1999 Toyota Tacoma V6 versus Prerunner V6

[d***@huskeraccess.com]

I'm looking at possibly buying a late 90"s Toyota Tacoma V6, or a
Prerunner V6. Is there any difference in gas mileage in these 2
trucks with the same 3.0 liter V6 engine with 5 speed manual
transmission? I also plan on doing some hauling of around 2,000 to
3,000 pounds and as I have already said would like the best gas
mileage possible? Would a 4 cylinder do the job or would I be better
off with a V6? Thanks for any and all advice as you can tell I am not
real knowledgeable on these trucks. Dana

[Jeff Strickland]

The PreRunner will come with an automatic transmission unless you get the
4WD version of the truck.

I do not think the 4 and 6 get appreciably different mileage. Yes, the 6
might only give 14 mpg, but the 4 will only give 15. I do not see this as a
significant difference, and I'd get the 6 because the benefit of power and
torque doesn't cost enough to give me pause.

If you get the 4WD, then you may see a mileage difference that is worth
consideration.

Post by d***@huskeraccess.com
I'm looking at possibly buying a late 90"s Toyota Tacoma V6, or a
Prerunner V6. Is there any difference in gas mileage in these 2
trucks with the same 3.0 liter V6 engine with 5 speed manual
transmission? I also plan on doing some hauling of around 2,000 to
3,000 pounds and as I have already said would like the best gas
mileage possible? Would a 4 cylinder do the job or would I be better
off with a V6? Thanks for any and all advice as you can tell I am not
real knowledgeable on these trucks. Dana

[S.Lewis]

Post by d***@huskeraccess.com
I'm looking at possibly buying a late 90"s Toyota Tacoma V6, or a
Prerunner V6. Is there any difference in gas mileage in these 2
trucks with the same 3.0 liter V6 engine with 5 speed manual
transmission? I also plan on doing some hauling of around 2,000 to
3,000 pounds and as I have already said would like the best gas
mileage possible? Would a 4 cylinder do the job or would I be better
off with a V6? Thanks for any and all advice as you can tell I am not
real knowledgeable on these trucks. Dana

As Jeff said, the Prerunner only comes with an automatic tranny, so to get a
manual you'll have to consider a 4x4 Tacoma or maybe the smaller 4x2
standard pickup.

Can't speak to the mileage on the 3.0 6cyl as mine ('00 model Prerunner,
xtra cab) has the 2.7/ 4-banger. City mileage is between 18-20mpg and
highway somewhere around 23-25mpg.

I don't tow nor do I haul much; the occasional load of firewood or seasonal
mulch, but I'd think the 4 cylinder wouldn't be up to the kind of weights
you're talking about in a practical sense (either manual or automatic).

Others here can probably provide more detailed info on the V6 and hauling
capacities.

Stew

[jp2express]

Others have written, but I'll just pitch in my 2 cents on the 4-cylinder
question:

I've got an 86 Toyota with the 22R 4-cylinder and 5-speed transmission. The
truck's title states that it weighted 2200 lbs when shipped from the
factory. The way I have my truck outfitted now, it tips the scales at 4500
lbs when empty and I have pulled light trailers with it on occasion.

No, the 4-cylinder will not win any of the 0-60 MPH performance times, but
then if I want 0-60 performance I'll get in something else (like my
motorcycle).

My 4-cylinder gets 22 - 25 MPG. I can't say how much better it gets in city
verses highway, because I never devote myself strictly to one or the other
long enough to calculate that.

Here's a pic of my truck:
Loading Image...

If you want to go faster, obviously get the V6.
~Joe

Post by d***@huskeraccess.com
I'm looking at possibly buying a late 90"s Toyota Tacoma V6, or a
Prerunner V6. Is there any difference in gas mileage in these 2
trucks with the same 3.0 liter V6 engine with 5 speed manual
transmission? I also plan on doing some hauling of around 2,000 to
3,000 pounds and as I have already said would like the best gas
mileage possible? Would a 4 cylinder do the job or would I be better
off with a V6? Thanks for any and all advice as you can tell I am not
real knowledgeable on these trucks. Dana

[studio]

Post by d***@huskeraccess.com
I'm looking at possibly buying a late 90"s Toyota Tacoma V6, or a
Prerunner V6. Is there any difference in gas mileage in these 2
trucks with the same 3.0 liter V6 engine with 5 speed manual
transmission?

Yes there is.
A manual transmission will always get better mileage.

Post by d***@huskeraccess.com
I also plan on doing some hauling of around 2,000 to
3,000 pounds and as I have already said would like the best gas
mileage possible? Would a 4 cylinder do the job or would I be better
off with a V6?

Neither truck will haul that amount of weight in it's bed...so I'll
assume
you mean "towing".
Again, a 4 cylinder will get better mileage given the same
transmission
of a 6 cylinder.
But it depends on how far and what roads you're going to be towing
these loads on?
eg. steep grades, 50+ miles, 70mph roads...etc. etc.

Answer yes to any of those questions?
Get a 6 cylinder, and never mind the gas mileage, as safety trumps
gas mileage.

Local towing, fairly level roads, <50 miles, <55mph roads...
4 cylinder will work just fine.

Note: there are 2 different 4 cylinder engines though;
regular and HD (heavy duty) versions.
The HD produces more horsepower and has some heavier
internal engine components meant to move more weight.

[B A R R Y]

Post by studio
A manual transmission will always get better mileage.

Not on a 2005+ V6 Tacoma.

[studio]

Post by B A R R Y

Post by studio
A manual transmission will always get better mileage.

Not on a 2005+ V6 Tacoma.

No? Why not?

[B A R R Y]

Post by studio

Post by B A R R Y

Post by studio
A manual transmission will always get better mileage.

Not on a 2005+ V6 Tacoma.

No? Why not?

Check the EPA ratings. The auto is rated higher.

It blew my mind the first time I saw it!

[S.Lewis]

Post by B A R R Y

Post by studio

Post by B A R R Y

Post by studio
A manual transmission will always get better mileage.

Not on a 2005+ V6 Tacoma.

No? Why not?

Check the EPA ratings. The auto is rated higher.
It blew my mind the first time I saw it!

That wouldn't surprise me. The EPA just recently had to revise their formula
*downward* or most all vehicles ( they show the "old" rating, the "new
rating, and then owner's reported mileage.)

In most all cases, the owner miles are at least a bit higher - or at least
on the handful of vehicles I've looked at.