Why are first gen 4x4 auto 4-bangers so hard to find?

An Autotrader search found just 11 within 200 miles of my zip code. I can find the exact same Tacomas in 5-speeds all day long wearing a blindfold, but never the 2.7 4x4 autos. Why is this? Were they dogs when mated to the automatic transmission? Were they just not as popular? I know for years Toyota only made the 4X4 2.7 with a 5-speed, but they've recently brought back the automatic version. If anyone out there owns one, are you happy with it? Is the gas mileage decent?

 

If I were you I would go with a v6 auto

 

yeah nobody ever really wanted a 4 banger auto. I had a friend that had one it was alright but he started having issues with the trany once he started pulling around a pressure washing Trailer. The 4 banger manual combo was a bullet proof set up and that's what everybody wanted.

 

Just to clarify, I've read a lot of different reviews online saying that if you want an automatic with 4X4 then you might as well go with the V6. Does that sound about right? I've noticed that quite a few of the 4.0 owners around here with an auto/4X4 get 19-22 mpg when they keep it under 60. Can the same be said about the first gen 3.4 V6?

 

My 03 DC 4x4 V6 auto gets about 18 HWY.
My cousin had a 04 pre runner with the 2.7 and auto trans, and it had about the same power as my 95.5 5 lug tacoma 2.4 with the 5spd manual.

Personally, if you want a EXT or D cab you should get the v6, if you want a single cab get the 2.7 with the 5spd.

My truck feels like it lacks power now and then, bad enough that i plan to supercharge it in the next 3 years.

 

I wish I could help you on that question because that would have meant that I owned one Unfortunately I don't have any Experience with them. Is your issue With manuals that you don't know how to drive a stick or that you don't like to?

 

When searching for a 1gen(years ago)--ALL of them were difficult to find-at least a nice one. Most guys hold on to their trucks.
6cyl were more difficult to get than 4cyl.

 

My brother in law was teaching me how to drive a 5-speed in his grandfather's 1990 Mazda pickup until the radiator went out on it. He's the only one I know with a manual which is why I'm currently looking for an automatic. It seems like everyone else that I know that used to drive a stick got tired of them and went to automatics.

 

My .02, get a manual, i loved the manual in my old taco, and if i could get a DC in manual i'd have gotten one (still might swap one in later).

 

I personally wouldn't buy a 4 Cylinder automatic because the manual will make it a more capable vehicle. I have the 4.0 auto but I honestly wanted the manual. I only ended up with the auto because I couldn't pass up the deal I got on the truck. I do also have a 2000 Celica that is a manual and because of that (and the fact that I get better Gas Mileage) I drive it way more than I do my truck. I absolutely love shifting gears. It makes you feel like you are part of the machine.

The Tacoma would be a great vehicle to learn to drive a stick on Believe it or not the Clutch can take a lot of damage before it starts to Fail. And if it does its also a pretty easy clutch to replace.

 

I have a 2011 Taco with 2.7 engine ( auto trans. ) with 52k's and love it .But SHHHHH , They are the best 4 bangers on the road . Don't tell anyone or Toyota will charge even more for them ......

 

I have the 2.7 4x4 with an auto tranny. I've had it for a little over a year, now at 32k miles and very happy with it. At first, I thought it being a 4 speed, It would sit high in the rpm range at highway speeds. Cruising in overdrive, at 60mph it runs at a flat 2k rpm. At 70, about 2250 rpm.

My only dislike with the tranny is that while accelerating moderately (2k to 2.5k rpm) thru the gears, it shifts in to overdrive very early. This can be annoying while merging onto a highway or reaching the start of a hill at 2.5k rpm in 4th gear and all the sudden, no power.

However, If i maintain a flat 3k rpm thru the gears, I get into the beginning of the powerband thru 4th gear and it shifts into overdrive at just the right time. I dont want to deter anyone from this setup (2.7 with an auto) because as I said before, it has been very solid. But if you drive like me, (gramma style to pinch pennies) it'll hit overdrive a bit too soon.

3k rpm thru the gears, No problems whatsoever.

 

Just to even up some opinions between auto and manual, Where do you 2.7 manual guys find the sweet spot is for shifting rpm wise during your average daily driving?

 

they dont have any power

 

Its the same damn motor lol. It has no more or less power than a manual. its all in where u let the auto shift vs where you physically shift a manual.

Like I said with the auto, 3000 thru the gears, no early overdrive.
Gramma drivin like me (2000-2500) thru the gears, early overdrive=power compromised.

No offense man really, its just common sense

 

A auto trans has more power loss than a manual, it's just the nature of how they're designed.

 

torque converter = lost power.... so they might make the same HP but i bet stock manual vs stock auto the manual would win any day of the week.

 

Not ashamed to swallow my pride. Thanks for the education gentlemen thats why im here. Sorry I jumped the gun.

Either way, The auto is solid in the case that anyone looking to buy one is hesitant based on reviews of "less power". Its a 4 banger not a hemi so dont plan on burning up a set of tires on a night on the town lol. It'll get u from A to B just fine. And in no way am i saying its better than a manual, just a matter of preference.