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4 cyl vs 6 cyl need some help guys

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by ryanf, Nov 27, 2008.

  1. Nov 27, 2008 at 3:31 PM
    #1
    ryanf

    ryanf [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Rain Visors,
    Hey guys, I don't have a tacoma...yet. I have a 1997 Dodge 2500 With a 5.9 Cummins that has LOADS of power...but its 11 years old and it's big, and although i get 16mpg....makes for an awful commuter car.
    I also have a 2000 CRV 4cyl, that gets 19mpg and is my daily driver.

    I am debating selling both, to get a tacoma, Something i can drive everyday, and still have a truck. I do a lot of side jobs, and toy hauling (nothing huge) but rarely use the 2500's full capacity anymore.

    I am looking for a manual, access cab, 4x4. Just can't decide between the 4 & 6. I have driven the 4, but only under 50 mph. And I had no complaints.

    I just don't want to buy a car, and be angry that it is super under powered, or get the 6 and hate it because it gets bad miliage.

    So i am looking for opinions of actual owners of both, pro's and con's of both so i can make a decision...

    thanks a bunch in advance.
     
  2. Nov 27, 2008 at 3:39 PM
    #2
    jrws6

    jrws6 Well-Known Member

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    I have the 4cyl access cab 4WD, and have no regrets. I average 20-25mpg. It has 10k miles, and is an awesome truck! Toyota dependability, good MPG, and hig resale value.

    IMO if you dont regularly tow 2000 pounds, or have to drive 85mph all the time, Get the 4cyl 5spd. It will get better mileage. I can pull my 2400lb boat OK to the lake (120 mile trip, just SLOW and 3rd or 4th up hills. I live in the mountains, so BIG hills are what I am talking about.
     
  3. Nov 27, 2008 at 3:42 PM
    #3
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    Get the V6...... Gas mileage is gonna be comparable to both your Ram & Rav4. They're rated something between 17-20mpg. I have an Auto/Access cab and last summer I was getting about 18-20mpg with half city/half hwy. But now with the winter gas mix - I'm at about 17-19mpg same style driving.

    I don't think the 4cylinder gas mileage is gonna be that much higher to make it beneficial enough to pass up on getting the V6.

    After coming out of a Ram powerhouse - You'll wish you got the V6 eventually.
     
  4. Nov 27, 2008 at 3:47 PM
    #4
    WilsonTheDog

    WilsonTheDog Kylie's dad

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    V6. If you're thinking about towing at all, get the V6. The difference in MPG isn't that great between the 4cyl and the V6 (I get 18city/23hwy consistently with larger than OEM tires), especially if towing is involved. There's nothing at all wrong with the 4cyl, it's a solid engine, but just isn't for me.

    In the end, it's your call so go drive them both and see what you like.
     
  5. Nov 27, 2008 at 3:57 PM
    #5
    Wren

    Wren Well-Known Member

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    I One time had a friend in the car and asked me what type of engine was it a V6 or V8, and i was like no, this little baby is a 4 cyclinder, to even be remotely compared to a V8 is amazing

    jrws6 is right, if your not towing much and fine going slower than a 4cyl is a good choice

    Janster is also right, the gas mileage is probably so slow that unless you keep it for +10 yrs. than there will probably not be that much different, and also from going from the Ram Cummings that the 4cyl. may seem too underpowered to you
     
  6. Nov 27, 2008 at 4:21 PM
    #6
    Who Dat Popcorn

    Who Dat Popcorn Dafuq

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    Honestly the 4cyl is a great truck. But if you are looking for power, go with the V6.
     
  7. Nov 27, 2008 at 4:34 PM
    #7
    ryanf

    ryanf [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Rain Visors,
    Wow thanks for all. Both sides make a good point. the replys have been have been very helpful. I mean if the difference is is only3/4 mpg. It's worth me getting the 6. The 4 would prob be good till I tried putting a ton of stone in the back. Coming from a 12v 500 ft/lb diesel everything is under powered. But I only drive 75/80 anyway and most of the time I am in traffic. Just don't want to get the 4 and like it but always say ehhhh wishing had the 6.
    Whatabout maintenec and longevity. I know the 4 lasts forever, what about the 6?
    Keep it coming info is great thanks
     
  8. Nov 27, 2008 at 4:45 PM
    #8
    Who Dat Popcorn

    Who Dat Popcorn Dafuq

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    I think the V6 spark plugs should be changed every 30K miles and the 4cyl is good for 100K. I could be wrong though.
     
  9. Nov 27, 2008 at 4:46 PM
    #9
    06BLUEDBLSPORT

    06BLUEDBLSPORT Well-Known Member

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    the 6 is like the 4, it takes a beating and keeps going. But if u do get a 4 and hate the power, you could always get engine part upgrades to get more power
     
  10. Nov 27, 2008 at 4:56 PM
    #10
    Wren

    Wren Well-Known Member

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    if you know that if you get a 4cyl and in the back of your head think what if i had got it or i should have got it, then it looks like you've already made up your mind, get the six
     
  11. Nov 27, 2008 at 6:16 PM
    #11
    oldtacomaguy

    oldtacomaguy four forty four

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    I've got the 6 and couldn't be happier. Mileage is around 22 for me, mostly back roads, 55-60 mph. I test drove a reg cab 4 cyl 5 speed and it was a really nice truck, but I wanted an extended cab. I thought the ex. cab with a 4 and the automatic felt a little underpowered. You really can't go wrong with either one, but I'd be leaning to the 6.
     
  12. Nov 27, 2008 at 6:20 PM
    #12
    WilsonTheDog

    WilsonTheDog Kylie's dad

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    ^Plus you have IRP which proves you're clearly more intelligent than non-IRP owners.
     
  13. Nov 27, 2008 at 6:23 PM
    #13
    oldtacomaguy

    oldtacomaguy four forty four

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    Why thank you!
     
  14. Nov 27, 2008 at 6:31 PM
    #14
    gavonder

    gavonder She's Kickass!

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    I've got an '08 access cab v6 with 23000 + miles so far - it's young, but so far so good.
    I did have a '99 v6, and I had no problems with it. It had 160000 miles when I sold it. I think either of the Toyota engines will be reliable. They just last.

    I agree with the others, I think you would be happy with the v6 over the 4, coming from the Dodge.

    GA
     
  15. Nov 27, 2008 at 7:01 PM
    #15
    TacoNut

    TacoNut IgnoringChrisWatchingEdLi veVicariouslyThroughMJP2

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    get the six... coming from the cummins you'd regret it. It is very easy to get 20 MPG city out of the six by just backing off the throttle a little if needed.
     
  16. Nov 27, 2008 at 7:06 PM
    #16
    Blueridge

    Blueridge Well-Known Member

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    I was contemplating the same thing a month or so ago. I was initially leaning towards the 4cyl. I drove both models for a day and decided on the 4.0L. I have to tow a 3000# trailer occasionally, and wasn't sure if I was going to like the shifting a few years down the road. I have about 1K miles and my last fill up yielded 20.4 mpg.
     
  17. Nov 27, 2008 at 8:28 PM
    #17
    gainman

    gainman Semper Fi

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    if mileage is a concern, dont bother with the v6. might as well keep the cummins
     
  18. Nov 28, 2008 at 5:02 AM
    #18
    Simon's Mom

    Simon's Mom Wag More Bark Less

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    I remember someone here recently in the same situation took home a 4 one day and the 6 the next to make his choice. You already know that compared to what you drive now its gonna be different so.....do the seat of your pants test yourself .... better to get what you want the first time around. I prefer the 6 cyl for I tow all winter. Happy buying.
     
  19. Nov 28, 2008 at 10:31 AM
    #19
    ryanf

    ryanf [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Rain Visors,
    The thing is, in NYC diesel is $1.50 a gallon. and my trucks has got 160K on it. So it's starting to nickel and dime me to death. So the miliage might be the same but its reliable.

    Also i know anything less then a what i have will be weaker but i really don't tow, yank or haul like i used too.

    So that's what i am basing it on.
    thanks
    ryan
     
  20. Nov 28, 2008 at 10:39 AM
    #20
    jstrauch

    jstrauch Member

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    nothing yet, first thing is new tires.
    If you are going to be towing I would say go with the V6. I have been averaging close to 20mpg mixed over the last 3 tanks, not stellar, but nothing to complain about out of a truck.
     

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