1st Truck. 4WD. 4 Cyl. Vs 6 Cyl.

Hey everyone I did some searches but it seemed most posts debating 4 cyl vs 6 cyl were not specifically for 4WD or fairly old, if I missed one post a link please. Anyways I have not been a truck guy but I have always liked Tacomas, anyways my current ride finally crapped out on me and I am going to get a Tacoma I just cannot decide between the 4 cyl and the 6. I'd like to buy one not much older than 5 years, pre 07 would be pushing it, with less than 100000 miles. I'll use it for daily commuting, home depot trips, hunting, and canoeing/hiking/kayaking camp trips. Here's how I understand the pros and cons.

4 Cyl.

Slightly better mpg (but not much to make a big difference)
More reliable and long lasting engine (they have that reputation which is big for me because I want this truck to last)
Less Expensive

Cons
Less power (not big deal to me, I don't tow anything heavy and I am used to a gutless subaru and the lack of power never bothered me)
No 4 door availability (that I've seen, looks like only manuals in reg or access cabs for the recent generation, is that right? This will make roof racks probably too short for canoes)
Don't see as many for sale in my are Central AR

6 Cyl.

Pros

The increase in power trade off for a slight dip in mpgs looks worth it from Fuel Comparison sites (not sure about real world but it looks like the only avg maybe 2 mpg worse)
More Packages available.

Cons

Timing Belt
More Maintenance expense. (not sure how true that is)
More Expensive.


Anyways please feel free to give me some advice, I am kind of thinking that if you are getting 4wd the 6 is the way to go but I'd prefer the 4 because I believe it would be enough truck.

 

Personally I would only go v6. 4.0 have timing chain doubt you would have to replace and extra maintenance is what 2 extra plugs.I get 20-21 mpg in my 2010 v6.

 

I'd go with the v6 if $ wasnt important. Dad has the 3.4 w 180k a waterpump timing belt @ 120k still runnin great!

 

X2 the 05+ V6s have a timing chain. The 95-04 3.4 V6 has a belt.

I would go with a V6 double cab. I regret not getting a double cab. The V6 should be similar to the 4 cylinder reliability wise also.