3.5 vs 4.0

Is the 3.5 as good/better than the 4.0 for durability? I had excellent luck with the 4.0..and now Im driving a 3.5... Thanks in advance.

 

This a hot debate around here.
Both are different and both are reliable.
Tech scares many around here.

 

Just enjoy your truck. All mass produced goods have potential issues. However, as the 3rd gen ages, I’m not seeing anything unusual. Yes a few issues here and there. The 3rd gen is the most popular Tacoma ever. 1.5 to 2 million on the road. At the end of the day it’s just another typical Toyota product. Expect QDR and high resale vale. If it ever doesn’t meet your expectations, sell it.

Almost 3 years later I’ve had zero issues as a daily driver and light off roader.

@bigoldbeef has over 300k on his.

https://youtu.be/4DKF3RR559E

 

This should be fun…

 

2nd gen best gen

 

They are both good engines.
They both have had issues.
The 4.0 is basic. Old technology and more “simple”.

The 3.5 is newer and uses more advanced technology.
It preforms almost as good as the 4.0 (my opinion).

I prefer the 4.0.

 

Whatever you may drive good care/maintenance has a lot to do with getting good service.

 

good or better you will soon not be able to buy either in the tacoma. Used offerings can offer a hidden past that would be less favorable.

 

Guy posted on the reliability thread he has 220k. I agree, enjoy the truck. There are more high mileage 3.5s out there than people realize. This site will scare the hell out of you though.

 

this is what you get with a 3.5.
https://youtu.be/rk-ik7KCTTY

 

if both engines were an option, more would choose the 4.0 than the 3.5. i know i would have.

same applies to the tundra, more buyers would choose the 5.7 V8 than the turbo V6.

 

3.5 has same physical reliability as any Toyota, but the 4.0 edges it out slightly simply due to its lack of D4S. Less stuff to fail.

Both are top tier for reliability in comparison to other manufacturers.

 

when i had my 2008 4.0 i was on the 2nd gen forum as much as i am here. I don't recall any horror stories about the 4.0, i am sure there were some but not like the 3rd gen.

no #3 piston going chernobyl. no plastic coolant pipe behind the motor that takes 2 days to replace with the same crappy plastic pipe. no timing cover leak that requires removing the motor to fix.
stuff like that would have jumped out at me. nuff said

just to be fair, i guess there was the frame issue with the 2nd gen

 

I had both, I liked both. But I did like the configuration of the oil filter setup better on the 4.0.

 

I like the 4.0 in the taco, low end torque feels adequate after boosting it. The 3.5 in my sedan, revs up very nicely. The 3.5 gets up in RPMs smoothly and quickly, like it’s meant to be rev high. At this point the 4.0 is getting older. So technically you’re more likely to find a longer lasting 3.5 than a 4.0 since those are no longer being manufactured. Now a 2015 vs 2016 with same amount of miles I think actual maintenance and how it was treated would have a bigger impact than inherent differences between the two very similarly designed engines.

 

and if you low rpm lug this 3.5 you will not be happy with the automatic transmission programming.
So, keep the revs above 3500, and let 'er rip!

 

The 3.5L is plucked right out of the minivan line up!!! What engine could possibly be more reliable than one built for soccer moms (and dads ) across America. If it wasn't reliable, those soccer moms would revolt! The 4.0L is a boat anchor in comparison.

 

I feel like my 2020 sienna pulls harder than the 23 taco.

 

The 1GR is still being offered in the 4Runer.
Granted it’s a Dual VTT, but it’s still a 1GR.

Makes me wonder why the 4Runner kept the 4.0
Traditionally, the 4Runner got the same engine as the Tacoma?
But the 3.5 never went into a 4Runner?