4 vs 6 cylinder Tacoma

I'm always a big advocate for the 4-cyl. You can buy a lot of gas with the $6k price difference over the 6 cyl.

If you need to tow then get the 6-cyl.

 

Your 2006 tacoma was at least 1000 lbs lighter than these gen3's.

 

What is the code on the rear axle?
My is A4, A04A on the door's frame.

 

I had a 2nd gen 2.7 I4. I drove it to 200K miles and I never had an issue. Sometimes I went 20K miles without changing the oil, and I never changed a single spark plug. I definitely pushed to towards the edge.

I think it's more reliable than some of Toyota's more legendary engines like the 22RE or the 1UZ.

 

I'm just going by my old truck with a 22re, that I drove for 19 years to 590k miles.

The 2.7 is a later version of that motor. 15 minute spark plug change. 40 minute water pump change, and most everything else is that fast and easy compared to the 3.5.

Plus no major oil leaks on the 2.7. Hands down it's a better engine than the 3.5. If one can live with less power, it's the way to go.

FYI, I could not live with less power, and bought the 3.5, knowing the 2.7 was better.

I'd had enough of 3rd gear climes over the sierra mountains for close to 20 years.

 

From what I’ve read and from peoples responses, I’m leaning towards the 4 cylinder. If I have to tow more for work, luckily these things hold their value and I’ll trade in for the 6.

 

4 banger = reliable commuter car
V6 = enjoyable to drive

 

I have the 2.7 and it does feel sluggish until you get a pedal commander and it totally changes the truck. I think its a 100% must on these trucks takes away the dead delay in the pedal makes it so much more responsive. I chose the 2.7 because i wanted the reliability and the ease of working on it, plan on keeping this truck 2-300k plus. If i was not planning to keep it for the long haul i would have got the 6, i was ok with the power loss because in my mind it was worth having the more reliable, easier and cheaper to service truck.

 

Unless your bent on getting a new truck? Look for the last year toyota offered the I4/MT. If you fine one with less than 100k, you'll be in like flynn.

 

I’ve been searching online for used ones and they’re rare in my area. They have a 2017 access cab 4wd 4cyl with 70k listed for 2.5k less than a new access cab SR 4cyl 4x4

 

I have started to wonder, I bought everything to tune the truck, however the last few hundred miles have felt really good and I can now reliably get started moving in 2nd gear. I'm not sure I want to tune it anymore. It is not just me getting use to the truck either.

 

Yeah, that sums it up.

I've driven 4 cylinder cars all my life, until getting a V6 Tacoma. Everywhere I drive has hills, including major grades on highways. This is the first time I've felt my vehicle just needed a light touch on the gas and it could climb while holding its speed.

For flat areas and/or light loads, I don't see a need for a V6.

 

The 4 cylinder is a dog. Great reliable engine but I personally wouldn’t enjoy driving one. Even the v6 is a bit anemic especially when loaded down. It’s a wash for reliability. Both engines will drive 350,000 or more with proper maintenance. My dads highlander is sitting at 340,000 on its 3.5 liter v6. My 16 tacoma is close to 150k and it still drives like new. The gen 3s are heavy boys and the 4cly will struggle to maintain speed up passes. Because you are using it as an in town vehicle it sounds like the 4cly will do just fine. Just expect it to be a pig.

 

I see A4 on the axle pumpkin, but nothing like that on the door frame.

 

When i test drove the 4 back in 2020 it was ok going from the dealer a mile or so down into the center of the city. Going back up the long hill to the dealer was totally different having to wind the motor up pretty good just to keep with traffic. I tow a 2k lb boat, and have utility trailer also. Told myself no way am i going back to this 4 after having a v8 tundra, i don't care how reliable it is.

 

Look the last line under the bar one on the sticker -should be A/TR and then A04A and the transmission model
Here is the thing. Based on the axle code by toyota, we may have 3.7 diff.

 

I have had 2 v6 and 2 4 cylinder.. and I would say go for the 4 cylinder .. I think it’s more Reliable than the V6.. fuel is a wash .. I have 22 sr access and it is fine for in town or on the highway.. it’s perfect for 1 or two people .. both trucks are slow to be honest .. compared to other makes with the v6 or if you were to step up to a v8 .. 4 cylinder all the way ..

 

Only thing close to that is A/TM/AC60F

 

If was to buy another new 22 I would still pick the 22 sr access cab .. 4 cylinder.. cheaper overall and more Reliable.. I feel you get more bang for your buck .. unless you want more bells and whistles which a lot people do .. for me I happy with a key and I happy overall with the
Utility package.. If they still offer this truck in three years I’m going to buy another one after this one is paid off ..