Tacoma Buying Advice

Hey guys,

This forum is fantastic! I'm really looking forward to owning a Tacoma but I'm in the market and this is where I could use some advice.

Needs: I'm looking for a truck to travel on occasional gravel roads and haul kayaks and other dive gear. I'm also a new home owner so I also need to move lumber, construction debris, and other random large objects. But, mileage is also important to me because I drive quite a bit on country roads (speeds around 50-60mph) and on highways as well. I live in Sonoma County, California BTW.

Tacoma: I don't need 4x4 but I would appreciate some extra ground clearance and some extra cab space so I have been looking at 2002-2004 Extra Cab PreRunners with an automatic transmission. Hopefully something under 100k miles.

Budget: Around $10k

Questions:
1. I've been trying to track down reliable MPG estimates for the I4 vs. V6. On the books it seems there should only be a slight difference (1-2mpg), is that true? I'd like to get at least 20mpg but if a V6 can get 18-19 or more, that's not too bad! I would also prefer an AUTO transmission, go V6 here?

2. PreRunner or 4x4? So the PreRunner has some extra lift, a locking diff and other cosmetic differences. Anything else to consider here? I don't specifically need 4x4 but I could see how it would be useful occasionally (for me: potentially towing or mountain driving) but I think that the hit on MPG wouldn't justify the occasional utility I might see out of 4x4. Any thoughts?

3. Anything else to consider? (I'll definitely get it checked out for frame rust)

Thanks for your advice! This forum is sweet!

Brian

 

Not all prerunners have the locking diff, not all 4x4s have a locking diff. Only V6s that have the TRD package have locking diffs.

Also, don't ever use 4wd on dry roads. If you do, your diff will explode.

Since you dont really ever see snow, I'd go with a locked prerunner.

 

I would go 4x4 but I actually use mine a lot so I can't really justify ypur situation, I have a 98 4x4 extra cab 5 speed I4 so it does pretty well on gas

 

I would go with the v6. You can get decent MPGs based on your driving habits. Just letting you know that body style started in 2001 and ended in 2004. I think im getting like 17 mpg with the prerunner v6. Like they said the lockers come with the TRD package. The 4x4s might be a little harder to come by. Make sure to get maintenance records and see when or if the timing belt or any other high mileage maintenance has been done. Got mine off autotrader, keep checking it, the good deals go fast. Your gonna love the taco

 

The best mileage I've ever seen on mine is when driving country roads, maintaining 50-60 mph. 18-19 mpg is totally reasonable and easily attainable in those conditions. Stop and go, and 65+ mph will lower the mpg average.

A PreRunner model will not necessarily get better mileage. The 4WD systems in these trucks are very efficient. In and of themselves, the front diff, driveshaft and t-case will not lower mpg. Engaging 4WD will lower it some but less than you might think.

 

As a Pre TRD [w/elec. locker] owner, I recommend the 4x4. It's a great truck, until I wish I had 4wd.

 

My 01 regular cab get 22-23 MPG. I have and auto and 4X4. I even run my truck on the power setting.

 

prepare to spend alot of money now that you've been exposed to this forum. Welcome.

 

Go with a 4X4. I've wished I had soooo many times. I wouldn't get an auto with a 4 banger, but that's just me. I don't know about the 2.7 but the 2.4 (the engine in mine, probably won't come in any of the models you're considering) is a total dog with an auto. Good luck!