2016 Tacoma 4 cylinder buyers remorse?

I had an '08 4 cyl Tacoma. I went through EXACTLY what you're talking about. Depending on the drive you have to make (uphill, higher highway speeds, etc.) the 4 cyl can actually get worse MPG than the V6. Which was exactly the case for me. I had zero power, and I got worse MPG's overall.

That being said, don't spend your money upgrading the truck. If you don't have enough power now, NOTHING short of a turbo, is going to help.

If you have the finances, do yourself a favor and trade it in. I did, and I couldn't be happier.

 

what are the MPG numbers you are getting with the v6? my 2.7l with the warmer weather is getting pretty solid at 23 mpgs that stock, auto,4x4

 

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In real world mileage, having to push the 4 harder, the mileage is not much different for the I4 or V6.

Of course this depends on your driving situations too i.e. hills, flat ground, etc.

 

If you aren't happy with it, you aren't. Is it because you think you need it?

I bought the V6 because I had an idea I would tow something. If my situation was different, I could see buying a I4, AC, MT, 4X4 and be satisfied. You have to decide what really want or need and is it worth spending the coin on.

Edit: I find that MPGs vary depending on the driver.... at least with the V6. How you drive it really matters.

 

In the north Georgia area, the Sunday paper was always loaded with "come buy it prices" on special models. I bought my '98 that way. The ad said, " Toyota Tacoma 4x4 access cab. 4cyl, 5 spd, air, 4 spkr stereo, chrome package, sliding rear window. PRICE: $17,099. I called the dealer and the salesman said they had 2 of them ... both white. I drove over, took a test drive, and signed the papers. It also had a bedliner and factory floor mats that weren't mentioned in the ad. They tried to talk me into upgrading to a more optioned model, but it was exactly what I wanted. A nice looking Taco work truck with air. Bottom-line MSRP on the window sticker was $22,336, so it was a good deal. I put 300k+ miles on it and it never let me down.

- JAMES

 

It's crazy you can still buy a 2017 base model 4x4 access cab for around 23k

 

No one believes me when I tell them the out-the-door price of my utility pack 4x4

 

thats a steal

 

And in 10 years when we go to sell our trucks , I think we will retain the most resale . If u keep it nice and clean and the miles normal , Bet U could drive the truck for free. LOL

 

Best deal in the automotive universe.. cheap purchase price, ultra-reliable & cheapest vehicle on the road to maintain, lowest depreciation of anything anywhere. Put it in 4 low and you can pull a 6,000lb boat up a slimy launch ramp.

 

These are hard to find in my area...probably because everyone snatches them up.

 

I had to order mine , dealer said they sell soon as they hit the ground (which isn't too often) . They only have so many four cylinders for US production

 

GST and SET dealers don't like to sell them because there isn't as much profit. So, they don't order many.

 

Ive got a 2016 2.7L AC with a 5 speed. It is modified with Kings, full skids, sliders, and larger tires. No matter what I do this truck always averages 18-20 MPG, Empty, fully loaded, aired down, on road, off road, etc. Friends with the new V6 and similarly modified rigs are lower near the 14-15 MPG range.
Sometimes its slow and the MPG isnt that much better, but it will get you to where you need to go without question.

 

I just had a thought: have you checked the air filter in a while? If you take it out and look to see if it looks dirty or not. You could bang it against the palm of your hand to see if any dirt/dust comes out.

If it seems dirty then get a new air filter. I'll bet you'll see an improvement in your mpg's.

 

Air filters don't really affect mpg anymore, closed loop fuel injection pretty much controls the air/fuel ratio independent of air filter.

 

Thanks for the info...it's been 15 years since a new car and I've obviously got a lot to learn LOL!

 

The filter is filthy sometimes but i do change it when needed. I mean that i average the same mpg all the time as a good thing. Its down to those numbers due to tires and extra weight. Regardless i love the 4 banger and it doesnt let me down.

 

I had to tow a scissor lift back to work once probably 4000-5000 but no one knows

 

Oh yeah. Was/am super stoked on the price I got this 17 AC 5spd 4x4 utility 4 cyl.