I am looking to buy a 2000 - 2003 TAcoma 4X4 and was wondering if I may ask for some input regarding engine choice. I am looking for a manual extended cab and was wondering what engine was better.... the 4 cylinder 2.7 litre, or the V6 engine. Is there a big difference in fuel economy or reliability or performance. I know of the legendary 22RE being a superb engine. Just wondering if the newer vehicles have much of a difference. Thanks.

They are both excellent engines. The V6 will give you more HP and torque, and of course better performance. The 4cy is still a good motor though.

I only have experience with the 2.7. It's a very nice motor. Very worthy of replacing the 22RE. Lots of power and torque for it's size, although Toyota gave a bit of that back with the higher gearing that it put in the Tacos.

If simplicity of maintainence and fuel economy are concerns, then I would go for a 2.7 liter, but if performance is what you want, I've never heard anything bad about the 3.4 except for some headgasket issues in the very early years.

I don't know what the real world figures are, but EPA estimates put the two engines within 1 to 2 mpg of each other, which to me would give a pretty clear advantage to the 3.4 V-6 since it makes so much more power.

We own both. I would strongly prefer the 3.4; it gets approximately the same mileage and is much more powerful. Also, timing belt vs. chain (though the chain has a long service interval), very good motor, easy to work on.

The 2.7 is nice, but I love the 3.4. I've got two with 225K each and neither has any signs of slowing down. Very simple, reliable, easy to work on, decent power and milage. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Yea, I love the 3.4 in my 97 4Runner. Very smooth and good power. I'm getting about 18/19 mpg with 80 percent highway. Seems easy to work on. Easiest V6 spark plug change I have ever done! PCV valve was easy to get to as well. Exact opposite as the 3vze! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

My 99 4R has the 2.7; I'm getting about 20-23 mpg, but I don't have my foot in it either. Looks pretty simple to work on (cept the fuel filter-I paid to R&R that). If you're looking to tow or keep up with traffic, consider the 3.4L. I'm happy with what I have. Good luck!

You'll have to post in the Taco section for it tho' for your engine specific Q's. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Thanks a lot guys. Really appreciate the info.

From my experience I get 23 mpg with the 2.7 which is much better than the 3.4. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" /> Why wasnt this post moved to the Taco forum? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" />