newbie w/ ?'s - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

blackjack · 07-05-2005, 05:10 PM

Hi all,
I'm new to the forums as well as new to the world of Toyotas. After many years of owning nothing but Fords and Jeeps, I've had enough of lack of reliability and low resale. I've narrowed my search down to a Tacoma Xtra cab between a 2000 and a 2003. Those would be in my price range.
I'm looking specifically at a 4 cyl/5 spd. 4WD. My criteria is fuel economy with the "fun to drive" aspect factored in.
My question is to anyone who has driven a 2.7/ 5Spd. Will I be surprised with the lack of guts? I don't haul anything of any weight and only tow a 1000# pop-up tent trailer on occasion. My commute is 4.5 miles and the rest of my driving will be around town. I'm really leaning towards a manual tranny cause it's been so long since I've had one and spend no time in traffic.
Any comments for or against the V6/Auto are welcomed.

TIA
Marc

***humanoid*** · 07-05-2005, 05:13 PM

Both are pretty durable and the 4 cyl is more than adequate for your needs. Also, the 4 banger gets better mileage than the 6.

blackjack · 07-05-2005, 05:33 PM

Excellent.

Is there anything that I should specifically look out for in a used Tacoma? ie, timing belt, other parts that wear quickly.

***Bakemono*** · 07-05-2005, 05:52 PM

The 4-cylinder really doesnt get that much better milage than the V6. The V6 gets 18-20 mpg whereas the 4-cylinder should get about 20 mpg.
Even though the 4-cylinder is a smaller engine, it has to work a lot harder than the V6 would, so the economy isnt much better.
If you want "fun to drive" the 4-cylinder might be a little lacking.
Cap'n

blackjack · 07-07-2005, 08:17 PM

Thanks for the info guys.
I just made a purchase today after much research.
Here it is!
2002 Taco, V6/5 spd. SR5, bed liner and tooneau.

toyjunkie · 07-09-2005, 04:22 AM

I have the 2.7L 4-banger and 5spd in my Taco (a '95) and it's perfectly fine. Around town I get 20mpg even with my spirited driving habits, and on the freeway with the tailgate down I get 25-27 mpg. Acceptable for a truck by any means! Try that with the V6...

I am constantly hauling friends around, gear, etc. and I don't think that it is lacking in power at all. Sure, it isn't a sports car, but it is more than adequate. Besides, downshifting is what having a manual is all about!