Stuwy123

iTrader: (1)

I'm in the market for a new (to me) toyota tacoma. I had a 93 Xtracab with a 22re, 4x4, 33's, no lift, winch, blah blah.
I sold my truck and I'm hurting for a new truck. I want an Xtracab tacoma with a manual and 4x4.
A couple local trucks for sale:
- 99, V6, manual, Xtracab, 4" lift, 33"x12.5" mud tires, white, fender flares (and the kicker 500k km/310k miles)
- 96, 4 cyl, manual, xtracab, plain jane, grey, 249K km/154k miles
- 95, 4 cyl, manual, xtracab, fender flares, red, 359k km/223k miles.
All within +- $100.

What I'm really asking, would you buy a truck with 500k km/310k miles with some decent goodies? Does the V6 hold together that well? How does the 4 cyl push the tacoma around? I drive a lot of highways at 75mph. And need to go faster to pass or fear of being run off the road.

86bedlesstoy

3.4 V6 for sure! Pricey vehicles with 200k

Texas_Ace

If they are the same price the V6 is the better engine in stock form. Bullet proof and more power.

If you want to make power the 4 bangers are actually a little easier to get power out of due to off the shelf turbo options.

Stuwy123

iTrader: (1)

I'm guess I'm really asking a two part question.
1. Would you buy a truck with 500k km / 310k miles?
I've heard the V6 can handle those miles and there are lots of documented much higher mileage trucks.

2. Are the 4 cyl (3rz) tacoma's slugs like the 22re pickups? With all the extra weight from the bumpers and tires, even over geared, the 22re couldn't do high speeds properly (110 km/h -120 km/h) and could never pass anything, and almost always in 4th gear for slight incline.

zipposrule

3.4 for sure, i dont have any experience with the 4cyl but i have had 2 3.4s now (97 and 95) both bought with over 190k (225k on my current) and never had a problem, ive towed my fathers car trailer (weighs 2200lbs empty) with 1200-1500 in scrap on it fairly easy (bent my springs lol but didnt have a power issue!) and i used to drive 50+ highway miles a day and set my cruise at 75-80 no problems

redbayredneck

I'd probably take the 3.4, but I loved my 3rz when I had it. Doesn't have near the lack of power of the 22RE or 2RZ. I would run away fast if it was a 2RZ motor, but I would buy a 3RZ again in an instant, its hard to kill and has plenty of power to push these trucks around.

scuba

I'd buy the lowest mile truck as possible. But, that's just me.

The 2.7 has plenty of power. I have no power issues with my truck on the highway.

Texas_Ace

Miles really mean nothing now days, I would take a 300k well maintained car over a 100k beat to heck car all day, every day (and have done this many times, lowest mileage car I got was a 300zx and that was a fluke with 60k miles and $300).

The 3rz has enough power to move but you can over extend it if you mod things too much. But like I said more power is within easy reach so that can be fixed.

I would focus more on the rest of the truck vs the engine.

blandis

I think TX Ace nailed it. Mine has 235K. One owner TX truck that a Toyota Service manager owned. Is a clean well maintained truck. Would pick it over many that I have seen with 80K that were beat on.

Just had the head gasket go on mine. Did TB/WP and all associated parts while it was apart. Will rust apart before I put another 235K on it.

To answer your question, yes I would buy a truck with 310K on it. Price should reflect the condition.

reidyroo

I've owned 2 96 tacomas with the 3.4. The first one I parked it with 360k on it. The one I own now has 176k on it with plenty to go. My little brother has a 95 with the 2.4 and it's a trooper but just doesn't have the power of the 3.4

vikkz

i got a 98 tacoma with the 3rz with 4.10 gears and 33x12.5x15s and had no problem with highway or lack of power. Not fun on the big hills going up the mountains but other then those extreme hills never lack of power. I had a 97 4runner with the 3.4 I was able to feel a slight bit more power but still the 3rz is what I would choose especially if it gots less miles but the 3.4 is xtra cab, tough call.

86bedlesstoy

I have owned 2 22re's and driven 2.7's and 3.4 Tacoma.. I feel for the highway an pulling power the 3.4 v6 is the winner for sure. Hard to get a good deal or low miles but just keep looking.

BlazeRunner

3.4 is a beast. I've seen 2 instances where some guys had over 700,000 miles on original motor, tranny, transfer cases and diffs. One was at a dealership on display with 776,000 and another is a guy named bob over on t4r.org still racking up miles and he's around 750,000 miles. Tons of other 3.4s over 400k+


If you did decide to go with the 3rz, you could always regear for more power if it struggles. The only benefit I can think of is timing chain for the 4cyl vs timing belt for the 6.. 6cylinder is spreading the load out on 2 more cylinders, so it will naturally run smoother and longer than a 4cyl

RAD4Runner

Solution for that in Texas-Ace's avatar

RAD4Runner

I wonder, guys... When we say "original motor" that means never rebuilt, correct?
Does original motor with head job done to it count as "original motor"?

Happy Holidays!

Texas_Ace

Generally "original motor" means nothing but wear items/basic parts replacement done. No pulling the engine apart ect.

scuba

If you really believe that, I've got a bridge I'll sell you.

Texas_Ace

While not set in stone, all else being equal he is not that far off. a 6 cylinder does spread the load out more = less stress on each part = longer working life.

A 6 cylinder is also a balanced engine where a 4 is not (why most have balance shafts).

In the real world though all is not equal between engines and it comes down to design as to which lasts longer. The 5vz has proven itself time and again to be bullet proof though.

BlazeRunner

Texas ace is correct. Nothing but accessories had been replaced like water pumps, alternators, etc.


Scuba, I don't even know what you mean. Again, Texas ace explained it pretty well.

SCToy

Statistically the v6 is much more unreliable than the 4 cyl. Twice as many heads to pop. 2.7L all day for me. Way less of a pain to work on with discreet intake and exhaust sides.

After assembling and disassembling a 3.4L twice, I'd never buy one. That's just personal preference though. I've driven the 3RZ a lot and it makes plenty of power. Not like a 22re at all.