1st Gen buying advice, 6 vs 4 cyl?

I've spent the last two weeks researching the different 1st gen Tacomas, and although ive narrowed it down a bit there still somethings im unsure of that I would or would not want in my first Tacoma. For starters I know that I do not want a crew cab because I would value a longer bed that the regular or extended cabs offer, and would like the option once I have a shell to sleep in the back, something I could see my self doing quite often.

The 2nd thing i've been debating is whether or not to get a V6 or just the 4 cylinder engine, im not a big off roader, and my main use for a truck would be driving up and down very snowy canyons for snowboarding in the winter time. I would really love the improved gas mileage, and was wondering what are some of the negatives of the 4 cylinders? What kind of activities should I not attempt? haha

And lastly it has to be an automatic because of an chronic left knee problem that gets irritated from pushing in a clutch all the time, which is why Im looking for a new vehicle in the first place. I've was doing valet parking for the last year and never came across a manual Tacoma and was wondering how stiff the clutches tend to be?

Anyways its been hard to find what I want with those 3 requirements, I know i've got a lot of questions but some of which just comes to down to preferences and opinions. Any advice is appreciated haha thanks guys.

Here's a sweet regular cab I found 2002 and low miles, im just so indecisive if not having extra room up front would be ok or not. Its also a stick but I figure I should go test it just to see how i like the regular cab 4 cyl. http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/982760?ad_cid=12

 

Also my limit is around $7500

 

Go for the 4 cylinder if you are in no need for power. IMHO, it has many advantages over the 6 cylinder in the long run.

This is not meant to insult the 6 cylinders. IF you need the extra power, it serves its purpose.

 

Skip the 4 banger if you're getting an automatic. Not sure on the 2.7, but with my 2.4 5 lugger I drove both an auto and manual version and the auto was an absolute dog.

 

I have a 2.4 liter with an automatic. The acceleration is MORE than adequate for me and I pass a lot of gas stations due to my relatively excellent gas mileage. Also the four banger is easier to maintain, has a timing chain rather than the timing belt in the six cylinder, etc.

But like i said before, the six is great if you need the power.

 

The only significant advantage of the 4 over the 6 is the timing chain. Timing belts are an expensive job. The gas mileage is almost the same and they're both very reliable. I have a V6 just cause that's what I happened to stumble upon. I would've gone with either.

 

i have a Reg cab 2.7 liter. i really love it, its a damn big 4 cylinder concidering they make the same size engine in a v6. but i have plenty of power when i need it, and exceptional gas mileage when i need it. id say go with the 2.7 if you dont plan on towing too large of loads.

 

Yea I'll have to try them both I suppose, take them up some steep canyon roads. I've got a 94 Subaru legacy that's a 4 cyclinder So I would think the power to be similar, I also don't ever see myself towing anything in the future a v6 just seems nicer not really essential for me though.

I'm unfamiliar with timing chains, what kind of maintenance do they require and they are standard on all 1st gen 4 cyclinder tacomas is that right?


Thanks for responses I'm new to forums and didn't think I was getting feedback till I came back into this thread just now

 

When I was buying my first tacoma I looked at both the 4 and 6 cyl. The 4 with the auto in an extended cab makes you want to get out and push, though when in 4wd was surprising with torque. I went to the next shop and tested the 6 extended cab and it was right in the sweet spot where you don't have to think about power if you need to get out of the way. Also in the mountains the 4 will be a dog up hill. The 6 I had was an 02 and it got 17 regularly at 2k-3k foot elevation in town mpg. And on the highway between 22-24 mpg. Also the extended cab helps keep the floorboard of the passenger side clear of Trash.

Also Now I have a double cab. It is nice and I couldn't imagine not having it supercharged, Even with the 13-16mpg I get around town.

 

I'd try to look for the 6 cylinder. I enjoy the power, and the timing belt isn't a major issue. But that price range it might be hard to find one with decent mileage. Take your time and look around for a nice one

 

The 4-banger is kinda sluggish, an indestructible tank, and extremely reliable.
The v6 moves the truck with some authority, is a tank, and extremely reliable.
The 4 will still get you moving, but if you don't have that traditional Toyota truck 4-cylinder culture in your mind, you will be unsatisfied.
Get the v6 and call it a day. You will be content with its power.

 

I concur with Ridgerunner. You'll regret a 4 cyl. The difference in fuel economy is negligible.

 

It's going to be really hard to find a 4X4 Tacoma with an automatic for under $7500. The ones in your price range will have really high miles. A Subaru, RAV-4 or CR-V will get you up to the ski resorts just fine and it will be a lot easier to find a nice one in your price range. Or you might be able to find a decent Nissan 4X4 truck, their resale value is a lot lower than Toyota's.

 

Before I bought my 3.4, my friend let me borrow his 2.7 auto for about a week
I was very surprised at how much of a dog it was; I'd have it on cruise on the highway and, when I came to pretty minimal grade increases, I'd have to switch off the overdrive, to downshift, just to maintain speed; and, at highway speeds, forget being able to punch it for some quick-accel-evasive-maneuvering

The 2.7 gets negligible better mpg's than the 3.4; I really can't see the advantage
Spend a couple extra cents a gallon and get a higher octane in the 3.4, and if you're not above what the 2.7 gets, you'll be right about level
Or get some less aggressive and/or smaller tires; and same story

That's not to say I wouldn't buy one at the right price; I was ready to buy a 2.7 before I found my 3.4
But, boy, am I glad I found my 3.4

 

more on the 6 vs 4 cylinder.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/4-cylinder/289240-4cyl-over-6cyl-any-regrets.html


I would buy the 5 speed if possible however for more useable power and MPG increase. Mine is an automatic but only because it came with the truck and I got a great deal.

Bottom line is that both the 4 and 6 are good choices, but for me the 4 wins out. Easier to work on, arguably more robust (timing chain, etc), cheaper to maintain, lighter, and hauls a decent load when I need it. When gas hits 5 bucks a gallon, and it will, it will be easier on the pocketbook

good luck whatever you decide.

 

I am quite happy with the 2.7 in mine...4x4 Extra cab,automatic with 265/16 rubber and it always does what I ask of it...

Tuned and maintained right these will last for a very long time without said timing belt/water pump issues BUT it does not have the towing abilities of a 3.4...

Living in NH I am constantly driving through any of the tri-state mountain areas without any problems...comparing power bands for going 50 or 60 mph over a mountain is minor but round tripping NH to Buffalo NY with a full load of furniture, my 4 cylinder SHINED at the gas pump....

You would be smart to keep all options open and as some TW's have mentioned; buy the RIGHT one when you find it, 4 or 6 and then just drive it !!!

 

Water pump should be replace at 100k miles or about 180k km about same cost as timing belt. I guess you can wait till its stop working it'll make noise but you can't see if it's leaking coolant to the engine

 

If I ever get the chance to do it again, Im going v6. I have the 4cyl auto ext cab its a slug esp where Im at (hills/mtns). I would say it'd be better as a reg cab 5 spd.

Are you wanting auto or manual? Ext cab or reg cab. Id try'n save up for a v6 I was in your place this time last year with about the same budget

Edit dad has the 3.4 in his truck. Dont let everyone fool you saying the v6 is less relaiable etc He went to about 130k before he put a timing belt on it and now has 180k miles runs great.

 

x 2 on wishing I had gone with the v6. It is a slug where I am as well, mountains, even interstates that you could have sworn were flat or gently sloping... you're toast. A 159hp (at crank) tacoma will be putting out 137hp at the elevation of Salt Lake City. That's 22hp lost just around town. Take it to the mountains and you can easily find yourself producing 100hp at the crank. Now mate that to a cinderblock on wheels, parasitic drive train loss due to manual (or auto), + 4x4... nightmare.

I have a manual, and second gen, but wish I could re-do that too. I read people saying how their 4cyl auto gear hunts all the time and said "Shit, I'll avoid that with a 5spd!". Now I have to do all the gear hunting, constantly 4th to 5th to 4th down the interstate. It gets very tiring and very frustrating. I'd rather let the transmission do that on its own. Goodluck with whatever you choose, but it's going to feel far worse than your Subaru - guaranteed. I didn't buy my truck for speed, and could live with winding it out merging in to traffic on ramps. I didn't think about how much it was going to suck just cruising along on seemingly flat ground.