DBack1321Is the tacoma a v6? If yes, they get around the same MPG as a full-size truck and don't have a normal size bed that you can actually fit stuff into. I was looking at them for a while until I realized they get the same fuel milage as my F150 5.4.
Diesel engines are actually simpler than gasoline and if you want to figure it out, google it haha. When you start adding in turbos and emissions systems they get a little more complicated.
Most Taco's are v6s, some are 4-cyls. 4-cyls are much cheaper than v6s, but obviously lack any sort of power and IMO, should be the last vehicle you look at for mountainous regions.
IMO, Kravtz, since you're looking for a double cab long bed Tacoma, look at full sized trucks as well. They are almost identical in size, have more powerful engines, nicer interiors (for cheaper), and get almost identical MPGs. Sure, they may not hold the value for as long as a Tacoma, but they're still good vehicles and frankly much more "luxurious" in comparison.
For me, the whole reason I got a Tacoma was that I wanted a truck bed, but did not need the long bed or a full sized truck for the suburbs of MA and the occasional Boston trip.