Need help deciding on 2010 Tacoma!!

Hi guys,

I'm new on here. I have never owned a Tacoma before and am in the middle of purchasing one. I will quickly bring you up to speed. 2 weeks ago I test drove a 2.7L 5spd SR5. I liked it very much but found it to be rather gutless. But I enjoyed how smooth it was and it could move around quite fine, but definitely wouldn't break any records off the line. So I was set on the 4 banger and felt I didn't need to test drive the V6. So i put a deposit down on the 4. Then after a week of it eating me up, I drove the V6 auto (didnt have any 6spd manuals on the lot) and I was blown away at how quick it was and enjoyed the piece of mind knowing I had that power there if needed. It felt like some of the sports cars I have owned in the past and suddenly found myself questioning my decision. Now, the only thing I foresee myself hauling with this truck is my dirtbike and some gear. Call it 300lbs at most. So on paper, I don't really need the V6 at all. Plus I want to drive stick, but I can't test drive a 6spd manual because right now there are absolutely none in my area and I am reading they can be a real pain in the ass mostly if you drive in traffic alot, which I do a fair amount of time.

Can any of you guys share your thoughts and opinions?

 

hey man......i would tend to go with the 6 cause like you its my daily driver and a but bikes and such in the back usually dirt bike or a couple mountain bikes..... however a couple instances its been awesome to have the 6 on my trd first off when carrying more than a single dirt bike it gets overwhellmed..... secondly in two instances i have towed heavy trailers once a jeep crawler from colorado to moab..... v6 was very helpful and the other time i was pulling my friends 22 foot shop trailer that was full of tools it was definately a peace of mind. Also the engine braking works way better on the v6 than the 4 useful if you live in a mountainous place like me...... finally if you plan t do any mods the v6 is much eaisier to equip!!!!
I have driven both tranny styles the stick 6 is sweet and if youve driven sports cars its not a pain at all ive driven my fathers audi s6 III and porche gt 3 r/s and its way way easier!!!! but i chose the auto for ease and towing. Finally what cab config are you getting that is important to engine size as well!!

 

Just bought a 2010 reg cab, 4X4, 2.7 manual transmission 4 banger. I've had it for 6 months now and I am very satisfied. I am about to get a tow package installed so I can trailer my 15 ft boat around. I don't forsee any issues with the 4 banger and trailing. It is also really good on gas.

It's the funnest vehicle I have ever driven and it's sick off road. Sounds like you already have your choice locked in. I'd go for it. It has a simple engine and control system so it's definately great for your basic "do-it-youself" maintenance. I've already learned a ton about this truck. Spend a lot of time underneath your truck with a cold beer and learning about what and where everything is.

Good luck.

 

I'm going with the access cab. I am in no need of anything more than that. I am completely up in the air as to what I should get.....A part of me is really cheap and thinks i'd love the 4 banger for this reason and I think it would be just dandy hauling my bike around and would function rather well as a daily driver in 60% city and 40% Highway. But, the 6's power did feel awful good, but I think that will only make me drive the thing harder and take more $$ out of my pockets, more often.

 

The 6 speed doesn't suck in traffic any more than any other manual imo. There have been issues with folks wearing out takeout bearings/pilot shafts.

It's been said already today:

Have and Not Need > Need and Not Have

I didn't even consider the 2.7 when I shopped my truck...I knew that I'd want to be able to tow down the line. SOO...V6 it was for me. You gotta decide what you need and what you want to pay for.

 

go with a v6 if you ever plan on hauling anything 4 banger isnt gonna be as fun to drive

 

if you don't plan on towing anything regularly then go with the 2.7 hands down. The highest payload capacity on a tacoma is actually the 2.7 prerunner standard cab.

 

Definitely go with the V6. I've seen tough traffic on California's I-5 - the V6 is useful there; towed across the country twice, first from East Coast to West Coast, then back 2 years later - you'll want that V6 for the towing, trust me; we're only talking a few MPG different between the 2 engines and the extra money upfront will pay for itself later in usefulness; lastly, having the peace of mind that your engine can handle whatever comes is worth it.

Get the 4x4 too. You'll want it. Seriously.

 

Go with the V6. Never in my life have I said, "gee, sure wish I had less power." I've also never said, "gee, sure wish I hadn't put bacon on that." so take that for what it's worth.

 

I got the 2.7l 5sp Access Cab SR5.
I love it.
I have hauled around a lot of furniture, but haven't hooked it up to a trailer yet. Based on what I have seen so far there won't be any problems.

If you are heavy on acceleration you will get 20mpg, I am getting about 22mpg for winter driving (bought it Dec1).

If you really like the feeling of power and jump on it a lot with the V6 you will have considerably lower mileage than that.

One thing to consider, if you spend a significant time on the interstate above 75mph the 4cyl mileage will probably be similar to the V6 since the 4cyl starts to need a lot of pedal, especially on hills.

 

After owning a 2.7 four banger Taco for seven years, I can assure you that the "fun" factor is in-effect. I have towed with it, although it's only about five times a year. Never had a problem towing, and the MPG has been great. I've also driven from CA to FL, over mountains and through valleys. I'm old school, believing that you don't need a six cylinder unless you PLAN on towing a lot, or forging trails through challenging terrain. I have averaged (city/highway) 21.7 MPG since I bought it new. Highway only I can average 24! I'd compare it with hunting: why carry around a heavy .50 caliber rifle around (because you MIGHT need it), when a light .308 will do!

 

Because a 50 is overkill....A V6 is just handy. And carrying around a V6 doesn't tire me out nearly as much as carrying around a 50.

 

Ya I forgot to mention that, i'm getting the 4x4. But like I was saying before, I don't plan on towing anything at all nor do I plan on doing any off-roading. The biggest load I will have is my bike, MAYBE 2 bikes the odd time. As well, i'm not lugging other passengers around, just me myself and I most of the time. I think the whole V6 thing with me is mostly ego related.

But i'm enjoying everyone's opinion!

 

If your not towing and are happy with the 2.7's ability around town...go for it. You won't need the power of the v6, however keep in mind that you'll have a 4.10 rear end so if you regularly drive 70+mph your mileage is going to suffer.

 

Well, obviously people on here are going to tell you the best choice is what THEY bought. You have to decide what's best for YOU and your needs.

*I* wanted the least expensive truck I could buy (daughter in college and two more right behind her) that got the best fuel mileage possible (100-mile round-trip commute), so I got a regular cab 2WD 2.7L 5-speed manual. I routinely get 26-27 MPG on my commute and have even seen 28 on several occasions. It has PLENTY of power for anything you'll encounter on the road. Hills and passing are not a problem and I've even found the electronic speed limiter at 110 MPH a couple of times. I also haul my dirt and street bikes in it no problem at all. Don't even know they're back there - and the low deck height makes loading/unloading easy. I also occasionally tow my 17' bowrider boat (about 2000 lbs with fuel and gear) and the truck handles it VERY well. Extremely stable, plenty of braking, and adequate power. It has no problem maintaining speed on any but the steepest hills with the boat back there - and a quick shift down to 4th takes care of that.

Bottom line: After a year of driving my truck, I have yet to encounter a situation where I needed a V6. The 2.7L was the best choice for me. If I had the choice to make again today, I'd buy it again.

 

Definately go 4x4 i was talking to my friend to do who got a x runner......totally different animal i know....but hes like man you really sould have gotten a 4x2 with these gas prices, an im like your the one i pull out of the ditch every odd day in the winter....

as far a v6 vs I4 goes again its up to you i just like the extra power and really the cost isnt significant when you think resale value....but really do what you think....my friend has an I4 and ive driven it and its a single cab and still feels a little weak to me.....also ive used his in 4wheel high and low and it feels a little hagered by the 4wd system

 

No, overkill is a Carl Gustav But when you NEED one of them, they sure are handy!

http://world.guns.ru/grenade/gl10-e.htm

 

Alright. Well the verdict is in. I am picking up my first Tacoma tomorrow. 2010 4x4 SR5 2.7L. I just couldn't justify having a V6 and I think the 4-banger will be great for my minimal needs. With that said, I immediately plan to tint the windows and put some Westin powder coated black nerf bars on. As well i'd like to give the truck some more throat. Does anyone recommend a K&N CAI? I want to keep it simple as it's only a 4-banger!

 

i'm sure you'll be happy with it, check out the AFE intake.

 

Congratulations! You will not be disappointed.