4 Cylinders -- Would you do it again????

I had an older 4WD Toyota with a 4 banger and loved it. Didnt mind downshifting when needed.

I have a 4wd V6 now.

I would take either one any day!

 

to be honest at first I was expecting more from the 4 banger. I didn't like the way it accelerated, nor did I like the gas that it was eating up (was working out in Ontario, and the drive to and from work as almost the same with my 93 blazer). BUT after I found out about the secondary air filter removal, my thoughts changed DRAMATICALLY!!! gas wasn't much of a problem, hell millage was AWESOME!!!!! even the acceleration got my happy all over again (did a test run from my house to the homies out in Mont Clair, from half a tank I would usually be around the 1/4 full just getting to his pad, I got there, plus drove to a couple stores AND by the time I got back to my place I was @ 1/4 or just shy of it). Imo, I would do it again and I would DEFINITELY take that stupid ass f$%king secondary air filter out for sure!!!!!

 

I have a 04 Xtra Cab 2.7L 4x4. I drive 90miles round trip to work, highway, half of which is really hilly. The truck really sucks on the hills. You definitely have to downshift. Once I get to the open section of highway and I can do 65/70, it's a lot more comfortable and I don't struggle as much. THAT BEING SAID. I'd rather have my 4cly than the V6. The gas mileage is just too great with the 4cyl, I get 24mpg in the summer, 21-22 in the winter. I could never drive a V6 and only get 16mpg, it would just flat out cost too much for the driving I do. Do I long for more power? Yes. But like I said, it's a perfect compromise for my lifestyle.

Believe it or not, as much as this engine sucks on the hills on the highway, It actually tows pretty well. I towed an ATV/trailer through the mountains one time over the summer, and I was surprised how well it did. I expected it to be a lot of work, downshifting, struggling, etc, and it really did fine.... who knows.

Your 50 mile-commute is significantly less than mine, If I were you I may opt to go for the 6 since it will still be affordable to commute with.

 

have a 2002 2.7 liter 4 banger right now. its the best on gas but not so much on hills especially driving the hills back and forth between columbia, sc and rock hill, sc.
i'm a valet so i've driven the 6 cylinder 1st gens and of course i would love having a V-6 because the acceleration is much better plus the towing/hauling would be increased and would be handy.
to answer your question, i would stick with my 4 banger (which i am till she completely dies) because of the fuel sippage and she's ma baby haha

 

IMO buy the 4 cyl AUTOMATIC.

 

i also had a 1998, manual 4 cylinder and i liked it better than my auto to be honest. autos are for the lazy man and that sums me up right there

 

Fixed.








Also....
I like to run 80+ MPH on the freeways when I can and I'm still in the 20's on MPG.
Just sayin'

 

Power is perfectly fine in the 4 banger highways did fine till I got 33/12.5 tires... I say the 4cyl standard, that's what I have and love it

 

I own a '97 2.7l. You probably won't have my problem but I would check what gears are in the truck to plan on buying before you buy. I have to downshift all the way to third to pull steep hills and finally checked out my gearing. Found out I have 3.58's which is WAY too high. I can do 30 in first, 55 in second and 80 in third. Fifth is useless unless going downhill. I feel like this is a waste of my five speed transmission and will regear to 4.56 as soon as I have the money. I am only on 30" tires so that is not the reason. Hope this helps.

Here is a good guide to checking your gear ratio:
http://www.brian894x4.com/Gearratiosanddiffs.html

 

I had an '07 4x4 4Runner with the V6 and 33's, a 2010 extended cab Prerunner with 4 cyl 5 spd and 33's, and now have a 2012 crew cab Prerunner with an automatic and stock tires. The 4Runner averaged about 19.5 mpg, the 4cyl 5 speed got 20.5, and my new truck is getting 24.5 (2 tanks of gas so far). The V6s most definitely have a lot more power, but for a daily driver the 4 cyl is fine. I plan on buying a second truck to play with probably next year and it will be a 4x4 4cyl.

 

Yeah, that's tall gearing for the 4 cyl.
Mine came with 4.10's and that's perfect for stock tires.
I'll see how it does with 32's

 

i do the 80+ also but i'm hesitant to do it alot since i dont like running over 3,000 RPM for a extended period of time

 

I have 4 cyl 4x4. Not a problem. I do down shift but an automatic would down shift too. So...
I've had 8 cyl trucks and 6 cyl trucks. most I bought used and rode hard until there was nothing left. The tacoma I bought brand new. There have been a few days when I would have liked a few more horses for getting off the line quicker but it's not that often.
I have a regular cab not an access. If I were to tow I would have bought a 6 but I only have a very light row boat and kayaks. Camping gear and taking GFs daughter to college and back are the biggest loads for me.
If you have the $$$ go with 6. I think you'll have higher resale value if you need it.

 

I think I'm under 3 grand with mine.

 

Used 4's are harder to find in this market.

 

you have a 09 correct?
mines an 02 and older so it struggles a bit sometimes haha she's a good one though

 

Yep.

I was pleasantly surprised by the power that the current 2.7 makes.
It's not a weakling 4, it's a big 4.

 

true, the newer technology in the 4, whatever Yota did, is way better but when mine finally dies and i get another Taco it'll definitely be a v-6

 

Ive had a 2004 F-350 powerstroke diesel, I had a 2006 Mega cab 3500 dodge cummins, a 2002 cummins that was running about 650hp at the wheels... I then bought a dodge ram 1500 with the hemi and hated it.. I know own a 2003 yota 4x4 with the 2.7l 4 banger, I love it. It does everything I need it to do, it pulls my little trailer with firewood, will lug up just about any hill in 4x4, and here in the cold colorado winter im still getting about 20mpg. After having big trucks all my life I wouldnt hesitate to buy another yota 4 banger....

 

Eyyyyy fellow Rock Thrillian! havent seen any of us on here yet

but to stay on subject i wouldnt change a thing! its been great so far