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Thinking about 4 Cylinder 4x4.. Your opinion needed

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by shawnmd, Dec 23, 2011.

  1. Dec 23, 2011 at 5:04 AM
    #1
    shawnmd

    shawnmd [OP] New Member

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    I currently drive a 2002 GMC Sierra reg cab long box 2wd with the 4.3 V6. Its a big truck with a small engine and won't win any races. However, I now have three kids so the three seater won't work anymore. I use the truck as my daily commuter (70 km a day- highway) to drive back and forth to work.
    I need a truck with at least 4 seats and that will get the best mileage. I would like a 4wd and it seems that a Tamcoma Access Cab 4x4 with the 2.7L 45 cylinder fits the bill.
    My question is with power. My current truck is pretty gutless so I am used to a slow vehicle. It gets on average 16 mpg driving on pretty level ground. Do you think I would disappointed with the power of the 4 cylinder Tacoma, moving to it, from the V6 Sierra? Anyone have experience with both of these trucks?
     
  2. Dec 23, 2011 at 5:10 AM
    #2
    WV150

    WV150 Well-Known Member

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    Drive them both.In a access cab the 4 cyl will only get about 2 or 3 more mpg.The heavier the truck the more it drags down mpg and power.
     
  3. Dec 23, 2011 at 5:34 AM
    #3
    MQQSE

    MQQSE Bannable Galloot

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    I have no power concerns in my '07 4X4/5spd/4cyl AC. 5th gear has no torque...sometimes have to shift to 4th uphill or passing, but that doesn't bother me.

    How old/big are your kids? There really isn't much room in the back of my Access Cab, but it's rarely used for passengers. One time my son borrowed it for a 4 hour trip (each way). His girlfriend's 8 yr old brother rode with them in the back seat .... my son said the kid was complaining and asking to swap to the front about 45 mins into to the trip. Might have something to do with the back rest being the back wall of the cab (straight up and down w/ no recline). Okay for short trips around town, I guess.

    Might want to consider the double cab ... someone else will have to chime in on how the 4cyl does in that configuration.

    FWIW :)

    EDIT: BTW I average 21-22 MPG; sometimes a little less in winter--and sometimes a little more in summer. That's about 70% hwy and 30% city (on Air Force Base).
     
  4. Dec 23, 2011 at 6:15 AM
    #4
    baja820

    baja820 Well-Known Member

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    Your gonna want a double cab if you plan on having people in the back seats. I love my truck for work but if I was to get a tacoma for the family it would be a double cab short bed V6 six speed.
     
  5. Dec 23, 2011 at 6:24 AM
    #5
    SilverTacoEater

    SilverTacoEater Well-Known Member

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    ^ what this guy said. If you have peoole who will actually ride in ur vehicle, the 4 door is a must. The access cab has absolutely no rokm and is extremely uncomfortable. The only reason I got it was becausr no one rides in my truck besides me,.my gf and.the.dog.
     
  6. Dec 23, 2011 at 6:28 AM
    #6
    RV7Garage

    RV7Garage R.O.U.S.

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    Another thing to consider is that the 4cyl really does not get much better AVERAGE mpg than the 6. For me, it was worth getting the DCSB with a 6cyl, taking a few mpg loss, and having the power when I need it. :)
     
  7. Dec 23, 2011 at 6:53 AM
    #7
    RightYouAreKen

    RightYouAreKen Well-Known Member

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    Also, contrary to what you might think, the manual gets worse mpg than the automatic, at least on the v6, due to the gearing. I've got a double cab v6 automatic and it works better as a family car than my Audi a4 avant did.
     
  8. Dec 23, 2011 at 7:06 AM
    #8
    speedydave

    speedydave Well-Known Member

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    I really like mine.
     
  9. Dec 23, 2011 at 7:07 AM
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    jflan

    jflan Well-Known Member

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    Fixed.

    When you're running 65 MPH and faster you're in the power band. You don't want to hit hills too slow in OD, no matter what your engine is.
    I am still amazed at how it holds 5th in cruise, 65 +, in moderate grades.
     
  10. Dec 23, 2011 at 7:09 AM
    #10
    Dark_Taco

    Dark_Taco Well-Known Member

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    Get the DC with a 6cyl. You won't regret it. I know because I have one.
     
  11. Dec 23, 2011 at 7:10 AM
    #11
    jflan

    jflan Well-Known Member

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    This only pertains to the V6 - 6 speed (Getrag) and I don't think that's on the table here.
    It is an unusual phenomenon.

    FYI, the 5 speed (Aisin) has different ratios.
     
  12. Dec 23, 2011 at 7:11 AM
    #12
    Surferdude

    Surferdude Erich

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    I traded my Beastly 4x4 Dodge Ram 1500 QC on Halloween for my 4x4 DC Taco and I've never looked back in regret.

    My Ram and some torque but my Taco would beat it off the line I'm sure, it's dang peppy and lighter. The v6 doesn't get much worse MPG than the 4cyl, esp. if you drive it easy. I'd say go for the bigger engine and you'll have it when you need it.

    I looked at the access cab initially but I'm personally glad I got the DC instead.
     
  13. Dec 23, 2011 at 7:11 AM
    #13
    MQQSE

    MQQSE Bannable Galloot

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    You're right ... that's the equation (RPM). Traffic + a more than moderate grade is when I have to down shift (one particular hill on my commute). If I push it up around 2500 RPM before I hit the grade it'll hold speed all the way up without the down shift. :cool:
     
  14. Dec 23, 2011 at 7:17 AM
    #14
    jflan

    jflan Well-Known Member

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    I don't buy this at all.
    I can run hard, 75-80 and still be in the 20's.

    With a raw egg between your foot and the throttle most can't touch the 20's with the V6.

    Book it.
     
  15. Dec 23, 2011 at 7:20 AM
    #15
    canyonchaser

    canyonchaser Member Known Well

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    I've had both in previous pickups. If you get the 4, you'll always wish you spent a bit more for the 6. Moar Powar!

    dp
     
  16. Dec 23, 2011 at 7:23 AM
    #16
    jflan

    jflan Well-Known Member

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    4th is one to one with the engine. It's the power gear for pulling highway grades with a load. Not a sin to use it with any engine/transmission combo.
    It's when you have to drop to third, that there are some power issues.
     
  17. Dec 23, 2011 at 7:30 AM
    #17
    jflan

    jflan Well-Known Member

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    For the OP, I'm not sure I'm on board with the DC, auto and 2.7
    I like the 2.7/manual/access because I control the shift points.

    A DC full of kids and dogs (and perhaps pulling a tent trailer) ? I would probably lean toward V6 or just go full size since fuel mileage is similar.
     
  18. Dec 23, 2011 at 7:38 AM
    #18
    rbeezy

    rbeezy Well-Known Member

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    well if power is a concern, then obviously go with a 6. but if you'd like to save gas, go with the 4. the 4 gets the job done and definitely get the DC like everybody else said since you have a family that will need to easily get in and out
     
  19. Dec 23, 2011 at 7:49 AM
    #19
    H Bomb

    H Bomb Well-Known Member

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    I drive uphill across mountain passes quite a bit and regret getting the 2.7L. However, if you are used to a big truck with little power and don't mind, the 2.7L may work well for you.

    Also, I agree with what others said about taking a look at a double cab. Fitting three kids in the back seat may be a struggle....
     
  20. Dec 23, 2011 at 7:52 AM
    #20
    TacomaBuzz

    TacomaBuzz Well-Known Member

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    I've had an 05 DBCBLB v6 4x4 and now a 2011 2.7 L RegCab manual 5 lug. if mpg is your concern, don't get the V6. You'll be getting the same mpg's as in your GMC Sierra. I used get between 16-19 mpg's in the v6, now I'm getting
    25 mpg in the 4cyl 5 Lugger. I find the 4 cyl to be more than adequate in the power department, pulls just fine, and tough as nails. Get the manual transmission though, the automatic is well known to be a little slow.
     

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