2.7 L 4 Cylinder OR V6 Tacoma? .....And Why?

[trailrunners]

I'm looking to purchase a used Toyota Tacoma (1997-2000), and I'm looking for a 2.7 L 4 cylinder 4x4. The main reason I'm leaning towards the 4 cylinder over the V6, is because I'm looking for the best mileage possible in my 4x4, and I've heard that the I4 is basically bulletproof. It looks like the 4 cylinders are rated to pull 3,500 lbs. and the V6's 5,000 lbs. I don't think I'll be towing anything over 3,500 lbs, and don't think I need the extra power.

What would your arguments be for a 4 cylinder over a V6 or vice versa? Does the 4 cylinder really get that much better mileage? Is it generally more reliable than the V6, or is the V6 just as reliable? If you have a V6, what has been your best mileage? What about your best mileage in a 4 cylinder? Any other things you would recommend I look for in a used Tacoma?

Any help would be greatly appreciate!

[toyjunkie]

Hey, I have a 1995 Tacoma with the I4 and love it. I highly recommend it, especially if as you say, you won't be hauling much. THe motor is bulletproof, with the exception of maybe the exhaust manifold...

Gas mileage varies like any other car, though with my I4 I have NEVER gotten lower than about 18.5 MPG. and that's me and my lead foot. Best has been about 23. On the freeway I have averaged about 26MPG, with varied elevation and wind....

For reference, my friend has a '96 with the V6 engine. Around town he gets about 15-16MPG and on the freeway a lowly 23 or so, and his engine is in tip-top shape. Sure he has more grunt, but since I have a manual and he automatic I can still smoke him at a stoplight!

Hope that helps - let me know if you want specifics on anything.

[trailrunners]

Toyjunkie - thanks a lot for the reply! Yeah, I really think I'll hold out for a nice I4 if I can find one. I'm looking for a '97 to '01 vintage. Like you and others I've talked to have said, the I4 is bulletproof, and I really would like the better mileage. Thanks again!

[Cooch]

Just a little info that may help. I just purchased a 2005 Taco, 4 WD and I was deciding between the V6 and 4............. I will not be towing a lot nor will I use it for heavy hauling.............I drove both and honestly the 4 is about as quick as the 6 off the line............... I wanted better gas mileage and so I got the 4............ I am delighted.............. Very quick and has all the power I need................ Have only 800 miles on it, but already on highway I am getting around 24 MPG.........That should improve with age................ I have been told by many people that the 4 is about as trouble free as a motor can get........... The only thing that I keep hearing is that at about 60,000 you need to change the timing belt..................... If you are not interested in towing the 4 is awfully good...................Hope this helps................ Cooch

[Gradall]

I too got the 4cyl, even in the ext. cab 4wd. It is a great little engine. I'm getting about 22 mpg. The timing belt is also what kept me away from the 6cyl. I drove a 4cyl and a 6 back to back and had a hard time telling the differance. I believe that the 4cyl come with 4.10's so they feel pretty peppy off the line.

Casey J.

[pfbmgd]

I have a 4runner with the 2.7 .I get a steady 23 to 24 mpg in the summer .Somtimes better than that deprnds on how much whighway driving I do .In the winter time the mileage lowers to 20 to 21 mpg .

Having two friends with 3.4L 4runners . All I can say is that the power difference is there .But for most of the driving I do .The only time I would like more power is on the highway . Not accelerating into traffic .But going from say 100 km/hr to 130 .It takes a bit of going to get there .but once there there is no problem keeping the speed going .