Looking for input/reviews on 4 banger Taco

AndyW · #1 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 12:30 AM

I am seriously looking at the 2.7L 4x4 access cab Tacoma. They have finally introduced the 4 banger here in Canada for 2009. I tow a drift boat that weighs maybe 1000 pounds with the trailer and all my gear. They say it is rated to tow 3500 lbs and is rated at 36mpg highway (canadian gallons) I believe the power is rated the same as the US model at 159hp.

Looking for some real world reviews on how it does on the highway, up hills and passing. I used to drive a pickup with the 22r motor and \i did not mind it.
I went to drive one today but they just recieved them and they were still wrapped in the protective plastic, maybe tomorrow if all goes well.

I currently drive a 5.7l Tundra DC 4x4 which I find overkill for my use, so I have decided to sell it and am looking at the Tacoma.

Whad do you 4 banger owners think? Would you do it over again or go with the 6 cyl?

Thanks.

lelandstanford · #2 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 11:56 AM

I pulled an U-Haul open trailer from Fort Worth to Houston weighed 2872 lb. and it ran 65 MPH at 5th with no problem. It gets 16-18 MPG highway (loaded trailer) vs. 26 MPG (no trailer). Braking was not an issue even w/o trailer brake and in heavy rain.

The only problem was enter Dallas downtown where some of the interchanges are very steep. My 2.7L 2WD was creeping at 45 MPH at 3rd (< 2/3 throttle) w/ loaded trailer.

When the trailer is empty (1250 lb.), it had no problem going up and down the terrain and passing. I didn't try interchange climbing.

I think you should do fine with four banger and 1000 lb. Maybe occasionally downshift to 4th going uphill.

kanielb1 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 12:07 PM

My parents have an 06 Tacoma Reg cab and they regularly get 27 mpg. I have driven it and was impressed with the pickup that it had for a 4 cyl.

p nut · #4 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 01:08 PM

The 4-cyl is not bad. I drove one for work several years ago. It is great if you do no towing or heavy hauling. 1000 lbs will not be a big problem.

However, if you're looking to keep this truck for a longer period, I'd seriously look at the V6. Sure, right now, all you have to tow is a 1000 lb boat, but what if you get a bigger boat later on? Or have to tow a heavier load? This is why I got the V6 over the 4-cyl. I love the power and little things like not having the engine bog from the A/C and just the smoothness of the V6.

Also, if you're looking to lift/bigger tires, you will most likely have to regear the 4-cyl.

the.phantom · #5 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 02:01 PM

i have a reg cab tacoma 4 banger and love it.
haven't done much towing but have hauled a few loads approaching the 1/2 level

for a daily driver it is nice and great for the weekend trips to get hardware and build supplies.
and 4 banger has NO maintenance (except oil) till 100K
and smaller (inexpensive 15 in rims) so if you are looking for economy with occasional 1k towing it would work good for you

pretty good on gas millage too ;-D

Bakemono · #6 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 06:44 PM

The 2.7L will seem like a rocketship compared to that 22R. You are talking about a 70-80 hp difference.
The 2.7L will have plenty of power for what you need it to do. Granted, it wont be the fastest truck on the road, but it will do what you need it to and be very reliable along the way.
Personally, I wouldnt go with the V6 unless you are towing 2,000 pounds or more on a regular basis.
At the same time though, if you found a deal on a Tacoma with a V6, I definetly wouldnt pass on it. I personally think the 4.0L is kind of overkill in a Tacoma, but it is a great engine and shouldnt ever leave your stranded on the side of the road.

JCahill4 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 08:31 PM

I love my four banger too, my only issue was that it does not come with the options the v6 does. I had to install fog lights (morning fog on country roads), and I would have liked a LSD or a locker but for the price I cant beat it. Love to drive it everyday!

VPI · #8 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 09:02 PM

Well I just purchased a 09. I like you had a 22r, and I also had an 01. I have in the last 7 years had several diesle trucks with my last truck being a 07 Tundra. I don't need to pull any thing any more but still need the utility of a truck. I only have 400 miles on the Tacoma but, I filled up at a 1/2 tank because I found gas at a better than average price. I got around 22.5 mpg . I assume this will flucuate for the next 10,000 or so miles. There was plenty of power to pull the hills from NC to Chattanooga TN.
I am happy and would not consider the 6cyl for what I need.

AndyW · #9 (**permalink**) 09-02-2008, 12:37 AM

Thanks for all the repllies guys.

-AMOCAT- · #10 (**permalink**) 09-22-2008, 08:00 AM

If you have not bought the 4 banger yet, I highly suggest you go and get 1. I traded in my 06 Taco 2.7 access pre-runner, for an 07 DC TRD Tundra. BIG MISTAKE. The Manual tranny in the 2.7 was FANTASTIC. On paper the the difference was only around 6 mpg. With real life driving the difference is between 11-12 mpg. the Taco was roomy and very fun to drive.

AndyW · #11 (**permalink**) 09-22-2008, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -AMOCAT-

If you have not bought the 4 banger yet, I highly suggest you go and get 1. I traded in my 06 Taco 2.7 access pre-runner, for an 07 DC TRD Tundra. BIG MISTAKE. The Manual tranny in the 2.7 was FANTASTIC. On paper the the difference was only around 6 mpg. With real life driving the difference is between 11-12 mpg. the Taco was roomy and very fun to drive.

Amocat,

I sold my Tundra and ended up getting a Tacoma TRD double cab 4x4 w/ the V6.