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4 Cly: any real reason to buy 6 lug Pre-runner over 5 lug Old Man Truck

Discussion in '4 Cylinder' started by MJR, May 7, 2013.

  1. May 7, 2013 at 10:10 AM
    #1
    MJR

    MJR [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Removed factory bed cover and installed UnderCover Elite. Added LOCKERDOWN console safe.
    Looking for reason to go 4 Cly Pre-runner (6 lug) over 5 Lug smaller tire/lower setting body? Looks like about $550 differance. Though if wanted larger tires P245/75R16 Vs P215/70R15 the money is worth it. But will the lower profile and smaller tires get any more mpg's (or enough more)???? Thoughts.... Looking SR5.....
     
  2. May 7, 2013 at 10:15 AM
    #2
    The Shape

    The Shape Well-Known Member

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    That's funny my wife refers to my 5 lug as an old man truck, I sometimes wish I had the prerunner, but overall I have been happy with the 5 lug. Other than gravel county roads mine doesn't see much time off pavement though.
     
  3. May 7, 2013 at 10:19 AM
    #3
    TacoBurrito07

    TacoBurrito07 Well-Known Member

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    You will ge better mpg on the 5 lug but if you plan on leaving the pavement you will be limited due to a lack clearance among other things
     
  4. May 7, 2013 at 1:34 PM
    #4
    tacomathom

    tacomathom Well-Known Member

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    It's not new, it's not Mexico
    All things being equal, I would always choose a Prerunner over the base 4x2. I think the 16" wheels looks so much better than the 15' wheels. I don't think I would want a 4 cylinder Double Cab in either Prerunner or Base 4x2 trim. Then again, I've never driven one, so maybe it's not too bad.
     
  5. May 11, 2013 at 7:36 AM
    #5
    PSJ

    PSJ Prerunners Work

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    For me, the price difference makes it a no brainer. IMO, There is a lot more truck for $550. If you never go off road however, and want the best gas mileage get the 5 lugger.
     
  6. May 24, 2013 at 10:57 PM
    #6
    2007 tacoma

    2007 tacoma Well-Known Member

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    I'm probably a little late. My Dad has a Prerunner, and I have a 5 lug. I like the looks of his better even though it's older & I have more interior room. Every time I go over there I ask him to trade his '04 for my '07. Money wise it would be a good deal for him as mine has a lot less miles. He shakes his head and says he's left it to me in his will. That's his way of saying over his dead body.

    The 6 lugs have a lot more modifications that can be done to them. 5 lugs tend to get better gas mileage though and have a better ride.

    It depends on what your needs are.
     
  7. May 25, 2013 at 7:59 AM
    #7
    MJR

    MJR [OP] Well-Known Member

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    You are saying the 5 lug has better ride than Prerunner?
     
  8. May 25, 2013 at 9:34 PM
    #8
    ramirezsergio63

    ramirezsergio63 Well-Known Member

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    The prerunner will get attention from the ladies, at my 22 years of age wat else would u want. A friend of mine has the 5 lugger accesscab sr5 and I have the access cab sr5 prerunner...ladies prefer my ride even thoughis cramped and they kinda have to crawl up there...now i have a diffrent girl every month or so, wich didnt happen when i had my 95 ranger 4cyl 2wd
     
  9. May 26, 2013 at 12:06 AM
    #9
    tooter

    tooter play every day

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    I drive an economical 4 cyl 5 lug Tacoma work truck with 16 inch wheels and passenger car tires because I never go off road.
    bth_IMG_7008_zpsea103a69_38b748e4816d46489f68d3c40fe08a9346be7f28.jpg

    235/60/16's are the same diameter as the stock 215/70/15's, only wider. Gas mileage is consistently above 24mpg.
     
  10. May 26, 2013 at 12:17 AM
    #10
    Mr. Biscuits

    Mr. Biscuits gentleman and a scholar

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    Go prerunner. Much more to do with it if you want to upgrade. Get smaller tires if you want to save gas.
     
  11. May 26, 2013 at 6:27 PM
    #11
    2004TacomaSR5

    2004TacomaSR5 Nemesis Prime

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    Imo, if you go 6 lug go 4x4...
     
  12. May 26, 2013 at 6:37 PM
    #12
    list2002

    list2002 Member

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    Pre runner wont bottom out as quick with a heavy load in the bed. Better through standing water in heavy rain. More fun to drive sitting higher up. The looks alone are worth the $550 Imho.
     
  13. May 26, 2013 at 9:59 PM
    #13
    Mr. Biscuits

    Mr. Biscuits gentleman and a scholar

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    if you don't need it, you don't need it. I mean I settled for a prerunner with locker. Am I happy? Oh yeah. Do I wish I had it? Oh yeah. But twice a year usage didn't warrant waiting forever to find a 4x4 in California
     
  14. May 26, 2013 at 10:09 PM
    #14
    2007 tacoma

    2007 tacoma Well-Known Member

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    On the pavement they do. The suspension is different. But it depends on how you'll be using it. If you're only going to be on pavement the 5 lug rides better.

    If you think you'll have it on dirt, gravel, or anything uneven the Prerunner would be better for that.

    5 lugs I think have 4 options for suspension upgrades while there are a lot more for 6 lugs.
     
  15. May 26, 2013 at 10:11 PM
    #15
    worthywads

    worthywads Well-Known Member

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    More like $1660 difference in price, since you can get the 5-spd stick in the 5-lug but have to get the 4-spd automatic in the prerunner.

    You do not want the automatic with the 2.7L.

    5-lug gets way better mpg than pre-runner.
     
  16. May 27, 2013 at 12:06 AM
    #16
    Mr. Biscuits

    Mr. Biscuits gentleman and a scholar

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    Well when you factor in engine size then it really changes things. Being a tall ass 4cyl is just ruining your mileage and power, especially towing or hauling. OP need more info on uses and needs
     
  17. May 28, 2013 at 10:30 AM
    #17
    hygieneboy

    hygieneboy Well-Known Member

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    I test drove both models back to back before buying my Prerunner.

    The Prerunner suspension rode worlds better than the standard low stance truck. The 5 lug was a downright harsh ride compared to the much more plush feel of the Prerunner. Granted both are trucks and will ride like trucks but the looks and especially the much nicer ride quality sold me for $500 more. It was an easy decision. MPG ratings were identical on the stickers of both trucks.
     
  18. May 28, 2013 at 11:10 AM
    #18
    worthywads

    worthywads Well-Known Member

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    Rated the same through lax EPA rules. There is no way the pre-runner gets the same mpg as a 5-lug in the real world. The standard cab and 4 door are also same rated mpg, yeah right.
     
  19. May 28, 2013 at 9:38 PM
    #19
    2007 tacoma

    2007 tacoma Well-Known Member

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    I'm not trying to dispute you in the least, just frame up what you're saying a little more. I'm in total agreement.

    A Prerunner will ride better on anything with bumps.

    A 5 lug will ride better on smoother surfaces and can hang a curve with much less body roll and a little less understeer.

    I agree with worthywads about EPA ratings. EPA ratings are notorious for not being consistent to how people use them day to day. The ratings typically favor the manufactures. When determining the MPG of the car you're looking at, it's best to start with the sticker as a guideline. Pay close attention to the range in the fine print. And then go to a website such as fuelly to see what people are actually getting.

    All of this while healthy and educational is a little moot though because we have no more feedback from OP yet.

    My guess and final comment since OP refers to a 5 lug as an old man truck is OP should go with the Prerunner. Please take lots of pics of everything that you do in this awesome truck and post them in their appropriate places.
     
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2013
  20. May 28, 2013 at 10:50 PM
    #20
    2004TacomaSR5

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    I'd have a 4x4 even if I lived in Phoenix where it never snows. I couldn't be without it here in Montana, everything has 4 wheel drive here and PreRunners and 5 lugs are a rare sighting.
     

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