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Coming back to Toyota, Need some advice

Discussion in '4 Cylinder' started by scottj2, Dec 6, 2012.

  1. Dec 6, 2012 at 7:04 PM
    #1
    scottj2

    scottj2 [OP] Active Member

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    Hey friends. Long time lurker, first time poster.

    I owned a 2005 Tacoma for 5 years, and eventually ended up trading it in for an SUV. I needed the interior space for band equipment, and I needed better gas mileage. My old tacoma was a v6 4x4 double cab, which I absolutely LOVED. The only thing I didn't love about it was the mpg, especially in the winter where I would average 16 mpg.

    Needless to say, while I like my SUV, I desperately need a truck again for my weekend trips to home depot for remodeling projects, etc. I'm getting sick of borrowing friends trucks all the time.

    I'm eyeing the I4 access cab with the SR5 package. The reason I'm leaning towards the 4 banger is because I don't tow, I don't offroad, and I drive about 30-40 highway miles round trip to work every day. However, the new 2013's at the dealers have the v6's rated 16/21 mpg and the I4's rated 18/21 mpg. Is there really no difference between the I4's and v6's on the highway? Fuelly has some good info, but it really is all over the place. I definitely don't want to go back to 16 mpg, though. (Yes I know it's a truck.) Real world opinions/advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

    Thanks guys!
     
  2. Dec 6, 2012 at 7:06 PM
    #2
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
    If you drive in hilly terrain get the 6. For flat highway driving the 4 is the way to go. IMO get an automatic and put a Trans Go shift kit in it and you're all set.
     
  3. Dec 6, 2012 at 9:03 PM
    #3
    rickcrna

    rickcrna Well-Known Member

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    It doesn't sound like you require a V6 tacoma to meet your stated needs. The I4 access cab will likely yield 23-25 mpg on the highway. Over the span of time you own the truck, the difference in mileage between the I4 and V6 can be quite substantial in terms of fuel costs. You are generally much better off making a purchase based on a reasoned assessment of actual need versus buying something that will cover all possible contingencies most of which are not likely to occur.
     
  4. Dec 6, 2012 at 10:38 PM
    #4
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    vvvvvvvvvvvvv Clicky vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
     
  5. Dec 7, 2012 at 6:01 AM
    #5
    scottj2

    scottj2 [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks, everyone. I definitely don't need the v6 for everyday use, but if it gets the same highway gas mileage as an I4, then I would just opt for extra power. My gut tells me the I4 will get better mileage all the way around, unless I'm doing a lot of 4x4 or hilly driving.
     
  6. Dec 7, 2012 at 6:03 AM
    #6
    dayNnite4

    dayNnite4 We can't stop here, this is bat country.

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    Gas mileage is pretty much the same. I wish I had gone for the v6 bc if I'm on the highway going 65-70 in 5th gear, even if I hit the slightest incline ill feel it. Sometimes even shifting down to 4th won't get me back up there so quick
     
  7. Dec 7, 2012 at 1:26 PM
    #7
    bash42

    bash42 Well-Known Member

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    I have to disagree. I've experienced each first hand. My 2.7Ls have consistantly gotten me 21-22MPG on my 40 mile roundtrip commute (mix of hilly back roads & stop and go). My 4.0L averaged around 16.5-17.5 on the same drive.

    I went with the 2.7L again for the same reasons you are thinking about it. Also, double check the SR5 package unless you're really hooked on chrome bumpers!

    On a trip to MASS i got 24MPG highway at 70-75
     
  8. Dec 7, 2012 at 1:33 PM
    #8
    scottj2

    scottj2 [OP] Active Member

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    That's exactly what I'm looking for.. real world scenarios. Thanks. My 2005 was around 16-17 mpg as well.
     
  9. Dec 7, 2012 at 1:49 PM
    #9
    Mark16q

    Mark16q Active Member

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    my stock i-4 5sp gets around 21 at best on steady state highway. Not much lower than that on the street when I'm being careful. I do have bigger tires which probably hurt it a bit, and also understate my mileage a tiny amount. typically I hit 400 miles and it's empty.
     
  10. Dec 7, 2012 at 3:26 PM
    #10
    wolftree

    wolftree Well-Known Member

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    scottj2, My I-4 consistently gives me 20-22mpg on mixed two lane / city driving and 24mpg on interstate four lane driving.
     
  11. Dec 7, 2012 at 3:31 PM
    #11
    TwzteD

    TwzteD Well-Known Member

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    Are you looking for the 4x4 this time around?


    Edit: i just bought a 13 reg cab auto 4x4, traded in my 10 reg cab 4x4 5 speed, and i must say i love it alot more than the 5 speed.
     
  12. Dec 7, 2012 at 3:40 PM
    #12
    DriverSound

    DriverSound Señor Member

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    Too few to list.
    My 09 DCSB 4x4 6spd was getting about 22mpg during a 900 mile trip with 4 passengers and about 200-300lb load in the bed from SoCal to Oregon.

    We had an 07 single cab 4cyl auto and that was getting about 22-25 hwy.
     
  13. Dec 7, 2012 at 3:50 PM
    #13
    jbrenn

    jbrenn Well-Known Member

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    In almost 3 years i have had 3 tanks of less then 20 with my i4 in winter idling while i scraped ice off the window. The best i have gotten is 25.5.
     
  14. Dec 7, 2012 at 5:42 PM
    #14
    azreb

    azreb Geezer

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    I am skeptical of the sticker gas mileage ratings. I don't believe the V6 mileage will equal the 4, nor will an automatic mileage equal a stick shift for a conscientious driver. My 4-banger, 5 speed AC hasn't gotten less than 25 mpg for the last six months. That includes mountain, city and highway driving, with an occasional 500# load in the rear. Driving habits can make a big difference.
     
  15. Dec 7, 2012 at 6:41 PM
    #15
    scottj2

    scottj2 [OP] Active Member

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    Yeah, definitely 4x4. I live in Upstate NY snow country hell. I think I'm going to go test drive an I4 tomorrow. You'll have to let me know how you make out wiht your '13.
     
  16. Dec 7, 2012 at 6:42 PM
    #16
    TwzteD

    TwzteD Well-Known Member

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    just need better tires and u will be fine my 2010 was 4 cyl too there really good engines, you want auto or 5 speed?
     
  17. Dec 7, 2012 at 7:19 PM
    #17
    bash42

    bash42 Well-Known Member

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    Oh nice, where in NY? I was in the Berkshires for a couple years.
     
  18. Dec 8, 2012 at 6:07 AM
    #18
    scottj2

    scottj2 [OP] Active Member

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    A little north of Syracuse near an area called the Tug Hill Plateau. One of the top snowmobiling places in the country. Last year was pretty mild, though.
     
  19. Dec 8, 2012 at 6:08 AM
    #19
    scottj2

    scottj2 [OP] Active Member

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    I'm open to either. I had stick when I was younger, but have always had auto since then. I'll probably see what the dealers have on the lots around here and try them both out. Thanks for the suggestions.
     
  20. Dec 8, 2012 at 7:06 AM
    #20
    bash42

    bash42 Well-Known Member

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    A lot of the guys on here say that you need the stick shift in the 2.7L, the auto is a dog.

    I haven't tried the 2.7 in auto, but I can say the stick shift has done me just fine and it can actually be somewhat fun to drive.
     

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