4 cylinder or V6?

So I've decided to get a Tacoma 3rd gen. This will be my first truck. I've been doing research on which model and engine size to get, and everywhere I look they say it depends on your intended use. I will be getting a used model probably from a dealer.
So my intended use would be to carry stuff in the bed (fitting large thing that would not fit in a SUV or car). I have a motorcycle for commuting to and from work so this would mostly be used only in the afternoons and weekends.
I do not intend on hauling anything that I can think of.
Money is a big consideration when deciding on the engine size, and knowing that I will not haul anything it makes me wonder if I even need the extra power. The only reason I'm considering the v6 is because I have heard that the 4 cyl is lacking in power, and I do use my vehicles on the freway alot.

 

V6 definitely. It’s like motorcycles. If you go to small, you’ll be wanting more soon. And 3rd gens are pricey no matter what. You should get the extra power before regretting

 

when I got mine, I wanted to save money and got the 4, but now I wish I would have just got the 6 from the get go.

 

Thanks for the quick response and input. I do recall I was advised not to get a 300 or lower for a first bike and went with a 500. I am so glad I listened to them and didn't get something that small. I will definitely take that into consideration when making the purchase. thanks.

 

It sounds like the 4 banger will do what you need. I wouldn’t even worry about hauling the full capacity with it. Towing heavy trailers is another story.

I have owned 3 different 4cyl pickups and they all got the job done, but my current 6cyl taco is a luxury that I would not like to do without given my current needs and wants.

 

Things to think about from a four cylinder owner:

Where do you live? Elevation and hilly areas are V6 territories. Low elevation and flat lands open up the I4 for consideration
You mentioned you're not hauling or towing anything, so the 2.7 can again be considered.
Do you want 4WD and a Double Cab? Four Cylinder isn't even an option.
If you want RWD then again, the lighter truck makes a four cylinder palatable.
Do you like to drive fast and are you an (I mean no offense) impatient driver? Probably consider the 6.
What vehicles have you owned previously? Pretty much, if you've owned a V8 of any kind at any point, you might not like the four. I previously owned a four cylinder Celica and a V6 Chevy Equinox that I drove like a grandma, so getting a four cylinder truck was par for the course for me.

Acceleration around town between the two at normal (re: legal) speeds doesn't provide that noticeable of a difference given the Four's higher final drive vs. the six. (4.30 vs 3.90 when comparing AT to AT). The six with the Manual is the best way to go for power and power delivery.

I live in Phoenix, the elevation is low and the grounds are flat. I do hit some inclines going out of town, but the truck just revs to get the job done. I wanted 4WD and didn't need a double cab, so an Access Cab was a no-brainer. I don't really drive fast and I don't consider myself a terribly impatient driver. At highway speeds around here the four cylinder is fine. Travelling the interstate out of town is a different story, so I need to be a bit more patient. Off road is a wash as the four and six are pretty much the same given the limits of traction.

I sought out my four cylinder and love it. It's a simple engine, there's tons of space in the engine bay for when I eventually have to start wrenching on it, and I'm not a lead footed driver so I'm fine in that regard. I spent $30k and got a brand new, fantastic four wheel drive truck. The SX package has most people guessing I spent $40k and an (admittedly less informed) Tacoma owner thought I owned a TRD Pro.

But your mileage may vary.

 

I would test drive both the 4 and 6 cylinder models and see what you like.

 

I would go with v6 like others said before, if you get the 4, you might want more later despite using more gas.

 

I have both a V6 and a 4 cylinder (the v6 is a nissan though..) While the 4 cylinder does fine on the freeway, the v6 feels at home there and eats miles like nothing.

And honestly, the gas mileage isn't that different either. The 4 cylinder is better around town, but that truck 1300lbs lighter and is geared lower, so that isn't really a fair fight. They're about the same on the highway.

 

Welcome to the forum! I think another thing to consider is if you live in an area that has a lot of hills/higher altitude (edit: just saw that @Snaeper mentioned this). The 4 banger may struggle a little bit more. But eitherway, I dont think you can go wrong. Especially, if you don't plan to tow.

 

Exactly

This. ^

If you decide the 6 is what you would like better, but the price delta spooks you, either wait and save more or shop a bit older/cheaper.

As far as personal experience, my 4 cyl 5 lug does everything I want just fine. And the ones with less lug nuts are even cheaper and ride better. (But I also have no need for 4wd.)

 

The 4 cyl will absolutely blow the 6 out of the water when it comes to reliability and longevity. The 4 has a very long record of problem free miles.

 

V6 manual trans OP

 

While the 2.7 may in fact be immortal, the V6 has proven to be very reliable as well. I mean check out all the threads about problems with the V6...

159 HP Vs. 278 in a 4500# truck...

 

v-6. i RARELY romp on it but it moves that dbcb very well. start at s1 and go from there and that bitch goes!

 

No doubt. I don't know what a 2.7 AC 2wd Taco in the third gen goes for weight wise, but it's gotta be 4000#.

 

Do the test drive thing. My 4 banger with lots of tools in the back was sluggish on highway onramps and trying to kick past people (hint: you learn not to bother). It's empty now (replaced by a van) and a lot nicer, though I'm not going to say super-quick.

 

My 2.7 ac 2wd taco said it was 3400 lbs stock no jump seats but with gas and boards and more that I added, it has to be more.

 

What year?

According to Toyota.com, a 2.7 2wd AC SR is 3915# lol.
My TRD OR is 4445# for the record.

 

Absolutely a V6!