4 Cylinder versus V6

Hi all,
Trying to narrow down a Tacoma to either a 4x4 DoubleCab with the V6 and the 6 Speed or the XTraCab 4X4 with the 4Cylinder and the manual 5-Speed manual tranny.

Would love to have the extra room of the double cab but I have heard that the 4_Cylinder is a great engine and will have better fuel economy.

This truck will be a daily driver as well as our Desert and Baja vehicle.

Any thoughts?

Thx,
Bob

 

I have the V-6 in my access cab and really like it. Not great fuel mileage, but all around seems to be a great motor. It has plenty of torque for pulling loads. I would say spend the extra money for the V-6.

 

Thanks for that.
Does seem like a pretty heavy truck for a 4 banger

Bob

 

Is that a 2 Wheel drive? That is great mileage for a truck.
Thanks,
Bob

 

Heya Surf,

I have an '06 4x4 Access Cab with the 4 popper as well. Like Dave, I get between 24 & 27 mpg. I won't win many races, but I won't get run over either. I Love my Taco. No need for the V6 here.

Mr_CNC

 

Guess they are pretty hard to find in SoCal. Everyone wants the V6 so the search begins.........

 

If you are not going to be towing anything big, the 4cylinder will get high twentys fuel economy and tow small loads fine (3500 lbs). But, if you are going to want the extra grunt that 263 foot pounds of touque puts out, then the new 4.0 liter will get you what you want and it will still have life-time timing chains. The 6 speed manual shifts sweet but the 5speed auto has some very nice features about it that any truck lover will appreciate.

 

I have an 05 Tacoma Reg cab with man tranny. I get 25.8 mpg around town efvery time. I only added a K & N FIPK for when I need an after burner.

Anyone know how to access the OEM head unit to hook an IPOD coinnection to the CD changer input?

 

I think to save gas go with a v4. I have a double cab and it's a v6. I like the little ump it give s out.
hope this helps
leng

 

Thanks.
Won't be towing anything. May put a small camper shell on it and use it on minor trails.

 

O.K. I am not trying to get picky here but if you want good advise, we need to get our nomenclature correct. If by camper shell you mean a canopy such as a snug top then Inline 4 cylinder (I4) will be fine. If though you mean a small camper like an expandible camper like those marked by Alaska campers and others that have a hard top and tent-like expandable sides (these are a lot heavier) I reccomend the V-6 for the light trails. Get your truck based on the worst case scenario you expect to enjoy with the truck. Go to the Toyota dealer you trust to do your service and purchasing from and ask to take an I4 for a drive up the type of trail you intend to drive on. If that won't work, take it up the steepest hill you can find with pavement and feel the power. If you are happy with it, get it. This is the best way to make sure your truck will not leave you dissatisfied. Toyota makes 18 different Tacomas to make sure there is one for every need. Match your need with the right truck. If you like your dealer but the sales person is not into extended drives to make you happy, find a real sales professional that will.

Hope this helps. Good Truckin'
Truck Champion.

 

P.S. the V6 will tow 6500 pounds with fuell economy at about 20mpg. The I4 3500 with about 27

 

I sold a Dodge Cummins diesel for my Tacoma. I love the 4 banger I get around 25-27mpg on the highway. I tow a 3000lbs boat and the truck does fantastic although I don't drive thru the mountains it has plenty of torque and I am used to towing with diesels. I looked at a lot of trucks before I bought and the Taco won on almost every level. I did drive the V6 and it was nice but I was getting that kind of mileage with the Dodge. If you want good mileage and range get the 4cyl.

 

Thanks. Good point.

I actually like the flip-pac camper which is alot lighter than the Alaskan type but I am not sure will work with the newer style bed.

My dealer doesn't have any of the 4s in stock so i am looking at going with cars direct or someone similiar.

 

Good mileage and range are my main concerns.

So theoretically with your numbers you are getting around 500 miles hwy.

That is great.

 

It sounds like you are in SoCal. Who is your nearest dealer? I have some friends at the dealerships in that area and might be able to refer you to one who has a truck for you!