    I will put on oversize tires as well. The biggest I can fit without a lift kit. Can the 4 cyl. turn these? I don't mind a low power, keeps me from getting speeding tickets!
     
  13. Apr 7, 2013 at 7:30 AM
    #13
    127.0.0.1

    127.0.0.1 AKA ::1

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2012
    Member:
    #93641
    Messages:
    3,918
    Gender:
    Male
    /etc/hosts
    Vehicle:
    2013 NBM AC 4.0 4x4 Auto OR
    any 5vzfe and a340 combo...whose integrated atf cooler did not leak (small number had issues)
     
  14. Apr 7, 2013 at 8:41 AM
    #14
    newfieDan

    newfieDan Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2013
    Member:
    #99835
    Messages:
    87
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    St John's
    Vehicle:
    13 Tacoma TRD Sport
    Get the 13 Manual v6. Trust me, you won't be getting any speeding tickets. :p

    I have a heavy foot but not with this truck. I just can't afford the fuel and the only way to get any halfway decent mpg's is to drive it like someones grandmother.
     
  15. Apr 7, 2013 at 9:41 PM
    #15
    Jimmyh

    Jimmyh Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2012
    Member:
    #78991
    Messages:
    13,732
    Gender:
    Male
    SC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prerunner SR5
    I have a 2012 Prerunner, SR5. I remember it was $20,150 brand spankin new.
     
  16. Apr 7, 2013 at 10:39 PM
    #16
    majorhavok

    majorhavok Rabid Conservative

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2013
    Member:
    #96845
    Messages:
    1,262
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike in Cali..
    Peoples Republic of Caulifournia
    Vehicle:
    '13 TRD Sport DoubleCab 4x4
    Ultragauge, ImMrYo mirror, Tailgate lock, Snugtop Rebel Shell.
    Mine is a '13 and have heard of 0 reported problems.. seems like the obvious choice. ;p
     
  17. Apr 7, 2013 at 10:44 PM
    #17
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2009
    Member:
    #27584
    Messages:
    50,384
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Peter North
    British Columbia
    Vehicle:
    Mag Grey 09 Trd Sport DCLB 4x4
    OME 885x , OME shocks and Dakars , Wheelers SuperBumps front and rear , 275/70/17 Hankook ATm , OEM bed mat , Weathertech digifit floor liners , Weathertech in-channel vents , headache rack , Leer 100RCC commercial canopy , TRD bedside decals removed , Devil Horns by Andres , HomerTaco Satoshi
    He won't be buying a Prerunner up here , lol
     
  18. Apr 8, 2013 at 12:25 AM
    #18
    Jimmyh

    Jimmyh Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2012
    Member:
    #78991
    Messages:
    13,732
    Gender:
    Male
    SC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prerunner SR5
    Yep! Gotta have a 4X4 when you are living in a frozen wasteland. :)
     
  19. Apr 8, 2013 at 6:43 AM
    #19
    81shark

    81shark Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2008
    Member:
    #10567
    Messages:
    4,031
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2006 Base Access CP1
    wasn't the manual tranny issue all associated with the V6 engine. i don't recall hearing issues with the I4 5speed set up.
     
  20. Apr 8, 2013 at 6:47 AM
    #20
    Crosis

    Crosis Tertiary adjunct to unimatrix 01

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2012
    Member:
    #88629
    Messages:
    2,414
    Gender:
    Male
    Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia
    Vehicle:
    09 Tacoma 4x4 TRD Off Road
    :spy:

    Shhh go old school and get the 22RE with a 5 spd tranny. You cant go wrong there.
     
    MasterYota1992 likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top