4 or 6 Cyl.?

My 2010 (that I only had 2 months) was struck by lightning last week and has been totalled. Have seen a pretty good deal on a 4 cyl. Any opinions about this engine? Had the 6 in my 'old' truck. Thanks

 

If you live in flat land and do not carry around much in the bed and do not plan on getting a shell the 4 cyc would be great.

 

Have you ever owned a 4 cyl 2nd Gen?

I live in WV, yeah I downshift on the highway to keep speed up mountains, but I'm sure V6's do too. I only do light-medium hauling, I don't tow (I don't even have a tow hitch) so I'm content with it. The gas mileage is nice, stock it was better but with 32" M/T's it's still good (for a truck)

What are your needs?

 

Live in Chesapeake, Virginia. Pretty flat around here. Not planning on doing any towing . Just like the trucks.

 

I'd take it out on a thorough test drive and see if you like it. I don't need to go fast (I take out my brothers Civic SI if I want to) so it works for me, and it can haul more than you think.

 

The 4 cylinder with the 5 speed feels faster than it is. Not bad at all performance-wise. With the auto, meh, not so much.

I was having a hard time deciding and the deal breaker was the hesitation at full throttle from high-rpm 1st shifting into 2nd on the 4 cylinder. I test drove more than one just to make sure it wasn't that specific truck. Other than that, great motor.

 

I live at The Beach ... the 4 will serve you well if you're not towing anything. As a daily driver, with weekend runs to The Home Depot youy will be fine.

Prioity or Checkered Flag ... I have bought at both.

 

I know exactly what you are talking about. That's another thing the LCE Headers helped, way smoother shift now when I'm really trying to get it going.

Honestly I'd suggest everyone with a 4cyl to get some LCE Headers, nothing but gains.

 

4 bangers get the job done, no race car by any means, but you don't need to haul ass in a truck. I towed 2580lbs from Montana to Nevada and back with no complaints, 3rd gear was as low as I had to go on steep grades! Plus the I4 will probably outlast a V6 with good maintenance, got any pics of your lightning struck Taco btw? I wanna see that!

 

No physical damage to speak of. Direct stike on the radio antenna. Blew out all the electronics. Cleaned out my stuff today. Still looks great

 

I live in the Arizona mountains and have found the 4 banger and 5-speed manual quite satisfactory. I pulled a trailer loaded with railroad ties about 150 miles last weekend with no problems. beyond raising the front end enough that I couldn't see the road with the brights on. Still got about 23 mpg that trip. If you are not in a great hurry and economy is a concern, the 2.7l is a good choice.

 

Nice to see someone else from Chesapeake on here. Can't believe lightning strike totaled out your truck !!

 

But Aaron ... you're from VA Beach ... ... or just another case of someone WANTING to live in Virginia Beach ... .

 

Same difference. I work in VA Beach, I've also lived in VA Beach. I just use it on the forum because most people don't know where Chesapeake is.

 

Got ya ....

 

Since you already had the V6 your best bet would be to stick with it. If you buy the I4 there will come that time when you will wish you had that V6 power. If this was your first Tacoma and power wasn't that big of a deal then I would say go with the I4.

 

This blew me away. My new next door neighbor has an '08 4 cyl manual AC. I have an '07 V6 auto DC. He gets 18-20 mpg. I get 20-22.

 

Driving habits have a lot to do with it. My '09 4 cyl manual AC hasn't gotten less than 22 so far.

 

I'd get the 4 for your needs. I have no issue with speed or performance with mine. I've even done some towing. Just don't mate it with the auto. That really drags with AC, even on small hills.

Not calling anyone out, but the 6 getting better mileage than the 4 seems very strange. The guy with the 4 must have a very heavy foot. I get 22 with an I4 and 4x4.

 

ya i'd put money on it that the 4cyl last longer than the 6 cyl and they have some pep. Just make sure you get the 5 speed manual like everyone said. Mileage will def be better and performance mods such as headers, exhaust, intake etc. will be more noticeable power increases than with the 6 cyl.