I'm new to the forums, and after much research through here, I'm still at a standstill on this issue. I'm looking at buying a Toyota Certified 2006 V8 SR5 4WD (with moonroof, steering wheel audio controls, power seats) OR a 2006 (non-certified) V6 Sport Edition (w/ all of the same features, plus heated mirrors and X-REAS). The V8 has 25,000 miles, and the V6 has 29,000. The price for the V6 will not move from $23,800. The price for the V8 is currently at $24,900. The V8 dealer has said they are open to negotiation, and I think I'll get more for my trade in at the dealership for the V8. Assuming both have the side curtain airbags (which is a must have - this is for my wife and soon-to-be-born daughter), which do you all feel is the better deal? All opinions are welcome. I sincerely appreciate your help. Your expertise collectively is much much greater than mine. Thanks again!
Quandary - V6 Sport Edition or V8 SR5
- Thread starter cshoemake
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04 sc V8
New member
I'm probably a little biased since I own a sport edition 4x4. I personally think the sport is a lot better looking than the SR5 and I like the dark interior color. I have the V8 and I'm really happy with it. IMHO with the fuel prices on the rise I would probably go with the V6 SE unless the dealer with the V8 SR5 drops the price. I would also look on NADA and KBB to see what the current values are. Don't forget a carfax to check the history on both vehicles.
04 sc V8 said:
Thanks for the input. I also just found out that it's unlikely an 06 model will have side curtain airbags. One of the big reasons I'm buying a new car is so that my wife and kid will be driving around in a safer vehicle than our current family truckster. Are side curtain airbags a must have for anyone else? I think I've deduced that they only release upon rollover, is this accurate?
Depends on what you intend to do with the truck.
Are you going to tow anything? If so then the V8, if not maybe the V6 would be better for you.
A few things to consider:
The V6 has a timing chain and selectable 4WD which helps a bit in the gas mileage department
The V8 has a timing belt and full-time 4WD.
I have owned both 6 and 8 cylinder SUV's and currently own an '07 V6 Sport w/ XREAS. I find the motor has plenty of power and cruises nicely on the highway. The selectable 4WD works perfectly when I need it (now that I figured out how to engage it from a standstill) considering I live in an area which doesn't get much snow. I don't intend on towing anything aside from 2 ATV's, that said, the 5,000lb towing capacity should cover me. My 4R also handles considerably better compared to other vehicles I've driven due to the XREAS components. If you're an off-roader and considering a lift you may opt for the SR5 as the XREAS interferes a bit with suspension lifts (depending on the type you choose).
I also personally prefer the look of the Sport model over the SR5.
You should confirm both trucks have side curtain airbags. Although I'm not entirely sure, I think they are optional and don't come standard. I'm pretty sure my 4R DOESN'T have them.
I don't have any seat time in a V8 4R as I didn't test drive one before I picked this one up.
Are you going to tow anything? If so then the V8, if not maybe the V6 would be better for you.
A few things to consider:
The V6 has a timing chain and selectable 4WD which helps a bit in the gas mileage department
The V8 has a timing belt and full-time 4WD.
I have owned both 6 and 8 cylinder SUV's and currently own an '07 V6 Sport w/ XREAS. I find the motor has plenty of power and cruises nicely on the highway. The selectable 4WD works perfectly when I need it (now that I figured out how to engage it from a standstill) considering I live in an area which doesn't get much snow. I don't intend on towing anything aside from 2 ATV's, that said, the 5,000lb towing capacity should cover me. My 4R also handles considerably better compared to other vehicles I've driven due to the XREAS components. If you're an off-roader and considering a lift you may opt for the SR5 as the XREAS interferes a bit with suspension lifts (depending on the type you choose).
I also personally prefer the look of the Sport model over the SR5.
You should confirm both trucks have side curtain airbags. Although I'm not entirely sure, I think they are optional and don't come standard. I'm pretty sure my 4R DOESN'T have them.
I don't have any seat time in a V8 4R as I didn't test drive one before I picked this one up.
banker1 said:
Thanks for the input. I know for a fact the Sport does not have side curtain airbags. I also like the look of the Sport over the SR5, but the wife likes the lighter color of the SR5 we're looking at (silver vs. red). I will likely not tow much w/ this vehicle. There aren't many used Sport Editions in my neck of the woods that have 4WD and a V6. The SR5 V8 at least upgrades the driver and passenger to a power seat, which is a must for the wife. I like the mileage aspect of the V6 as well. Perhaps I should just be patient and wait to see what else is offered. I'm considering offering 21,500 for the SR5 I previously mentioned. If they get close to it, I may have to take it.
No worries, good luck in your search.
One thing I was thinking after my post was, you might be able to pick up a NEW 4R for a few buck more than a used one. Considering the market right now, fuel prices and the future uncertainty of oil/ gas prices I'd imagine a lot of dealers are sitting on stock longer than normal. I'm sure if you play it right you could do pretty well. The only issue is finding one on the lot which meets your specific requirements.
banker
One thing I was thinking after my post was, you might be able to pick up a NEW 4R for a few buck more than a used one. Considering the market right now, fuel prices and the future uncertainty of oil/ gas prices I'd imagine a lot of dealers are sitting on stock longer than normal. I'm sure if you play it right you could do pretty well. The only issue is finding one on the lot which meets your specific requirements.
banker
Do any of these have the JBL sound system? I'm upgrading my non-jbl SE w/ the Scion Navigation system.
Might be a practical negotiation point to have a nav system put in if you can't drive the price down any further.
I currently have the scion 6-disc radio, but the new nav that I'm getting off of ebay will only set me back $630 (less the sale of the existing radio)
Might be a practical negotiation point to have a nav system put in if you can't drive the price down any further.
I currently have the scion 6-disc radio, but the new nav that I'm getting off of ebay will only set me back $630 (less the sale of the existing radio)
boston_kevin
New member
cshoemake said:
She's the one driving it, sounds like she likes the SR5. Honestly, the only thing the sport adds (other than XREAS and a "hood scoop" for bugs and the darker interior) is the heated, color matched mirrors... This is nice in a colder climate, but not as necessary in a warmer climate.
From some Sport model owners, the hood scoop is a love/hate relationship. Love the way it looks, hate to clean out the dead bugs. XREAS is a harsher ride, but tighter in the corners and much more expensive to replace if a shock ever fails. As far as the interior... You can replace it with anything later on. I have a guy putting leather in mine later this year for about $600 for 3 rows.
Baba Booey
New member
I have an '06 SR5 4WD V6 with side and curtain airbags. They were a must have for me, and I would not have bought the vehicle without them. My wife totaled an '04 Honda Pilot, and I am convinced the side airbags helped protect her in that vehicle.
After the accident, she couldn't drive another Pilot, and so we got the 4Runner to replace it. But with her experience fresh in my mind, and the fact that we have two young kids, the only thing I was worried about was finding a 4Runner with the extra bags. At the time, I couldn't care less about SR5, SE, V8, V6, etc., and I still don't.
The side and curtain airbags became standard on '08s.
After the accident, she couldn't drive another Pilot, and so we got the 4Runner to replace it. But with her experience fresh in my mind, and the fact that we have two young kids, the only thing I was worried about was finding a 4Runner with the extra bags. At the time, I couldn't care less about SR5, SE, V8, V6, etc., and I still don't.
The side and curtain airbags became standard on '08s.
yeah, the two vehicles were just ruled out b/c we just found out that they both lack Side Curtain Airbags. We'll keep our eye out for some other vehicles. They're a must for us as well. Just seems like a no-brainer w/ regards to safety and everything. Thank you all very much for your advice!Baba Booey said:
