4 Cyl?

Hello,

I'm in the market for a truck and am looking for some feedback. I am looking at getting a truck and a Tacoma is at the top of my list. I plan to drive it into the ground. My DD is an '01 that I have no plans to ever sell or trade. This is why I'm looking at a Tacoma, the longevity. I will mention I have no real commute and put less then 12k miles a year on my DD. I bought it in '04 with about 48k miles and I'm at 128K now...

I want a truck to just haul stuff around for the house. I used to have a Nissan pickup, one of the light trucks like a Ford Ranger from the mid 90s, and it seemed fine. So we're talking hauling stuff from Lowes or from the house to the dump. I don't have anything to tow.

My question is can I get by with a 4cyl or should I look for a v6?

My DD is a V6 with crap gas mileage, about 18 MPG or so, so that's not a big deal to me. I am used to a responsive vehicle but can adjust. Not the end of the world.

In case it matters, the truck will be 4x4. My DD is RWD and isn't great in the snow, it also sits low which doesn't help. I can handle a 4x2 in snow but don't want too. So the truck will get used more in winter as well.

 

I got a 4 n wish I got 6. Gas is the same on v6 so go with that if gas is the deciding factor.

 

Go with the V-8.

 

Drive both and see what you like. 3rd gen is significantly heavier than the second gen, so even though the 4cyl is great in my 5 spd AC, I would probably not buy it in a third gen DC that weighs 600 lbs more.

 

if the 4cyl is anything like the 4cyl in the rental camry I have now its a slow piece of junk, no balls at all.
Given the fuel is roughly the same I'd say just go with the 6. Rather have the extra power.

 

You'll save quite a bit of money with the 4cyl and it's a proven engine (20-24mpg). It will do fine around town and on two lane highways as well as hauling light/medium loads. If you frequently drive on highways or like to drive quick and pass cars then the V6 is the only way to go. You should definitely drive it first though to see if you can live with the 'adequate' and nothing more 4 cyl.

 

It's personal preference remember you can only go as fast as your suspension will let you and going fast on street gets you tickets. I've never felt under powered unless I'm at 10000 ft elevation climbing hills on road or trying race up sandy dune hills. I tow a utility trailers and heavy stuff in my bed all the time on the freeway with ease with the 5 speed and there is all kinds of space for mods in and around the engine compartment with 4cyl.

 

>>My DD is a V6 with crap gas mileage, about 18 MPG
actually that's not bad mpg.
my jeep wrangler averaged 9.5 driving it easy. my 4 cyl 4x4 Toyota truck averaged 18mpg
and the new trd v6 is getting me a little over 20. it sounds to me like the 4 cyl will be good enough
for you, however if you have it in your budget to get the v6 you should have no problem getting
your money back when its time to sell. it seems a majority of the people shopping for trucks are
opting for the 6, more power if needed and about same mpg as the 4.

 

Current 2.7L EPA rating is the same as 3.5L. The 4 banger is losing it's miser status as Toyota phases it out of the Tacoma line.

 

The only way I'd trade mine in for a 3rd gen is if they finally give up the 4cyl turbo diesel

 

I always go with a V6 if there is an option. Better to have the power and not need it than not having it when it counts. It will retain better resale value and be easier to sell just in case you ever do need to sell it....nobody has a Chrystal ball

 

I don't think so. Toyota sells to many of them.

 

anyone I ever talked to that had a 4cyl regretted it. But they had the 2nd gen. Said it bothered them. They downsized from a full sized truck to a mid size with a 4cyl to save on gas and had almost the same MPG. Might save a tiny bit on fuel. Other than cost of the V6 engine instead of the 4, not many pros to it.
I'm used to having power though so having a 4cyl N/A is just too slow to me. If it was turbo charged might be ok but as is not enough power for my use. If it had way better MPG i'd be more interested.

 

2015 double cab lower rider 2WD with Auto/2.7L = 3725lbs
2016 SR 2W double cab with Auto/2.7L = 4095lbs.
= 370lbs difference.

Where are you seeing 600lbs difference?

 

i've had a 2nd gen V6, and (2) 2nd gen 4 cyl trucks. V6 requires valve adjustments , more plugs, more oil. The 4 cyl 2.7L is proven bulletproof and its got plenty of power and great gas MPG. No need for more power here !!

 

I have the 4 cylinder with a 5 speed manual and 4x4, the only complaint is gas mileage in the inner city, which is 16 mpg.

With regards to the 4.0 V6 in the 2nd Gen Tacoma, I was aware of the eventual need for replacing the timing belt, but I was unaware that it required periodic valve adjustments.

 

I thought 2nd gen V6 has timing chain and Ive never heard of the need for valve adjustments

 

No need for valve adjustments in any modern car/truck engine that I am aware of.

 

The 4.0 Liter engine in the second generation in fact has a timing chain that doesn't require service... There is no timing belt in the 1GR-FE.

Also as an added not the odds of ever needing a valve adjustment are Very Slim.

 

The biggest advantage to the 2.7 liter 2TR-FE is that it is much more durable and has less problems than the V6. It isn't perfect, but it is damn close.