Worth buying a 4 cylinder?

Unless somebody lives in some kind of flatland there is no way you can pull it off in a v6 without pissing off local traffic.

 

when I test drove my 2.7l 4 banger I noticed it has almost as much power as my 3.4l v6 Tacoma I had previously

 

Yep, all personal tolerance levels. I've done cross country trips, driving straight through with a co-driver, 12 hour shifts, and never touched cruise. Just get the seat position right and I'm good all day.

 

Having test-driven a Ranger with the 3.0 before buying my 3.4, there is no comparison. But I agree the Taco 2.7 feels more powerful than the Ford 3.0 V6.

 

Before buying my Tacoma I read endless posts on the 4 cyl vs 6 cyl like this with (surprise!) endless opinions for and against. I have a 2015 SR5 i4 4WD and I am quite happy with it, but I don’t drive it very much.

However, I just took a road trip with my Tacoma that included driving through the hills and mountains of PA, and I have to say it was quite an adventure. You really need to jump on it to climb some of those roads and there were times when it made lots of noise, but wasn’t getting much faster. In effect, I was somewhere just above the semi trucks, campers and old people when it came to acceleration on those hills/mountains. I think I’m a good driver and think ahead (like chess, a few moves) so, I was okay and while not exactly enjoyable, it was manageable. If you wait to the last minute to accelerate or pass on those big hills/mountains, it gets a bit stressful depending on who is behind you (jerk, semi truck, jerk in a semi truck…).

Around town where I live, I absolutely love my truck and the 4 cyl is just fine. If I had to drive on similar hills (even without anything in the truck) every day, there is no way on Earth I would be happy with the 4 cylinder. So, take this for what it is worth if you are shopping and debating the two engines.

 

Ha, one of the stupidest things I ever did was drive from Boulder CO to Detroit (area) non stop except for gas in a Saturn coupe without cruise. 1600 miles, 21 hours and then, get this, I get home at 2 am and some jerk is in my PAID apartment parking spot (I put the car right behind him, left a note saying if he wakes me up to get his car, a two truck will be called). I remember on the drive switching feet, stretching (or trying to) and more. Like you said, it was miserable! It was pretty epic, but never again. The next morning I felt okay, but took a nap on the couch, then woke up 14 hours later!

 

There are 2 types of people in this world; Those who "get it", and those who don't (these people buy the V6
Any other 4 cylinder owners read Small is Beautiful by E.F. Schumacher?

 

This X2. Get a truck based on what YOU need it for.

 

Agreed, 4cyl and 5 speed manual are like PB&J.

 

Would like to see how the 4cyl performs in a commercial application hauling payloads day in and day out. Like for deliveries, landscaping, hotshotting etc.

 

I'm married, with kid, and have a base 2nd gen 2.7 5MT. It's our only vehicle. No complaints.

 

I was often stuck in the back seat of my father's Ranger Ext Cab when I was younger. I wouldn't feel good doing that to my kid. DC is barely big enough.

 

This would be awesome. Any engine with a 5 or 6MT.

 

I remember getting stuck in the back of cars, the only one I really hated was a Datsun B210 hatchback; it was like being in a pit.
Depends on the size of the driver and kid I suppose. I'm 5'10 1/2" My son is pretty happy, except for our bi-annual 9 hour trips across province to visit family, but I can't really blame him, and he'd probably be grumpy after 9 hours in a limo!
We'll see how it goes. I don't imagine him fitting once he hits his teenage years for longer trips.

 

I looked at a DC before going with the AC. That double-cab doesn't have enough room in the back for a teenage boy either. Certainly no reason to lose a foot of bed-length.

 

Between the cap, my tools, and any materials I purchase on the way to a job there's typically 500-600 lbs in the truck. Including my ass make it 700-800 lbs, more if I'm hauling sackrete, that enough for you? It does just fine and there are hills aplenty around here. It's not quick even with just the cap but it gets me there and averages ~23mpg when working(never less than 22). On trips it does better, ~25mpg(best was 27). I would say it's geared tall for flatter terrain so if you're not then a regear might suit you better, I've considered it but not convinced I need it. If you're addicted to speed and feel you have to pass everything in front of you right now then get a V6 but if there's room enough the the I4 will get by slow vehicles you just have to wait for better opportunities. I prefer to relax when on trips and passing isn't relaxing, not now and not when I had a truck with more power. I'll do it without qualms but I'll lay back and wait for my chance. If someone comes up on me I'll pull over and let them by but if they ride my bumper, fuck 'em.

 

If getting the 4cyl, get the manual. The auto is not bad but shifts points suck just like the V6. I think OV Tune is working on something for the 4Cyl.

 

While I agree and had zero issues with my 2007 4-banger, it's not an option anymore unless OP is buying used.

 

I would never buy a 4 cyl truck. They may serve a purpose to some but certainly not me.

 

Don't be cheap get the V6, it'll last longer and you will regret it if you don't.. And if you plan on putting any weight in the bed whatsoever (let alone tow ANYTHING) the V6 will do the job.

If you like the 4 cyl might as well get a corolla