well, the loan has now officially been approved. i am limited to a vehicle that is 98+ and under 65k miles. i have found a pretty good deal on a 98 4x4 with the 2.7 4 cyl. i think id prefer the 6 cyl, but, from your experiences, how good are the 4 bangers? i dont tow or haul anything other than my dirtbike, and i MAY occasionally tow a 21 foot ski boat (one that my dads old 100hp mazda was able to tow with no probs)

think i will regret getting the 4 cyl?

 

The word "tow" and 4banger are not synonomous. Wait for the six if you ever want to be able to pass a big rig going 60MPH with any weight in the vehicle (see camping gear, etc.)

For some people the 2.7 is great, but for guys like me that like to accelerate up big hills going to the mountains, I just had to have the 3.4.

 

i like the 2.7, with headers and exhaust, it really helps to open up the power of the motor. granted, i wish i had the 3.4, but im not too worried about it, my gas mileage is kickin arse! i say if you dont mind being a little bit slower, go for it, but i wouldnt suggest it without the 5 speed. i raced a 2.7 w/ auto, and i blew him away on stock gears and 31's.
just some food for thought...

-Casey

 

I have to agree. I have the 2.7 which is fine, but really lacks low end, I can't imagine towing anything with it. BUT at over 130k...I'd have to change my timing belt 2x by now..the chain works better for me. Also, seeing some v6 mileage numbers, your mileage may even be as good or better than the 4 banger. Good luck...by the way, a '99 up model has quite a few better features than the earlier ones.

 

what kind of features?

 

cup holders are in a MUCH more logical place. thats about all i can think of aside from other small cosmetic features.

-Casey

 

The crash test data is significantly better on a 99+, and the Air/Heat controls are better (in addition to what was already mentioned).

 

Those features as well as the improved headlights, the integrated mini fog lights and moustashe bumper (kinda ugly IMO) but saved my front end from a minor 'bump'...nicer grille...costmetic stuff, just minor, but I'm glad I did'nt buy a new '98 they were trying to sell me. I bought my '99 in late '98.

 

My 2.7 4banger suits me fine, I seldom go offroad, do mostly city driving, no towing. Great mileage, chain-drive and bulletproof. Speed is not bad at all, If I want speed I'd get a WRX STI or an EVO. Just my thoughts

 

[threadjack on] Hey man, are those black wheels you have? If so, can I see more pics? [/threadjack off]

 

I love my 2.7 ! It`s all stock except my 265/70/16 Toyos. I get a steady 22 mpg city highway combined . Now that spring is here I`m hoping for some better numbers. I tried several 6`s before buying my 4 .The diffrence in everyday driving was minimal. You could tell the diffrence for sure but only under hard acceleration. I made my choice of a 4 because I never tow . I bought it for the extra space for my hockey gear.I had four adults and the back full of of various gear and the found the power adequate.

4 Adults 200lbs =800lbs
1 dirt bike plus trailer maybe 600 lbs

But I wouldn`t be planning any fast passing on the highway . If you find a clean 4 go for it .

 

I kinda like the old lever/cable operated air/heat controls, no electronic sliders or gizmo's to break or burn out. No actuators to go bad and replace etc. Simpler yes, but not as expensive to fix. Just my 02

 

It is subjective I guess. When I said "better" I really meant "smoother."

The 2000 that I had was just smoother in every sense.

 

Yeah, your right about that. Just pointing out the silver lining. LOL!

 

man, you want speed? get a car!

the 2.7 is a great motor. it's starting to live up to it's older brothers, the 20R and 22R in terms of reliability. the power isn't half bad, either

 

They're just the original stock steel wheels that I spray-painted black to look a little bit different from others