2013 4 cylinder lack of power

I have an opportunity to barter work for a 2013 2WD access cab in great condition. I test drove it today and was shocked at the lack of power, I felt like I was nearly flooring it to get up to freeway speed on a slight uphill merge. In lower gear going up steeper hills it felt pretty strong. This truck has never been used as a work vehicle or towed anything, no accidents, no major repairs, oil changes and tuneups and checkups at the dealer only. 82k miles. Does this sound normal? Thanks for any feedback, I have to decide soon.

 

The four cylinder with the manual transmission might be OK, but that sounds about normal for it with the 4-speed automatic.

 

5 lug or 6?

 

Interesting, thanks. It probably doesn’t help that I’m used to the Prerunner V6. I’m going to test drive it again tomorrow.

 

5 lug

 

These newer 4 cylinder Toyota pickups are nothing like the old ones in terms of performance. The 2008 4 cylinder automatic work truck I had was a total slug. The 1998 4 cylinder automatic I had was slightly better. They just keep making them heavier and bulkier. Hey Toyota: K.I.S.S.!

 

Normal. I personally would rather have a rusty domestic with a 8 foot box.

 

Are you aware you're on a forum for Toyota's? Lol jk

Every tool has a purpose and you're comparing 2 completely different tools. I mean I'd rather have several late 1990's Super Duty 7.4L's with a bank account to power them all but...

 

The problem is how slow they are, as mentioned the 1st gen 4 bangers moved and felt more nimble. It's a utility vehicle and it just doesnt feel like it does it that well.

The 3rd gen only having pre-runner 4 bangers makes it far worse.

(disclaimer I'm at 3,428 ft, so remove 20% of the power)

 

I appreciate the comments. If this is normal I’m inclined to go for it after checking it out further, mostly because of the barter situation and because it’s been well taken care of.

 

I can't comment on the 2nd Gen Tacoma 4cyl, but my 2004 1st Gen 2.4L was not all that bad in my opinion. A44D automatic transmission.
I miss my little buddy.

 

Yeah I’ve driven several 1st gens and the comment above about them being nimble is the perfect way to put it.

 

I would name this truck.

 

The first gen trucks weigh a lot less; the 4 cylinder with A/T just doesn't work so well when it weighs 4,000 pounds. Based on your OP it might be worth looking around some more.

 

Honesty - I have a 5spd 2017 2.7 on 285s. Is it “fast”? Nope. But it doesn’t feel super slow and will feel much better when I regear. I also had a loaner 2wd 2019 2.7 when they did some warranty work on the rear diff - felt decently peppy.

All I can say is pass on it if you’re used to a sports car and want that “feel.”

The auto tranny isn’t doing you any favors either. I’d let ya drive my truck as a comparison, but I don’t think you’re close by.

 

Truck was a silver color. Wife jokingly named him "Bullet" - as in the Silver Bullet.

 

A babied 2013 Tacoma 2.7L 4 cyclinder with 82,000 miles? What are you waiting for even it's a "dog" in the performance department. Being a California vehicle it should last another 100,000 miles plus with the proper care.

 

I traded a 1998, 2.4, 4 cyl, 5 spd. for a 2013, 2.7, 4 cyl, auto. I had never complained about the power, nor peppyness of the 1998, it was great. After a yr. & a half, I'm still complaining about this 2013, I love the truck, just can't get us'ta how weak it is. Now considering re-gearing to help. I would trade for a 6 cyl. but I'm addicted to the Reg. cabs that weren't offered with a 6 cyl. Good trucks & 2.7 engines that will probably last a long time, they're just weak & sluggish. Just my opinion.

 

Thanks for all the comments, this is very helpful. It sounds like this truck just is what it is, which makes me inclined to go for it given its condition. I don’t think I’d buy it, but I’m willing to trade labor for it since the seller is not in a position to pay for my work and it’s work I enjoy. It’s certainly smooth and comfortable to drive when it gets up to speed, and since I’d rarely load it with anything heavy I don’t need the power in that regard.

DevilTaco4, it’s pretty cool of you to offer a drive in your truck for comparison, thanks. I’ve driven a manual 4cyl, either a 2017 or 2018, and didn’t feel it was remarkably underpowered, which made test driving the truck in question so surprising.

 

I haven't run across one yet, but wanting to find a 2013, 2.7, W/ "manual trans." to drive, just to see if the 2.7 eng. or the auto. trans. make these Taco's feel so weak.