Toyota Tacoma engine choice?

[Blacktail135]

 In the market for an older Toyota Tacoma. Preferably 4 door (crew), automatic, 4wd. What engine choice is best? I’m leaning towards V6. Would very rarely tow a 16’ Hewescraft Searunner and that’s it.

[fishngamereaper]

Bought my kid an 02 Taco with the 3.4 in it .. honestly the thing is a beast. He's lifted it and added 33s. Still good power. He's constantly pulling his buddies out of mud pits and ditches...would tow your hewes just fine ..I used it to tow my 22' Hewes when my GMC was in the shop once..no issues.

[BigGoonTuna]

I wouldn’t want a 4 cylinder Tacoma with an automatic.  The 3.4 V6 is a good engine.

I had a 1998 and a 2000, both 4 cylinder 5 speed 4x4s. Good trucks but not the best for towing. Anything much over a small boat will push you around.

[Blacktail135]

Thanks for the reply. That’s what I was thinking. It’d be a daily driver and save the miles on my F350 when I can.

[MADMAX]

I had a crew cab short box 2013 Tacoma with the 4.0 V6
Towed an 18 ft Duckworth and a 20 ft Jayco travel trailer
Great little truck
If it had a bigger fuel tank it would still be in the driveway

[fishngamereaper]

I just wouldn't buy one right now ..guys think they are made of gold.

Give it a couple months if you can.

[jrebel]

Only bad thing about the 6 cylinders that toyota uses in their tacomas and 4runners is they are gas guzzlers.  I get better fuel economy with my dodge diesel.  My wife's 4runner averages 15-17 mpg. 

[MADMAX]

Yea but their fricken bullet proof
Still got the wife’s 4runner
Love it
My Tundra
love it especially the 38 gallon tank
Except filling it nowadays
Let’s go Brandon

[jakeweb]

I’ve got an 02 with the 3.4 and it’s an awesome truck. Unfortunately I was tboned a couple months ago and the passenger side is pretty messed up. Still drives like a champ though

[Blacktail135]

 Thanks for the replies. I’m learning. I’ve got time. Looking to spend ~25k. One owner and minimal mods. Year doesn’t matter. What is the “high end” of low miles on these things?

[Blacktail135]

 Never owned a Toyota…always been Ford (except for one Chev).

[MADMAX]

Same here

But sure have changed my tune
I sure liked the Tacoma it went anywhere and turned around easily on any dead end road
Dang tank was too small
I love the Tundra
Bought it brand new as a 2020 Sr5 crewmax
Out the door $44 k
400+ mile range

Double that $ or more for a new diesel

[MADMAX]

Here is one decent miles decent price

https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/d/beaverton-2007-toyota-tacoma-x-v6-40/7435088109.html

[Blacktail135]

 Wife wanted to buy me a truck for a retirement gift (retired end of September 2021). She doesn’t like my 2003 F350. I do. Looked at Tundras but I decided that I like my truck and I need to upgrade my little tractor instead. Gonna get rid of commuter car and upgrade to a Tacoma for my daily driver.

[MADMAX]

You’ll like it