Considering Base I4 SR 4x4 Manual

Hi, I have a 2001 Tacoma Access Cab 4x4 stick and previously a 2013 TRD Offroad DCSB. I'm thinking of selling my 2001 and getting a 2017.

I'm looking at a base model 2017 SR Access Cab 4x4 stick shift.

I don't want the V6 mainly due to price. But I do need 4x4 and it must be stick. Also, I feel the I4, (if this is in fact the old engine) is more proven.

I don't need or care for all the fancy toys, so the base model is fine for me. I do want Bluetooth, but I think you can get it on the base model... and if I want better audio I can always replace the speakers and perhaps add an amplifier.

I don't intend to do any towing barring a small trailer for firewood, tools or little things here and there every once in a while. But no boats, ATVs, Jets Skis. None of that.

I might consider a locker, but I can always get that aftermarket instead of jumping all the way up to the V6. Also, I'm not considering a lift... at the most, OME or equivalent 1 - 2" inch. It will also never get big tires. I might up the tire size, but barely, and only on lighter wheels. Most likely, I'll keep the suspension stock and just put some FN or SCS wheels with lower offset for a bit of a wider stance and call it a day. So, as far as tires, the I4 should de fine as the tire diameter will always be close to stock and the wheels lighter than stock steelies.

Some questions:

1. What do you guys think of the I4 vs V6?

2. Is the I4 on the 2017 the same I4 on the gen 2? What about the transmission?

3. I've driven a gen 2 I4 and while less powerful than the V6 gen 2, it feels fine against the gen 1 V6.

4. Any caveats I should know about?

 

I love mine but I travel a lot and my only complaint is the I4 just doesn't have power at highway speeds, especially going into a head wind or up hill. I find myself usually in 3rd or 4th just to maintain speed and can literally watch my fuel gauge drop. If I had to do it all over again I would pick the V6 all day long. I love the manual, though. It's been fantastic so far.

 

I love my SR 4x4 5 speed! It may be a little slow at times but I'll take the reliability over speed anyday. If I wanted to go fast I would have bought a sports car! Just got a scooped hood put on it yesterday!



Hood swap pic from yesterday!

 

I love those 2.7L 5MTs. Almost got one myself, but the wife talked me into the backseat, V6 and interior upgrades. Happy either way although honestly the I4 is probably more practical in most situations. This 3.5L gets shitty mileage, especially in town.

If you're into I say get one. Incredible value and very fun little 4x4. That 2.7L loves to redline and will surprise you with its pep.

 

Utility package (no back seats and black bumpers) is the best deal going. $20 to add cruise, $90 to add intermittent wipers. I got some take off TRD OR wheels and tires but if it comes with destination tires the stock steelies are not bad.

 

Mine is a gen 2 version of what you described. I drive it on mountain highways in WV pretty frequently, and definitely have to downshift, but so do all the big trucks and most carsaround me. Otherwise, I like it a lot. Don't do it for fuel economy, though - I got 19-20 before the cap and get 17-19 now.

 

Good feedback everyone. Thanks. I can't get the one with the rear seat delete as occasionally I have to put people back there. I also have a nice near-new set of FN Five Star wheels, so getting the SR with steelies is not a problem as I'd swap out the wheels immediately. I do need a cap, so I would have to factor in getting a camper shell. Apart from that, I think it's a great option. Though definitely not cheap as compared to when I bought my 2013 back in 2013. I paid $30,500 for it and it was a TRD Off Road. This SR 4x4 I4 MT has an invoice price of around $26,000.

I do drive a lot, so the fuel economy is a nice plus. I'm happy if I'm around 18MPG on a truck. My gen 1 gets exactly that, but my gen 1 used to get like 14MPG, stock. eeeek!

 

I love mine , but it's a automatic 2.7 4x4. The SR four cylinder is the best deal going.

 

I'd rock a base 5 speed in a heart beat

 

Good motor and tranny combo. I should have kept mine and just regeared it but I needed the extra room. You will be happy, it's got more torque than what most people think and is extremley reliable

 

I bought '17 SR 2.7 5-speed a little over a month ago, and I love it.

One nice thing to keep in mind is that the 5-speed version does come with the larger axle (8.8"?). So if you do decide to upgrade it later, you will have the same ring gear diameter as the off-road. Only 3.90 gears though.

-JDS

 

^^^ Thanks. You guys have me over the fence at this point. Going to go look at some tomorrow. I cat take my time on selling my '01. So I could get the '17 before or after if I find the right one. I'd like all that I posted above, but either red, silver or black.

 

Most people who buy the 2.7 don't do it for the MPG. They do it for the lower price or the proven durability or perhaps it's all they really need.....or some combination of all 3

 

^^^ That. The V6s are super pricey right now and I have more cars than I'm willing to admit. This would be a daily. Plus, my '01, even though it's an SR5 has less toys than the '17 SR. So it's not going to fell like a downgrade in trim anyway.

 

Yeah, the difference in price between the I4 and V6 is more the reason.

 

Oh, because it doesn't mean I won't consider a V6... and because I've have Gen 1 and Gen 2 V6s, so I have a baseline and experience to compare to. That's basically it. Really, the main reason that to me the V6 would be appealing is the locker. But then again, there's a big price difference between the two trucks.

 

I get 20mpg no matter what.

 

Haha. Me on the other hand, I'm the die hard manual transmission guy where it's the only thing I'll drive and I have to prove something.

 

I really liked the idea of a base SR access cab 4X4 also. All business no bs. I decided to go with a SR5 V6 Auto 4X4. I keep my cars for a long time, I had my 2000 4Runner SR5 for 17 years, and when I considered the price difference between the SR5 and the SR, it is nominal considering the projected lifetime of the vehicle. You know yourself, but keep in mind the SR5 is a noticeable upgrade. I really like mine, I have no regrets even considering the price difference.

 

I was in the same boat as you when choosing a vehicle. I knew I wanted a manual and fuel mileage was a big deal. So after some research I found myself buying a 16 V6 manual TRD Off-road DCSB for around 34k out the door.

The fuel mileage I get is around 19 city and 23 hwy which I am fine with, but we all know it is driving habits.

Performance is great, and driving in the mountains with this engine/trans combo, also great.

I really have never had a problem with it and planning on a 4K mile trip at the end of March. I can understand the logic of 4cyl. I have had 3 of them and all manuals. I believe you cannot go wrong either way with choosing a V6/I4 with a manual.

Good luck!