New member with a comparison question

Please forgive me if this is in the wrong section.
I am new here and am looking to get a new vehicle. The vehicle will mainly be used for hunting trips which include off-roading. I am looking for a vehicle that will do well off-roading and will be easy to drive when off-roading. I am trying to to decide which will suit me better between a 2.7L 4cyl Tacoma and a 3.0L V6 4runner. BTW my budget is about 6500$
Thanks for any help.

 

welcome! the 3.0 v6 is notorious for leaking head gaskets and has generally earned its nickname: "three point slow". between those two engines, i'd go for the 2.7l every day of the week.

now, the 3.4l v6... that's another story entirely. the 5vz-fe engine is possibly one of toyota's best. it has a proven track record.

 

I second this

 

Thanks for the input guys. I assume the 3.0L has the same reputation in the Tacoma. Correct?
Do you think the 4cyl Tacoma will suit me well or should I wait for a 3.4l v6 in a 4runner. A v6 Tacoma would probably be ideal but I can't find one within my budget.

 

correct, the 3.0 in a tacoma is the same as a 3.0 in the 4runner. same goes for the 3.4 -- it's the same engine (5vz-fe) in both the tacoma and 4runner.

the 2.7 would be fine, but i'd go for the v6 if you can at all swing it for a number of reasons:
- resale
- power (once you start adding armor and gear, you'll want the extra grunt) ((and if you're sitting there thinking "i won't go overboard with gear"... you're on TacomaWorld. the slippery slope has already begun. it's over and you just don't know it yet! ))
- fuel mileage is *not* much worse with the v6 over the 4cyl.

 

I'll keep looking for a 3.4l v6 that I can afford (unfortunately my budget is pretty firm). If not I'll go with the 2.7l 4cyl.
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. It really helped me out.

 

3.4l V6! The 2.7 4 banger won't give you the power needed. I have seen some 3.4l around in your budget. You would have to save up for mods though but it will be worth it.