Re: gas mileage of 4cyl vs V6

I get 18-27 on '85 22RE Xtra cab 4 cyl 2wd with 5spd on regular gas - 103k
miles. The automatics - especially before 1996 seem to suck up gas and
power. I would not go with a 4cyl automatic. My guess is 4-6 MPG
difference -- and some 6 cyl may take premium gas.
..
"isaac" <isaacsorge@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1140903974.133951.112490@t39g2000cwt.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
> Coming from a Honda Civic and not making very much money, I've been
> mainly keeping an eye out for 4 cylinder Toyota trucks, assuming the V6
> would gulp way too much gas. Is there much difference between the
> economy of the 4cyl versus the V6?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Isaac
>[/color]

I agree with the advice about the automatic. However, except for
problems with the auto transmission, my non-modified, 3.0 L, V-6, 1995
SR5 4x4 Pick-Up (not Tacoma) with almost 130,000 miles has been the
most reliable and worry-free car I have ever owned. The automatic
transmission seems to suck a lot of the engine's power and sometimes I
have problems with it switching into overdrive on hot and long freeway
trips (over 30 miles in the summertime).

I bought the truck two years ago. Its tires are 32x11.5 BFG's, which I
am sure put a lot of wear on the automatic transmission; they are the
biggest size tires I have ever seen on these trucks without having
suspension modifications. They look good, but do not help with the gas
mileage. During my first year of ownership, I closely monitored the
gas consumption and averaged 15 to 17 mpg. That was probably 75 to 85%
freeway driving. Since then we moved, and I have let my wife drive it
(she has a shorter commute), she's not as big of a nerd as I am and
does not keep track of the gas mileage these days.

With the price of gas these days, I don't know if I would buy this same
truck right now. But if I were to buy a similar toyota truck, I would
be sure that it was not automatic transmission and that the tires were
not too big. I think if you go with the classic toyota 4 cyl and the
manual transmission, you will find that you have plenty of power to do
what ever you need to, and that you would get atleast 20 mpg.

Good Luck!

-Dan

[email]bigwhitebhudda@netscape.net[/email] wrote:
snip[color=blue]
> With the price of gas these days, I don't know if I would buy this
> same truck right now. But if I were to buy a similar toyota truck, I
> would be sure that it was not automatic transmission and that the
> tires were not too big. I think if you go with the classic toyota 4
> cyl and the manual transmission, you will find that you have plenty
> of power to do what ever you need to, and that you would get atleast
> 20 mpg.
>
> Good Luck!
>
> -Dan[/color]

Dan,
Not trying to sway your decision but, my 2001 Tundra, 3.4L V-6, automatic,
full-sized bed with cover, 235-65/16 (OEM tires) and all synthetic lubes, I
get 16-17 MPG in town and 21-22 MPG on highway. I always drive on high-way
with windows up and A/C on if necessary, and usually 65-75 MPH, depending on
posted speed limit. I don't (usually) haul anything heavy or tow and don't
off-road so it fits my needs and gets what I consider good gas mileage.
Since I have speed in my blood (grin) I will race it if in the right area,
road conditions and etc. (never over appx 70 MPH or so) and it is quick for
what it is.
When I get ready to buy new I plan on test driving the Taco Prerunner w/the
4.0L V-6. I think it will get even better performance and fuel mileage.
davidj92