2010 4 vs 6 cylinder access cab 4wd

hey, all... i'm new to the forum and need some fast advice! thanks in advance. i've been driving a 1998 reg cab 4wd with the 2.7 4 cylinder for 9 years- LOVE IT. but it's time to upgrade and i must do it soon. i've lost much power in the last few months. took it to a toyo dealer and they did a compression test. one of the cylinders is only working at 50%. i don't want to put any more money into it, as i just dropped $2500 into it 3 months ago. 170,ooo miles, so time to upgrade.

i put in an order for a 2010 access cab 4WD with the 4 cylinder engine... it'll be here in a month. but now i'm having doubts! i'm thinking i should have gone with the 6 cylinder! i do most of my driving on the interstate at 75-80mph (10,000 miles a year). and i'm wondering if i'm really going to be underpowered driving against the wind and up hills with the 4 cylinder at highway speeds. i feel like my little '98 4 cylinder reg cab is underpowered against the wind at hiway speed and the 2010 is a considerably larger truck. am i going to be disappointed with the 4 cylinder? i rarely tow, so that isn't much of a consideration. have there been major changes in the 4 banger in the last 10 years so that they can accommodate the change in size? the new ones seem HUGE compared to my 98. i would REALLY appreciate your advice! i can probably still call and change my order!

 

I would go with the sixxer. Just my opinion. I think you will be happier in the long run.

 

i love my 4cyl but the 4.10 rearend will be killing your gas mileage at 80mph.

 

Go w/ the Six. Gas mileage is actually closer than you think ( most guys w/ auto report 22+ highway). IMO, the difference in power and options is well worth the gas milage difference.

 

I have no problems with my 4 banger. Just have to get the RPMs up.. Test drive both, And then decide for yourself power VS. Price. Do what YOU like.

 

my reg cab 2.7 does fine at 65,gets more power at 75 though, for hills. But add 200? pounds more, and goin 80 a lot, the v-6 might better suit you. B.T.W. I went 65 into a 20-25 mph head wind the other day, cruise control never waivered, mpg sucked though as u would expect.
reg cab 04 to the 05 model weighs 200 lb more , not a lot considering the size.

 

Go with the 6 cylinder or you'll regret it. The fuel mileage isn't that much worse.

I had the same issue with my '08 Accord. I bought it with the 190hp inline 4 but the engine had to work pretty hard to move the car-at least to my liking. The fuel mileage of the I4 was only slightly better than that of the 271hp V6.
I might still have that car if I got it with the V6.

 

I've got the six in an acess cab and it feels just right to me. I drove a regular cab with the four and a 5 speed manual, seemed just a little underpowered. I get between 21 and 23 mpg with the auto trans. If you can live with that mileage, I'd go with the six and the auto. To me, it's better to have the extra power there when you need it. Really, you can't go wrong either way, but it would be a shame to be making payments on a truck you have second thoughts about.

 

If you can afford it, get the 6, but the 2.7 is a great engine too. As long as you get a Tacoma, you'll be happy. JMO

 

Go with the 4 banger. Like everyone else here who drives a 6 and is recomending the vehicle they drive, I am going to do the same. I go to college up in the mountains and spend 4 hours on a hilly interstate to get there and back. I used to have to downshift a good bit, but then I started using premium and now I can hold many hills in fifth that I couldn't before.

 

great feed back- thanks. wish i would have found this forum a week ago. another question... if i'm on the interstate at 80mph with a 4cyl 2010 and come to a big hill, is it OK to dowshift to 4th at that speed? i do it all the time in my '98, but it really cranks the rpm's- i'm a little more relaxed with how i treat the old truck.

 

If your are running 80 you prolly won't need to downshift, you'll already be tach'ing over 3k...it should pull just fine unless your facing some serious wind.

 

on the 5 spd manual , yes. The max speed in 4th is 100 or so, i'll never see that, but it does fine at 70 mph (highest speed i had to downshift at )

 

Test drive both.....get 'em out on the freeway where there are some grades to pull.
I am amazed at how my 2.7 will hold 5th gear on grades.
I looked at the V6 but didn't like the fuel mileage......IMO, that's V8 fuel mileage that is being reported.
When Toyota gets the V6 easily into the 20's without lightfooting, I'll prolly buy one.
So far no regrets with the 2.7
My 2¢

 

All said, only you know, Harpo, if you wnat/need the v-6. Dont think you'll regret it if you do.
The 4 cyliner is still about low maintainance, and "enough" power, the 6 is sporty n strong, with a bit more maintainance.

Only thing i say that you must do, is to make sure its Barcelony Red!

 

Agreed

 

TACOYOTA- the 4cyl 1998 i have now, i haven't done a thing to it in 9 years. it's been great. but i think i'm going to want the more power in the 6cyl. when you talk about the 6 being a bit more maintenance, what do you mean exactly? do you mean there is there a list of routine maintenance that must be done at particular milages (like plugs, belts, etc), or do you mean there may be trips to the shop for fixes? do the 6cyls break down more? i really appreciate the comments from all you guys!

 

i think v6's need plugs every 30k miles

i4's first spark plug change is at 120k

http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com/

^ maintenance schedule

 

Auto trans v6 comparable to manual 4.
V6 6spd not so much.

 

not quite

the v6 isn't comparable in any way, its a totally different beast.

my i4 keeps me out of trouble with plenty of pep around town, with good city mileage.