Advice for a newbee

Hi folks-
Considering purchasing a Tacoma in the 01-04 year range. I'm interested in feedback, particularly on the 4-cyl 2.7 Liter 4x4. How's the acceleraton? Power? Do they hold highway speeds of 70 + mph well on cruise control? How's towing small loads? Does the 4 cylinder really save that much on gas over the V6 models?

It's been mentioned by a few folks in the auto industry the 4-cyl is a dog and can't get out of it's own way. They seemed OK on a couple short test drives. Just wondering.

thanks, Stormchaser

 

well here's what i had observed with the 4cyl it will be fuel efficient, power wise slow to pick up but remains constant, speed 70+ well depends on wind velocity it could work against you resulting your truck to be unstable (ergo vibration on higher speed) basically it like driving a corolla but higher height.
hope this gives a piece of insight of what you're basing on the pros and cons of a first generation truck.

 

i have not driven a 4cyl tacoma but for the 1or2mpg i think it would be worth goin to the 6cyl just about every weekend i tow one atv in the bed of the truck and another on a trailer thats over a 1000 pounds i set the cruise on 75 and have no prob

 

My first Tacoma was a 2.7L 4 cyl. It was a 2000 ext. cab SR5 4x4. It was a great truck and I loved it, but I do prefer the V6, which is what I have now. There is a big difference in power, and not a huge difference in gas mileage. I never had any problems with the 4 cylinder, but it is def. not as fun to drive. If you are ever going to tow anything, go for the V6. Also, I would advise to not get the 4 cyl. in an automatic, as I have heard that it is very underpowered. If you decide to buy one, opt for the 5 speed. Hope this helps.

 

my 2.4l is pretty peppy with the 5 speed. i can hold 80+ on the freeway no prob, but im also only about 6" off the ground.

 

Have a 99 Tacoma 4x2 small 4cyl. engine. Drove from Houston Tx. to Birmingham Al. at 70+ mph. Held speed fine @ 25.5 miles per gal. Have not towed or driven in hill country. Have not checked around town mileage. What I do know is that I am spending about half the money for gasoline that I did on the 2001 Dodge 1500 with the 5.9L engine. Half as much truck but half the expense. Paul

 

My first Tacoma was a 95 4 cyl, 4 wheel drive X-cab. It seemed to be a bit underpowered in the hills of Maine. I got a 97 X-cab 4wheel drive with the six and it was like night and day. much better without giving up a lot of mileage.

 

I haven’t driven a Tacoma with the 4 banger but I can tell you the 3.4 is hell on wheels, a real beast on my 98. My 96 with same engine was a dog compared to this 98. I think both engines are damm near bulletproof. You’ll be good with either.

 

somewhere in that year range didnt Toyota go to drive by wire for throttle control? If so, stay away from that... it gets $$$ to repair. Other than that tose are solid trucks.

 

A blast from the past 2007 I guess the OP has made a decision by now maybe .