If you were in the market again...

[BoilerBronco]

I'm soon to be in the market for a Tacoma and I'd like your recommendations.
Here are my requirements/needs/wants/thoughts:
- I must have 4 wheel drive.
- I had been thinking that I would go with a 4 cylinder because economy is important to me and I don't plan on doing any towing. Of the various engine choices, which is better to go with?
- I really like the dual cabs, but I would also consider the extended cab - It appears that only the V6 is offered with the dual cab?
- I don't plan on a brand new vehicle purchase but it is a possibility.
Are there certain years to stay away from, and other years that are more desireable?

TIA for your input!

[2tacomas]

If you want a 4wd and a 4cyl- the only engine you have to choose from is the 2.7L - it is a good engine (rated at 150 hp in 1996-2004 Tacomas; 170 hp in 2005 Tacomas), but goes best with a manual tranny. I would go with anything that is 1996 or newer (just because that was the first full year when the Tacoma came into production...before that it was just the Toyota Pickup). If you want a double cab you can only get them w/ a v6. Other than that, there is not too much to look out for- the trucks are pretty reliable.

[TRDTURD]

I'm not positive, but I don't think the fuel mileage gets much better by getting a smaller motor, it stays about the same. I'm going to the website to see.

[TRDTURD]

Access Cab
4x2/PreRunner Access Cab
4x4 Access Cab
X-Runner

EPA Mileage Estimates [11]/Capacities
2.7-liter engine with 5-speed manual (city/hwy) 20/27 19/23 NA
2.7-liter engine with 4-speed automatic (city/hwy) 21/26 NA NA
4.0-liter V6 engine with 6-speed manual (city/hwy) 16/21 16/20 16/21
4.0-liter V6 engine with 5-speed automatic (city/hwy) 18/22 17/22 NA
Fuel tank (gal.) 21.0 21.0 21.0
Required fuel Reg. unleaded Reg. unleaded [12] Reg. unleaded [12]

[BoilerBronco]

I don't have a strong preference either way on the transmission. I was kind of thinking manual, expecting it would get better mileage - But TRDTURD's post looks as if the automatic gets better mileage than manual. I double checked the Toyota website http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2005/...ccess_cab.html and found that the automatic does get better mileage than the manual... How is that possible?
Another question - What is a PreRunner? Is it 4x2 or 4x4 or either?
2tacomas - What did Toyota do to the 2005 that squeezed 20 more HP out of the 2.7L 4cyl engine, any idea?
TRDTURD - Looks like the V6 does a little worse on mileage than the 4cyl, but they don't offer the same transmission with either engine, so it's not exactly comparing apples to apples. Still, not a big difference though.
Thanks for the input!

[Knailgun]

Personally, if you have to get 4wd, get a standard tranny, makes beter use of the traction, and towing is less painful as well. Pre runners wer 2x4s Personally, I would find a 4cyl Taco TRD... as good mileage as you'll get, and has ass in 4 wheel too

[2tacomas]

Originally Posted by BoilerBronco

2tacomas - What did Toyota do to the 2005 that squeezed 20 more HP out of the 2.7L 4cyl engine, any idea?

I am not sure what they did to squeeze the extra 20 hp out of the 2.7 for the 2005 Tacoma. I know that the 4.7L v8 on the Tundra went from 230 hp to 283 hp this year- the main change was variable valve timing and some computer mods.

Another note: I am posative that in 2001-2004 Tacomas, manuals do get better gas mileage than auto's. The gas mileage difference between the 3.4L and the 2.7L is not that much- on average I get about the same in my 2004 3.4L as my friend gets in his 2002 2.7L (both trucks are auto's)...on the highway he will get a about 1 or 2 more mpg than I do, but around town is almost the same.

[Fergface]

I'm getting ready to buy a Tacoma in June (hopefully) and this is what I'm going for:

V6
4x4
Double Cab
Long Bed
SR5 package 8
Towing package

I might decide on a different package before I buy, but the rest is mandatory. After you get a look at all the extra room in a Double Cab, I don't know how anyone could buy one of the smaller versions.

[Knailgun]

[Yeah, double cab rocks...my next one will be if I can find one

[BoilerBronco]

I was curious about what years Toyota made body style and feature changes and found a good link that ya'll might like to look at:
http://www.brian894x4.com/Hiluxdifferences.html
Knailgun - I really like the double cabs too, but the "trouble" with them is that you can not get a standard tranny or a 4cyl, as I understand it.

[Bakemono]

The technology in automatic trannys has gotten to the point now where there isnt much of a fuel economy difference from a manual to an automatic.
If you think about it, its all driver preference now. You can pay $1500 more for the automatic (it gets you the A/T and A/C) and get 1 or 2 mpg less or you can pay a little less now for the manual (and not get A/C standard), get slightly better fuel economy but you will be paying $600-$1000 ever 100,000-150,000 miles for clutch/tranny repairs. You also have to consider that you are paying a little bit more for the luxury of not having to shift and for all of the electronics inside the tranny.
Me personally, Im going to go with an automatic. Id much rathar put the darned thing in "D" and not worry about clutching or shifting. After a long day at work Id rathar not have to worry about shifting. I simply put the thing into drive, turn up the radio and enjoy the ride home.
Now, if I had a Celica, Supra or MR2 Id probably want a manual because it allows you to be in more control. However, in a truck gimmie an automatic any day for the simple reason of ease of use!
Cap'n

[BoilerBronco]

Sorry to sound sooo stupid, but I've been out of the Toyota "loop" for a while.
So... During what years were the major model changes made?
From what I've gathered:
1985 is when they changed from leaf spring live front axle, to IFS.
Seems like there should be something in between 1985 and 1995 (even if minor)?
1995 is apparently a major change - Due to the subforum change... But what changed?
BTW, I sure have fond memories of the 1981 truck I had... What a beast it was, nothing could stop it!!!