looking to buy 2008 2.7l access cab: good in mountains?

My Isuzu Rodeo has hit the limit with repairs I am willing to shell out money for. So I started looking for a Tacoma, which I have been wanting for a while. Found a decent one in town: they are asking $13,500 but I am hoping to get them down to $10-11,000. 142,000 miles, CarFax reports, corporate owned previously before this dealer bought it.

Here is the link:
https://www.carfax.com/vehicles/5TEUX42N18Z486603-used-2008-toyota-tacoma--albuquerque

My question for you folks: how well do these 4cyl Tacomas run in the mountains? I would not be trailering anything and I am not too interested in crazy offroad/Canyonlands style stuff. I am just looking for a solid, bad ass dependable truck to get me into the mountains of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico along some two tracks or old mining/forest service roads.

I would ideally like to put a topper on it and maybe a small lift (<3"?), as well as 265/70r16 BF Goodrich AT tires that I just recently bought. Think these are possible?

Thanks!

 

It would be revving and whining on those mountains. On steep inclines, prepare to be no faster than tractor trailers.

 

I live in western nc mtns and love my 2.7 it doesn't set any records but never is it to slow..... and I know of some buddies with the 4.0 and the get terrible mileage around here!! With decent tires I still get 17-18 and they get 12-13 with same tires!!

 

Love my 2.7 (3RZ). It handles the Sierras just fine. Just need to down-shift on the inclines. No biggee.

 

Mine has no problems in the mountains. It is not a speed demon, but it gets me where I want to go. I feel no need to do 65 mph going uphill. It slows to 45 on the steepest inclines before I shift down.

 

Just got back from a second trip in two months to Utah from Illinois and back in my regular cab. 3500 mile trips. No complaints at all but you will spend lots of time with your foot to the floor. I get great mileage at altitude in UT and CO, many 400+ mile tanks on 85 octane gas. Had a few 250 mile tanks in the plains on the interstate driving into 30mph winds, almost floored in 4th gear at 3500rpm for hours. Couldn't imagine these trips with an automatic, IMO.

edit: forgot to add I'm using the stock 245 x 75 tire size.

 

If you buy a 4cyl 4x4 get a 5spd cause you'll want to kill yourself.

I live in the Canadian Rockies and yes at times on some of the 13% plus grades you end up in lower gears but the truck takes it and keeps on going I also get around 22mpg even on 35s regeared of course.

Here she is parked at around 6500 ft above sea level

 

Thanks for the insight everyone, I totally appreciate it. I gotta say though TYetti, your photo may have just convinced me to drive to the bank tomorrow for the loan.

 

2.7 is fine in hills if it isn't an automatic.

If you buy an auto, buy an oar too. You'll need to help paddle.

 

i daily drive my truck in the hill country and its great with the manual if you aren't in that big of a hurry. I've driven both the manual and the auto in the hills and the manual fairs much better. As far as reliability, the 2.7 is rock solid if you take care of it and maintain it.

 

If you're looking for 4cyl porn just go look at my build lol.. but first go to the bank and tell them you wanna buy a 4cyl 5spd 4x4