About to buy my first Tacoma, I4 or V6?

I have an I-4 Access Cab with 5sp MT. I also suggest that you consider a 4WD. You probably won't regret it.

I changed the factory gear lube in my transmission and rear to synthetic at 14k miles. Because of that, I can get 27 MPG Hwy on my truck if I really take it easy.

So, I call BS about the 4 not getting better mileage.

Also BS about the 4 not being able to climb. I've been offroading in Colorado at 13k feet. No problems there, and no regrets.

A 4 will last longer than a 6, and there is no timing belt to worry about.

One day, when my kids get older, I may trade up to the Dual Cab 140" wheelbase (long bed), cuz I hate the short little beds on the Dual Cabs. They make for a cute sandbox, but that is about it. They look funny. I can put a cap on my bed, and sleep in it. Can't do that in a DC.

 

Qft.

 

Freeway speed limits in Utah are now 80 in some areas, and my reg cab has no problem with that speed. On some steep grades I have to downshift to fourth, but it will still hold 80. For me 4wd is always worth the money, but I wanted the regular cab and don't tow heavy so the small engine is fine. The better mpg and cheaper price are nice bonuses.

 

Welcome. If you can afford it, the v6 for every reason.

 

get the v6 4x4 it is worth it. The v6 is worth the fuel economy loss. I get about 300 on a tank on average plus it is nice to have the power for passing on the highway.

 

Honestly, I didn't know the DC, I4, PreRunner was available in any trim higher than base? I mean my truck is weird, it's a base, but has all the SR5 comfort-creature things like, leather steering wheel w/ audio & Bluetooth controls, cruise, power locks and glass, rear slider. But my flares, grille and bumpers are black.

My trucks MSRP was $28K and I paid $25,500 for it as an example. I have seen $30K PreRunners, but that package is usually a V6, Longbed, SR5, or any V6 PreRunner with the TRD-Sport or TRD-OR trim.

Also my 4-cyl, PreRunner, DC does not make any strange noises either when over 65 mph, it's really very smooth. Truthfully, the engine only feels weak off the line, and at the bottom of 2nd gear (2nd is really tall with the 4-speed auto) but at highway speeds, and cruising speeds, the truck moves very well.

 

Whatever difference in price you might save getting the I4 over the V6, you'll lose in resale value, even with the 1-3 MPG savings over 5 years. The I4's don't hold their value anywhere near as well as the V6.

 

I just put 32s on my '14 AC 4x4 5sp.

For the first tank after the new, larger tires, I busted out the lead foot. I went 80 whenever I could, downshifted into 3rd and winded it up to 5k to pass vehicles going uphill (including a couple TRD Tacos, lol).

I got 20.5 mpg on that tank. I did everything I could do to make my mpg go down.

The 2.7 has plenty of power, and I can't get mine to do any worse than 20 avg mpg.

 

I took my 89 yo aunt to the doctor yesterday in my 2.7 taco. When we stopped at a light she informed me that the truck had stalled because she couldn't hear or feel the engine running. I realize that she is elderly but she drives a '13 accord and is quite aware of her surroundings. The truck did not stall, the 2.7 is a refined, quiet and smooth running engine. It gives me plenty of power in my 4x4 reg cab auto. I never had difficulty going up grades or maintaining speed. The 2.7 with auto is a bullet proof combo. I had the same drive train in my 03 and it gave my 10 years of trouble free service. I never drove the V6 so I cannot comment on its performance or reliability and I am sure it is a fine engine. But for me it is overkill.
BTW my aunt is ok. She is having difficulty dealing with getting old and having to slow down and taking Naps in the afternoon is ok.

 

The 1GR. V6 has timing chains also. No belt.

 

Drove from DC to Colorado this weekend. Did the posted speed limit the entire way, which was mostly 70.

With a tonneau cover, I got 25mpg at 70mph the entire way. It was nice to go 400 miles on a tank of gas.

I have a 4x4, 5sp manual, 4 cyl Access Cab. I run synthetic gear oil (Amsoil and Redline). I also run TGMO 0w20

 

what ever your engine choice (i think either would do your needs fine) having 4x4 in the snow and ice is something you will never regret.

 

Not everyone lives in, or close to where snow and ice is a burden. But I get what you are saying. Here in California, having to deal with snow or ice, is merely a choice.

Also, getting a 4x4 in my truck (see sig) would have forced me into A) a V6 & B) an increase of about $4500-$6000 in truck, + $100 or more a month payment. Would rather invest that additional for something more useful.

 

Problem is highlighted in bold red font.

 

To be honest, I was a strong believer in 2x4 unless you have very special circumstances...and now I have those very special circumstances. I live in a cabin, up in the national forest, the last few miles in is single lane, paved, but with no guard rail, steep and a 40 foot drop off, with the last 1/2 mile being steep gravel and NO COUNTY MAINTENANCE.

I have to snow blow the last 1/2 mile to the house and the lane never gets sun, so the snow compacts to ice, and it stays until MARCH. So 4x4 AND studded snows are the ONLY way to get around...when I was in Texas, 2x4 all the way, even in snowy Ohio, 2x4 was fine since they did a great job plowing.

Buy only what you need.

Howard

 

What Howard says ... "Buy only what you need."

 

False, the 1GR 4.0 has a timing chain, you're thinking of the old 3.4 V6 like I have. Even with a timing belt, they last a long damn time. A guy on here has 500k on his and they are a non interface engine so even if the belt snaps it won't ruin the engine, but will leave you stranded where it broke. They are easy to change though, and should be done every 90k miles, I am going to do mine this summer. Good to go for another 90k.

Also, the last thing you stated is false too, there are DCLB Tacomas everywhere.

 

I wear a seat belt every time I get in my truck. So far have not needed it but if I do it is there. Now 4wd is not exactly a good comparison, but the occasional times that I need it makes very worthwhile.

I recommend the V6 and the 4x4.

Hope you are happy if you decide on the I4 and 2wd. I have my doubts though.

 

99% of the time my Tacoma is in 2 wheel drive. That 1% where I put it in 4x4 makes it so worth it.

I have owned 2 wheel drive trucks. They go ok, but man, when you get stuck in a flat parking lot on a hump of snow it sure makes you swear.

 

I take back my post... Love the i4 4x4, I go 55-60 on the highway- yeah I'm one of those guys. But as for off-roading with stick- you be da man! Plus you don't have to worry about gas