BajaNomad

A question for you Tacoma fans....4 vs 6 cyl?

AKgringo - 9-28-2020 at 07:54 PM

A guy a few blocks from me is selling a 2010, 4x4, access cab Tacoma with the 2.7L four banger and a standard transmission. It seems to be in pretty good shape, and is priced pretty much in line with Kelley blue book.

My question is....is there any good reason to go with the smaller engine with a do it yourself shifter, rather than keep shopping for a V6 with an auto?

Looking at reviews, they seem to get about the same mileage, and the six would be a hell of a lot better on long grades, or pulling a load. my favorite off road vehicles over the years have mostly been automatics, but I have never owned a Toyota with either tranny.

JZ - 9-28-2020 at 08:03 PM

V6 with the mod to give it more horse power.

David K - 9-28-2020 at 08:25 PM

People like both, but the V6 takes off on the freeway or if you are towing is a better choice.

The mileage difference is 5 mpg+, 16 vs 21+.

Mine is also a 2010, a 4x4 TRD Off Road, which is the only model with A-TRAC and the rear locking differential.

Bajazly - 9-28-2020 at 08:29 PM

You'll be much happier with the V6 auto.

bajatrailrider - 9-28-2020 at 08:38 PM

both poor mpg the cab and half 4 banger with stick works well. I bought a new 12 prerunner double cab but with 2.7 . Because of the double cab 4banger . No 4x4 or stick you can get . well I hated the truck only because the auto trans. also one recall after another sad as all older. Older toyotas where bullet proof. my off road toyota built v6 stick is at 10 mpg haha . I would grab that truck with the 4 banger stick. beware the late toy auto trans is garbage.

TMW - 9-29-2020 at 10:41 AM

If the price is right go for it. What's the mileage on it?

AKgringo - 9-29-2020 at 11:06 AM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW  
If the price is right go for it. What's the mileage on it?


It has 150k, and I believe I can get it for $9500, after he gets it smogged. It has decent tires (265/70/16) and a new clutch. There are a few minor body defects, but nothing worse than I usually do to my rigs!

I probably would have already pulled the trigger on this one, except there isn't much room behind the front seats for my dog and stuff!

David K - 9-29-2020 at 12:03 PM

Once you get it or another Tacoma, many of us Nomads can advise you on mods to help it be more "Baja worthy"... It is excellent pure stock as the TRD Off Road was developed from Baja racing and Ivan Stewart's input.

Without a lift, you can go up one tire size without any rubbing: 265/75-16. This is about 1" taller and that gives you 1/2" more ground clearance. A side note: the speedometer reads a bit high from the factory (ie. ~67-68 mph is really 65 mph)... With the 265/75 tires, the speedometer is correct.

bajatrailrider - 9-29-2020 at 12:05 PM

sounds like a deal the 2.7 is a great engine but only with manual trans

del mar - 9-29-2020 at 12:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
sounds like a deal the 2.7 is a great engine but only with manual trans


agreed, my 4runner with the 2.7 auto was grim to say the least:no:

bajatrailrider - 9-29-2020 at 01:21 PM

a friend visits me with a 08 tacoma cab and half. 2.7 4x4 manual. nice rig I wish mine had the manual . I sold it only 2 1/2 years of new. Bought the mex frontier 2.5 4x4 turbo diesel manual trans. Great truck power and mpgs but now I want 2021 hilux . diesel manual trans unless I sell the Nissan. no Hilux no more garage space .

AKgringo - 9-29-2020 at 02:55 PM

I appreciate the feedback from those who have owned a four banger.

The cramped interior space would be ok for all my truck needs here in NorCal, but I would hate to have to put most of my stuff in the bed on a Baja run. Beside that, my dog prefers to ride in a back seat, but in that cab she wouldn't be able to stick her head out the window!

This truck does not have the TRD package, but does have a limited slip rear end with an optional locker button (that I did not get to try out).

I suppose that if I bought it, put it through it's paces fully loaded here in Nevada county, I would know soon enough. I just don't want to have to start shopping for a larger replacement right away!

David K - 9-29-2020 at 03:18 PM

AK, learning then explaining the Tacoma traction systems has been my sideline work over on the Tacoma World forums... If you have a 2010, it does not have a traditional limited slip differential (the 2005-2008 TRD Sport were the only models with one). In 2009, all Tacomas received electronic traction control (achieves limited slip by using the ABS brakes and spin sensors), called TRAC and AUTO LSD.

A factory locking differential was only available on the Off Road TRD.

The button may be there but you should go look on top of the rear diff and see if the e-locker is there... Unless, the previous owner added a locker, like ARB or another brand.

Is this truck you are looking at a 4x4 or a 4x2?

2010 TRD Off Road buttons:



Left side switches,
Top: Fog Lamps; Rear Diff Locker; Power outlet inverter control.
Bottom: Mirror, Stability and traction controls (VSC, TRAC, AUTO LSD), DAC (downhill crawl system), RSCA Off (Rollover Side Curtain Airbag)

TMW - 9-30-2020 at 09:38 AM

150,000 is low mileage for a truck like that. Sounds like a good deal. You can always lock up the front and rear differentials if need be. You could take out the passenger seat for the dog.

del mar - 9-30-2020 at 09:53 AM

consider a 4runner instead. my first one (with the 2.7) I worked out of so I removed the back seat and built a flat platform that allowed a 6"ladder to easily slide in up to the front seat, the area on either side of the hump were accessible thru hatches for storage. just a thought!

AKgringo - 9-30-2020 at 10:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by del mar  
consider a 4runner instead.


I already have an Isuzu Trooper, that aside from crappy fuel economy, I am very happy with! I need something I can fill with firewood, jugs of diesel fuel, chainsaws, gasoline or a small load of brush, then clean up for a trip SOB.

The guy pulled his ad, but the truck is still there, so I don't even know if it is available anymore. I will stop by after work (him, not me!) and take my dog this time.

He is very proud of the off road ability of the Tacoma, but his work required up-sizing to a full size truck, while my retirement allows downsizing to a smaller one! I still need a truck to maintain my own property and equipment.

bajatrailrider - 9-30-2020 at 11:07 AM

I have same problem with owning a suv. So I bought camper shells . sick and tried of removing them everytime I need haul something. They sit in my backyard for years now.

Ken Cooke - 9-30-2020 at 03:28 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Quote: Originally posted by del mar  
consider a 4runner instead.


I already have an Isuzu Trooper, that aside from crappy fuel economy, I am very happy with! I need something I can fill with firewood, jugs of diesel fuel, chainsaws, gasoline or a small load of brush, then clean up for a trip SOB.

The guy pulled his ad, but the truck is still there, so I don't even know if it is available anymore. I will stop by after work (him, not me!) and take my dog this time.

He is very proud of the off road ability of the Tacoma, but his work required up-sizing to a full size truck, while my retirement allows downsizing to a smaller one! I still need a truck to maintain my own property and equipment.


If you need a rear locking differential, you call add an ARB Air Locker along with an ARB compressor. The guys I do trail rides with tow small camp trailers, and you might get away with doing this, although 4 cylinders and a manual transmission can be seen as a stretch. If it's not available, I would opt for a 6 cyl crew cab. The Truck Trader or eBay Motors should have some good ideas for you.

mtgoat666 - 9-30-2020 at 05:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
A guy a few blocks from me is selling a 2010, 4x4, access cab Tacoma with the 2.7L four banger and a standard transmission. It seems to be in pretty good shape, and is priced pretty much in line with Kelley blue book.

My question is....is there any good reason to go with the smaller engine with a do it yourself shifter, rather than keep shopping for a V6 with an auto?

Looking at reviews, they seem to get about the same mileage, and the six would be a hell of a lot better on long grades, or pulling a load. my favorite off road vehicles over the years have mostly been automatics, but I have never owned a Toyota with either tranny.


Skip the tacoma and get a f150 crew cab 4x4 with v6 turbo. Better gas mileage than v6 tacoma, more durable, more room for your friends and dogs, pulls more than the toy truck

Get an automatic.

thebajarunner - 9-30-2020 at 05:55 PM

Agree 100% with Sr. Chiva.... (This may be a first)

F150 was made for Baja
And auto trans, especially if you are going off road is a must.
First pre-run I ever made (back in the Dark Ages) was with a stick
And man did that thing chatter and shudder going up a steep washboard hill.
North of Gonzaga the Sisters almost did in that stick truck
Automatics from then on.

As Walker Evans told us "You got too much else to worry about to be shifting and clutching going fast down the road"

TMW - 9-30-2020 at 06:02 PM

I suggest whatever you decide to do if you are buying from someone you don't know run a carfax. Also if you know a good mechanic that you trust have him check out the truck bumper to bumper. You don't want a vehicle that's been under water or used a lot on salt laden roads.

AKgringo - 9-30-2020 at 06:44 PM

My son has an F-150 just like you are talking about, and I agree that it is a great truck! I was actually looking around for a an F-150 last year when I came across the Trooper!

The truck I need to replace is an old 2wd F-250 that my dad used for work, and to tour all over Mexico with a heavy cab over camper. It only has 120,000 original miles, but won't pass smog, needs some transmission work, and only got 8 mpg when it ran good!

My budget for this next truck is 15 grand or under, so the truck we all agree would be great for me is a bit out of reach!

[Edited on 10-1-2020 by AKgringo]

jamiec - 10-1-2020 at 09:02 AM

I drove a 2010 4 cylinder manual Tacoma for years, my son drives it now. I now drive a 2019 extended cab V6 4x4.

If you have any plans of towing anything, I would go with the 6. Of course the 4 can tow stuff, but it is going to struggle in large way. The towing capacity on the 4 is about 1/2 of the 6.

AKgringo - 10-1-2020 at 09:19 AM

Thanks jaimec, I suspect that is why the seller upsized to a full size truck. He did tell me that he was impressed with where he was able to tow a commercial sized wood chipper, but he didn't say how far he towed it.

In Oct 2018 I towed a utility trailer from Anchorage to Northern CA with a 2.0L Kia, so I know what life in the slow lane is like!

[Edited on 10-1-2020 by AKgringo]

Sold!

AKgringo - 10-4-2020 at 05:28 PM

The owner got it smogged, I said let's do it, and someone with a lot of cash on hand came by and out bid me before I could get it!

Oh well, I was looking for a truck when this one got my attention, I'll just keep looking!

TMW - 10-5-2020 at 12:30 AM

In the late 80s I bought my son a Toyota 4x4 4 cyl stick. When he joined the Army I used it for trips to Baja. It was a fun truck to drive and I explored a lot of places. One time going into Mike's from the west I crossed a ditch and both the front and rear bumpers dragged. For a moment I thought I was going to be hung up with all four wheels off the ground. Fun times

Ken Cooke - 10-6-2020 at 11:51 PM

Now that you know that you need a 6 cyl double cab truck, that is the direction that I would go. Maybe a half ton truck and not a mini truck as you are likely towing a trailer and will need the additional wheelbase for better stability at hwy speeds.

AKgringo - 10-7-2020 at 07:03 AM

I noticed yesterday that someone who lives about four doors away from the seller, now has a Toyota exactly like the one I looked at! I think I was just a handy tool to get a better price from his neighbor.