First time buyer 2017 I4 or V6

Hi All,

New user here hoping to join the community. Considering buying a new 2017 tacoma and was hoping some members could weigh in on whether I should go I4 or V6. Right now I am leaning towards the SR model with 4x4 5 speed manual transmission and I4. I live a fairly active outdoor lifestyle, surfing and climbing. Would drive a little on logging roads but nothing crazy and deal with snow. Not planning on hauling or towing anything major. This would be mainly a getting around town and road trip vehicle.

My budget is pretty tight (new college grad) and I love manual transmissions.. I'm skeptical about forking out the extra 7k for a V6 & manual. Any thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated!

On a side note, the SR manual 4x4 I4 has MSRP around 25,000.. How much should I be looking to haggle down?

Thanks!

 

That 2.7 is the same as in the 2nd gen and it has forged rods, later on down the road u can take the 7k u save and throw some boost on it and make more power and be in it for less.

 

Do it! This configuration is probably the most "bullet proof" Tacoma available new, engine and trans are made in Japan and have been around for a long time.

Good luck!

 

2.7

 

Get what you can afford. You really can't go wrong either way.

 

There are tons of happy owners of the SR I4, 4x4, manuals. If it fits your budget, try to find one to test drive and go for it!

 

If you're not towing, or hauling heavy loads, the 2.7 is perfect. I've owned a 2002 2.7 4wd with a 5 speed, and currently own a 2.7 4wd auto, and couldn't be happier. Like you,I don't tow anything or haul any significant weight so the 2.7 works very well for me. In addition, both trucks have been trouble free.

 

'16 SR, 5SPD, 2.7L here. Love the truck & zero issues so far. Bought it March of '16 & just rolled over 17k miles.

I got the second most basic model. I even skipped getting a remote for it. Which i kinda regret, will get a aftermarket one down the road.

I bought mine for $24,991, plus tax. Also, check out @moe2o4. He has a SR, but he's basically made his into a TRD-Pro. Haha

 

I chose the I4 SR. I needed the long bed and 4WD, and wanted a manual transmission. Couldn't justify the 7-8k jump to a Sport.
It's my fourth 4cyl/4WD/5spd Yota, and I don't regret my decision at all. I've put 24k problem free miles on so far.
Even with a cap, bed slide, and load, she still gets 22-24 MPG. Intermittent wipers and cruise control aren't hard or expensive to add.
If you're not gonna tow with it, save your money for adventures. The 4 will always get you there, just not quickly.

 

Id buy whichever you could afford (and be honest with yourself, you won't regret it a year or two down the line if you actually get something within your budget), they would both be fine for your needs.

The v6 is slow and lacks power too so don't think you are missing out on anything if you have the i4 with an access cab. I haven't driven one but I had a v6 double cab and it was a snail even with the manual transmission.

 

Make sure you test drive both.

 

I had last gens I4 and let me tell you, you definitely are missing out on power and speed if you choose the I4 over the V6. Is the I4 more "bullet-proof"? Yes. No one debates that, but the power difference between the two engines in ENORMOUS.

It's the difference between getting up to speed and merging on the highway like you want to, or revving the gears out and still pissing people off because you can't get the damn I4 up to 70-75 fast enough. It's the difference between cruising at 60-65 at 17-2000 rpms and 3500 rpms. The MPG's aren't even better these days on the I4's, so really you're only looking to save some money on the front end.

I've had the 2.7, the 4.0, and now the 3.5, if you can afford the v6 at all, GET IT. If you can't afford the v6 then buy an older gen tacoma.

 

If you aren't towing a bunch the 2.7 will work just fine. It's a simpler, easier to service, cheaper to replace and marginally more economical engine.

 

2.7 I4 for the win
Has plenty of power last forever a real Toyota

 

I have the V-6 3.5-L and I don't think it has enough power!!! Personally, I would never buy the 4-cylinder. You could get-by in a I4, but you will be slow.

 

That 7000 dollar truck will always be worth more. Planning on keeping your truck say 7 years? How much more resale value does the V6 have over the 4? Plus the V6 might include other features you might like to have. Got to live with what we can afford though. The 6 is better but the 4 will do.

 

I'm not buying a 4400# truck with 157 hp.

 

4x4 5-spd is 4195 lbs. More payload than the "big boy v6" trucks
All that extra bullshit that Toyota overcharges for on the Trds etc. weighs a lot.

 

Hell, if the Tacoma had a V8 option, I would buy it !!!

 

You can get a Colorado (used) with a V8.