Need opinion on first Tacoma purchase

Good News Everyone! So I'm new to these forums. I've finally decided to replace my '95 Ranger after 320,000 miles and have opted to head into Tacoma territory!

I'm looking for some insight. What works for y'all? Any recommendations I might need like engine/transmission combination, trims, options/features or mods.
Just so you know, my Ranger was a 2WD I4 manual that barely churned out a hundred horses at the wheels with the A/C off, so power is not something I'm necessarily accustomed to or expecting.

My budget is around $16,000-ish. What goes best with a manual? Having 3 pedals tend to make driving much more fun. I commute around 30+ miles a day and am not unaccustomed to roadtrips and small amounts of trailblazing so I'm looking for that good combination in between.

The 2007-2010 2.7l 4x4s have sparked my interest. But what do y'all have to say about it. Comments or ideas? Any advice is good advice.

 

What do you plan on using it for? Any off roading? Do you regularly haul stuff in the bed?

 

Fortunately, you have some good options. But first i gotta say, 320k on a Ford Ranger I guess you know how to maintenance a vehicle!

2.7's are ok. sounds like a 2.7 access cab manual might be up your alley. I'd def. get 4wd though, just cause, well why not. Better to have it and not need than to need it and not have it. Besides, you like to "trailblaze" so there you go. I originally went from an 02' reg cab to a 4door TRD Sport 4x4 which has the v6. I will say, i will never go back to smaller reg cab or smaller engine, but to each their own. If you're not used to a Tacoma, i would say go drive each model and see which one you like.

 

It'll be my daily driver which is half highway/half hilly suburbs. I'm looking to branch out a little after 5 years with a bone stock ranger so I was thinking some all-terrains and a 2 inch spacer lift. I'll be using it for camping, minor hauling so no boats or trailers, and occasionally going down some trails, but nothing like a 30 degree incline rock-crawler.

 

Have you driven any yet? go to a dealer, bullshit your way that you're interested in a Taco, sampling a 2.7 and a 4.0 on test drives, then go find one privatly or certified from the dealer too they're not bad and come with decent extended warranty, which I never used... that's what I did back in 09 (coming from a '94 3.0), settled on a 4.0/auto/access cab (32K miles, $19.5K), it's just a great engine with great hp/torque, hauled loaded trailers and cars with no issues.... 16K is good to play with either engines, maybe little on the hi mileage, but it's easy to find well cared for highway Tacos .. good luck

 

I drove my friends 08 DC auto with a V6. I wasn't flooring it so I didn't really utilize the power difference but I still loved the ride, so much better than an aging Ford. I'm checking out an I4 AC with a manual this week. If it rides remotely like the V6, I'll have a very difficult decision to make.

 

Just got an 05 2.7 5spd 4x4 AC SR5 w/120k for $13 in october and i love it. Gets 20-24mpg depending on where im going and does 80mph on the highway in 5th below 3000rpm. I have had great experience with toyota I4 from 22re to the 2L-t diesel and have seen some issues with many V6 motors, like head gaskets and spun bearings (much more expensive to fix on a V6 than a I4). Just my opinion hope you find a solid taco.

 

I'd be looking at the 2.7 as well. Sounds like HP just isn't something you need and even the 4 banger should feel pretty lively coming from he Ranger. Also, it'll be cheaper to buy, maintain, and operate.

 

Ya, I'm heading up to Virginia to potentially buy one. 2008 AC 4x4 MT with the 4 banger. It looks promising. All-terrains and SR5 package with under 100,000 miles on it. Fingers crossed!