Looking to buy my first Tacoma. 4cyl vs 6 cyl?

I am looking to buy an older used Tacoma for my primary vehicle. I have a few options on my local Craigslist. the Tacomas with a 6 cylinder engine seem to run a bit more expensive, and I know the fuel efficiency isn't as good. The only things I would haul on a regular basis would be firewood, and a lawn mower, so no big loads, but I do live in the mountains, and it would be my hunting/trapping truck, so I do want something capable of climbing well, and good at adverse road conditions.

Maybe some of ya'll who drive these trucks on a regular basis can help me make an informed decision.

 

v6

 

Not again

 

The mpg loss isn't much between the two engines. Power difference, there's a lot.

V6 FTW

 

This is exactly what I was going to say, then I noticed it's a first gen thread. I figured this might be the case with gen 1's as well. another v6 vote here, although I do love my 2.7

Edited to add, welcome! noticed you joined today. Lots of good folks and info around here

 

I love my 4 cylinder. it does everything I need it to. but I have a second gen too if that matters.

 

V6

I pull a boat trailer every weekend during duck season, so a V6 was a must for me. I think the question would be manual vs. auto.

Keep in mind frame rust as well. You can search a TON of topics on this web-site to help you with that as well to get an idea of what to look for before you buy. Make sure you look it over, up and down, inside and out and back again. I'm in Houston, so we don't really have those kinds of issues down here, but being up in the mountains, it might be something to look at.

Just my .02

 

V6 for the extra power (though 190 hp is still not a lot by today's standards).

Be sure to check maintenance records to see if timing belt replacement is due.

 

Love my v6 trd lots of power n easy to work on . IMO
GOOD LUCK

 

I vote v6. I had a 2.7. it was a good engine, but low on hp. The v6 has about 190hp.

 

The 4 will be slow but do it's job with proper downshifting and keeping the RPMs in the happy zone on mountains. If you're a fast lane speed demon tailgater you won't like it. The V6 will have a little more power. Both will suit your needs and both are famous for reliability. The 3.4L V6 has a timing belt which always kind of turned me off, but I rarely here of people have trouble with them as long as they change them. If I was traveling in remote regions without cell service and reliability was paramount above all else I'd go 4 cyl (actually, this is exactly what I did).

In the end I'd let other factors decide which truck is best for you and just roll with whichever engine is in the one you feel good about and adapt.

 

Duh ... 1st gen. Sorry!

 

V6 MT

 

What cab size? V6 for double cab and extra cab. 2.7 manual for regular cab and extra cab will get the job done, but you'll have to shift accordingly as mentioned.

 

wut?

I have a diptick on my v6 auto (2004)

 

No matter what you do to the 2.7 it won't make the power of a v6. The 6 can do everything the 4 can do, the 4 can't do everything the 6 can do. MPG on both is going to suck. Neither engine is a powerhouse, especially compared to more modern vehicles.

 

I think he was thinking of 2nd gens, on 1st gens the v6 AT does indeed have a dipstick.

OP I would go with the v6 if you can. The 3.4l is a very reliable motor

 

I have had great luck out of my V6. General maintenance and the 3.4 can run for 400K or more.

 

Not another I4 vs. V6 thread!

 

As an owner/driver of the 2.7 (and I do love the truck/motor/gearing/wheels setup) - I'd prefer the V6