Possibly trade in my new 09?

When do you shift? In my 6speed access cab with oversize tires and lift i regularly get 15-18 in mixed and 18-21 when mostly highway. I dont baby it too much either. You should try shifting around 2500RPM unless you need the extra power of higher RPMs.
As for topic, I'd probably just stick with the 4 banger a while since the insurance is so much more and you'd probably take a big hit by trading in a new truck. That is unless you actually need the extra power for some reason like towing.

 

I had a dream last night that I took a corner too hard in my taco and all 4 tires came off the wheels. Maybe wouldn't have happened w/ a 4. hehe...

 

If you've got the cash and you're job is relatively secure, go for it.

I did the same thing after having a 2007 2.7 for a year and roughly 7000 miles on it. Did a little better than break even on the trade and got a 2008 4.0 for a good price.

I am glad that I made the trade.

 

I know what you are going through. Ever since I got my truck I feel like I should of gotten a 4x4. I got a great deal on my 06 access prerunner sport. I have never gotten stuck or needed 4x4. I love my truck! But then again when a TRD Off Road 4x4 passes me i can't help but feel like my truck could be better. You just have to ask your self what you want out of your truck for the money. in my case, ya, the other guy has 4x4, he had to pay a couple more thousand $s for it. If I had 4x4 I would only use it once every couple of months. Is that worth a couple thousand $s to me? No. You said you are happy with the power you have. So don't feel like you are behinde the curve. Just wait till gas prices go back up, you will apreciate your 2.7 a whole lot more. like that other guy said, just do some proformance mods or something. I wish you best of luck wich ever way you go.