Honest opinion. 3.4 vs 4.0

What's your honest, no crap, no 1st gen biased opinion on the 3.4 vs the 4.0?

Reason I ask is b/c I recently got to talking to someone and they have a mid-90s 4runner. We were bs'ing and they said they have over 400k on their 3.4. No rebuild, just oil and occasional timing belt.
I've been debating upgrading to a V6 2nd gen for more power and the fact that the gas mileage difference appears to be minimal from the 2.7 to V6. After seeing the odometer sitting at 440k, the thought of another 1st gen started brewing.

Are you guys getting similar miles on your 3.4s, or is this a rare occurance?

 

I currently have 200xxx on my 3.4 with no major repaired the biggest being a radiator or rotors (almost same price) I personal have driven a pre-runner DC 2007 sr5 v6 and my 4x4 99 sr5 ac v6 Quite a bit. To me they drive someone similar the 99 being in A/T and 07 on street tires the 07 was a smoother ride and quieter. However the 99 feels faster (at least in everyday driving) We both see around the same gas mileage at 17ish. The 07 has more squeaks than the 99 but I track them down in mine. To me the biggest thing would be what you plan on doing with the truck? Commuting I would probably say 2nd gen for the ride but mine is smooth and cruises easily at 85. I prefer my truck as it feels more solid and the driving of it but I would say go drive both and see what you like better as its a lot about personal opinion. I feel both will reach high mileage with good care (my friend is at 300xxx miles on his 1st gen and lawn guy had 250xxx on his second gen)

 

There's a histogram: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/general-automotive/31194-tacoma-odometer-record.html

1st gens tend to die by rust before milage.

 

Are they still doing the frame stuff on the later 1st gens? I thought I saw a post not to long ago from someone stating they're getting a new frame.

 

only if its within the 15 year mark i believe. But no totally sure.

I have the 3.4L and my dad has the 4.0.

They are both good motors but the 4.0 just hasn't been around long enough to REALLY know. But far as i know, can't go wrong with either. Long as you do maintenance on them they will keep kicking strong as ever.


I will say the 3.4 is a more proven motor IMO..but the power gains from the 4.0 is great.

 

same
but my dad's isnt supercharged

havent had any problems with mine after 14 years, but the power from the 4.0 is nice

 

well..yea..my dads is boosted..but even before that the power was much better then mine.

But the boost helps... a LOT now..haha but thats not the point

 

#jelly


at 14,000 feet I had to put the truck into 4lo just to be able to move...lol

 

really? i didn't have an issue really at 14k But really..my truck is so fat..2wd is almost a chore to move now in general..ha So i believe it..but 14k is no joke..haha

 

The 4.0 didn't come on the first gen, so I don't understand unless you want to drop a 4.0 into one?

I owned both 3.4 (2001 xtra cab) and 4.0 (2005 & 2010 double cabs)... I thought the 3.4 had more than enough power for the truck. The only negative is the 3.4 uses a timing belt instead of gears or a chain.

When the bigger second gens came with the 4.0, I again found more than enough power.

The 3.4 had 136,000 miles on it in 5 years with 0 engine issues. The water pump was replaced at 90,000 miles during the timing belt recommended replacement.

The 2005 4.0 had 102,000 miles in 4.5 years, also with 0 issues.

My 2010 4.0 has almost 60,000 miles in 4 years, again 0 issues. In all three cases, I had the oil changed around 4,000 miles (3,000min-5,000max) and all recommended maintenance performed by my dealer (Toyota Carlsbad)

 

Bottom line is: Its a Toyota. Take care of it. And it'll take care of you

 

This ^^^
My 3.4 gets ~14 MPG my sis's 4.0 gets about 17 doing the same (roughly) route, we both have heavy feet and drive similarily.

My sisters truck is at about 3/4s of a tank at 150-170 miles, mines down to 3/8ths

 

I have had both...

3.4 is bullet proof motor. It is great proven motor!

4.0 is a great motor as well. I had over 100K that I put on mine from brand new without a single issue.

I like the 4.0 for the oil filter location. Dead simple oil changes. Was a good strong, powerful motor.

3.4 isnt as powerful, but it is a good strong motor and runs beautiful with over 160k miles on it with no problems.

After both, I would possibly pick the 4.0. Timing chain, so no timing belt replacements, super easy oil changes, stronger, pretty much the same MPG from my driving style.

But Im very happy with my 3.4 still.

 

I still remember the first day I opened the hood of an FJ and seen the oil filter placement. I damn near fell on my ass. Simplicity at it's best.

Can't really say much else about the 4.0 as I haven't driven one much. I can tell you that my 3.4 takes a beating and keeps going. The 3.4 is the "modern" day 22re, damn near impossible to kill.

 

having a chain does not mean you dont have to replace it. but being a timing chain, does that mean the engine is an interference engine? if so, then would much rather have the 3.4

 

I have owned every Gen tacoma..The 2nd Gen Tacomas are NOT the same truck.. Everything is different.. It really is like a full size. The 1st gen is my preference, I really like the lines, style & size... You should get in a 2nd Gen and drive it, completely different feel... The engine 4.0 is Great.. If your are towing or hauling heavy, heavy you may notice strain but over all it is STRONG! Just make sure you get in one and drive it, not just look and sit in one. Take it out in traffic... Get on the 2nd Gen forum and browse... Many there still miss their 1st gens and have went back like i did..

 

I have two 3.4 trucks, 01 and 03 double cab 4wd, my wife has the 4.0 in an 07 fj that we bought new, 150k on the clock, both good engines for us, not any real fuel mileage difference to speak of, definitely more power in the 4.0, but the 3.4 will get the job done, 4.0 been on the road since 05 so I think that validates it to be a proven engine.