Finding a V6 access cab is tough

Hi all! This is my first post here because I am actually in the market for my first Tacoma. With that said, I am having the craziest time finding a V6 access cab in my area (Atlanta + 200 mi radius). Because of financing rules, I need to get a truck with <100k miles on it, I own a few rental properties and thus haul some moderately heavy things at times, and I don't want to have an I4. This seems to put me into the market for the V6 pre-runner with access cab, and I'm finding maybe a half dozen in anyplace remotely nearby. Is this simply a trim that wasn't produced in as large of numbers as the double cab (and the shorter 5' bed)? They also all seem to be pretty high above KBB, so I'm starting to just not bother with that anymore haha.

I really don't think the I4 will be a good hauler and I feel like a 6' is necessary when hauling 2x4s every so often, but I would love opinions on such things thanks!

 

IMO, the V6 access cab is very common.

 

Not in the Atlanta area Unless they're just so good that my price of <$20k is asking too much. The double cab seems to be way more popular, and that I4 sneaks in there a lot. I'm this close to checking out one way out in Tuscaloosa, AL!

 

I see them constantly.

 

If you don't need to tow >3000 pounds the I4 will haul just fine, get better mileage and be cheaper to insure to boot. Sure it's slow, but the V6 isn't exactly a rocketship. Don't underestimate the 2.7L - it is a solid motor.

You should drive a 4 cyl. before you judge. If my needs hadn't changed (towing a camper) I'd still have my I4. I pulled 1,000 pounds of dirt bikes and camping gear across many high-altitude passes and it did the job.

 

Ah, so therein might be the issue. I'm really fuzzy on exactly what the I4 can haul vs the V6. I typically haul in a bed vs. towing (I can see myself hauling 4x8' plywood, which would require a trailer, but the trailers are <1000 lb, so I don't really see towing as an issue either way), and I can't really wrap my head around specs I've seen showing that the payload increase for a V6 over the I4 is only a couple hundred pounds. What can the I4 haul realistically vs. the V6 in the ~2009 model year area? I feel like the 2.7L (?) vs 4.0L should be a big deal, and the big price drop that I see going from 4.0 to 2.7 concerns me.

 

On my 09 access cab prerunner 2.7, the door jam states that you can haul 1300 lbs of gear/cargo including yourself (in the bed/truck)

 

The issue with your V6 AC configuration is there are lots around but not many for sale. This speaks to the satisfaction of their owners.

 

The weak link for hauling in the bed isn't the motor, it's the leaf springs. The other reason for the big price difference is that the V6's tend to have option packages (TRD, SR5 etc) while the 4cyl. is almost always a "base" model. They still hold their value though.

The 4 cylinder will easily haul 1/2 ton in the bed - but airbags or add-a-leafs will make it more enjoyable. The towing capacity is 3,500 pounds compared to 6,000 for the V6 with tow package.

 

Hmm, interesting! I will consider the I4 then. I recently hauled 1/2 ton of sand for a project at home, and that wasn't all that much sand to be honest. Then again, if I REALLY needed to haul 2000lb of material, there's always renting a Home depot trailer... and the V6 wouldn't be able to haul a ton of material in the bed either I guess.

Since I am new to Toyotas, anything worth mentioning about these packages (SR5, TRD Pro/Sport, etc.)? When I did a little investigating, it seemed like the TRD Sport was just a lot of accessories/electronic features.

 

My 4cyl PreRunner has more than enough power for what I need, which is basically the same things you're describing. The only time I really wished I had the V6 is when I was heading up a mountain with a bed full of camping gear (tents, coolers, bags, beer keg, etc...) with a person in every seat, and still made it no problem but it was definitely pushing it.

For the other 99% of the time though, its perfect. Gets good gas mileage and will last forever if you treat it right.

 

I'm convinced. Of course, now that I am re-searching for an I4, everything in the area is the base model, and I really want the access cab...

Also, if I'm not satisfied with the power, what are SC/turbo prospects on these babies? I love my turbo on my little Audi A4, so I'm always a bit like "ooo, nice vehicle. Can I put a turbo on it?"

 

To echo the sentiment, hauling makes very little difference to the 4 cylinder. I've hauled to the limit on the interstate and was just dandy. Towing stuff that is not very aerodynamic though is where you will see it struggle.

That being said, if you don't think you'll be happy with less power don't even go down the 4 cylinder road.

 

Yeah, the 2.7 is perfeCt for turboing due to the iron block and strong internals ; just ask @MrCrowntown and URD makes a turbo style supercharger which is bolt on to the tune of $5k which turns it into a V6 basically.

The I4 will do everything the V6 does just a heck of a lot slower

 

I was in the same situation, I own several rental properties and I need to be able to tow my 5x8 trailer with my lawn mower, along with other stuff like string trimmers, etc.. I didn't need the double cab because nobody ever rides with me except my dog, and most of them have the shorter bed which I don't like. There's plenty of access cab V6's out there, but most of them have high miles. Mine has 99k and it was actually the lowest milaege one I could find in my price range.

 

Breezed though the posts but will say this.......... I have a 2.7 auto AC. As far as bed hauling goes, you'll overload the suspension before you overload the motor. (towing might be another subject)

You apparently don't understand what 'base' is, as you refer to it not being AC. Mine is a base AC + convenience package. Base is a trim level, not a body style.

Mine is a 5 lug. If you only need 2wd, it's a lot cheaper option for a pavement pounder than a pre-runner type. A little more rubber under it and it does pretty well. Some air bags or helper springs and your bed capacity would be just fine.

I'm not downplaying the v6 or the 6 lug models. I just didn't need that. And I'm just saying the 4 can be a workhorse. It actually has less issues than the v6 over the long haul. (see what I did there)

All that said, it just opens up your shopping. Drive several examples of both, and buy the best cared for version you find.

BTW, I'd buy a manual version of the 4 if you can, rowing gives a bit more pizzaz, even in horrid Atlanta traffic.

 

The 2.7 has an iron block???

 

Yes; basically still the same block as the 22RE

 

I have a v6 prerunner access cab, i want a dclb 4x4 if you see one within reasonable cost let me know and I'll sell you mine.

 

Just got to stay on the hunt took three years to find a deal that worked for me at the dealership I worked at, ended up buying a trade in that didn't run unseen before a whole seller got ahold of it.