I'm looking at getting a Tacoma. I'm wanting the bottom level 4 cylinder 4WD model because it is significantly cheaper. Does anyone have experience with the 4 banger (i.e reliability)?

Thanks

Not sure how much the engine has been updated, but my brother-in-law recently traded his 2WD manual trans 1998 Tacoma for a 2016. The '98 had nearly 300k on it. Truck was in rough shape, but the ending & trans were still solid.
No leaks, aside from what I think was an exhaust leak at the exh manifold.

I'd say the Taco 4 banger is under powered for a newer heavier 4WD. I have a 2006 4 banger AT 2WD and it is NO hot rod. Unloaded it has to shift down to maintain speed on a highway upgrade say of 6%

I don't know what four-cylinder they're using these days, but I've seen older ones go 200K or more with proper maintenance. The ones that didn't were run low on or never changed the oil, or overheated severely. Curiously (I assume we're discussing a new one here), the transmission choices with the four are a 5-speed stick or a 6-speed automatic.

It will outlive you. Rust being the primary concern.

YouTube videos about ISIS, etc... They all use Toyota's. Not a good endorsement, but they will run forever.

I don't have one. If hills are around you will be down shifting as mentioned. I think it would be adequate as long as you do not haul heavy loads. You will not be passing people so if that is your thing. Don't get it as tailgating is dangerous at many levels.

quote:

Originally posted by Hamden106:
I'd say the Taco 4 banger is under powered for a newer heavier 4WD. I have a 2006 4 banger AT 2WD and it is NO hot rod. Unloaded it has to shift down to maintain speed on a highway upgrade say of 6%

At 6%? I'd say most any truck will need to downshift at that gradient to maintain 70+ mph.

I have an 06 with 257k+ miles and drive it everyday. Good to go.

I have an '09 with 45k on it. It's no speed demon, but is VERY reliable. The 4WD is nice in snow and wet conditions IF your remember that 4 wheel go is not 4 wheel stop. I love mine, was recently offered 15k for it and turned them down flat.

As others have mentioned, you won't be lighting up the tires. However, if reliability is your main concern, the Toyota 4 cylinder is famous for it.

2000 Tacoma, 4 cylinder, 4WD, standard tranny, very low mileage for its age (70,000), I can't see the day I won't have it. The rubber shifter seat under the stick had to be replaced, the seat belt could spool up a little better. That's it.

Very good torque, super smooth idling, just shy of the displacement our previous 6 cylinder Nissan Pathfinder's. Of many vehicles over several decades, my favorite.

Currently own an '01 Tacoma 4 cylinder with 160k on it. Routine maintenance only. A guy in the area has one identical to mine with close to 500k on it. It's his daily driver. I plan to give mine to one of my granddaughters in a few years.

My '01 Tacoma with the 2.7L 4cyl fires right up no matter how cold and purrs like a kitten. No issues at all.

I own a 2013 4WD Tacoma with a 2.7 liter 4 cylinder and 4 speed automatic. It easily cruises at 80 mph on the freeway. I don't expect to win any drag races, but it is very peppy.

On a 4WD Taco, the four banger gets no better mileage than the V6. At least that's the way it was in 2013. If I had it to do over again, I would probably spring for the bigger engine. Be that as it may, I love this little truck and will probably keep it forever.

I loved mine. A little tough trying to pass on the interstate. Biggest complaint is that mine got horrible gas mileage for a 4cyl.

I drove a '95 Tacoma 15 yrs 379k with only basic PM and little to no repairs, then sold it for $1,700. That said, 80-90% of your potential repair costs are probably common to all models. Definitely test drive 4cy and v6 back to back. The only reason to buy the 4cyl is to save a few k on the front end. operating costs are going to be close.

I know it is more, but check out the V6 before you buy. That engine is great in my 2005. Very low maintenance and has easily pulled a pretty good sized trailer across country..

I don't think there is a bad Tacoma. I am a Tundra owner, but the tacos really have me interested. I need the larger truck for cab space and bed space. If not, I would have a 4wd Tacome. I drove a 4 cyl automatic and while it was no burner, I didn't feel underpowered for a daily driver.

If you don't have hills around you, the 2wd is fine. I can't imagine the added mass of the 4wd will make it better.

The new Atkinson V-6 is a better engine that the currently available 4-cylinder. And gets better mpg.