Forgive the stupid question, but I am curious about the driving feel of the two different models. I have driven about 5 V6 models years ago and loved how they drove, but I am getting close to pulling the trigger on a 2000 4cyl but I have not driven it yet, as it's 500 miles away so if I fly up I'm pretty much going to buy it.

I'm well aware that the four cylinder is pretty underpowered for the 4Runner, but aside from the power differences do they drive the same?

I searched pretty extensively but couldn't come up with a definitive answer on whether the suspension and everything is the same.

Side note: the model I am looking at came with stock 15-in steel wheels, and I would change them out to the 16 inch factory wheels, what I need to change the gear ratio? From my readings here it seems like there are three or four different gear ratios.

Can't help you with the driving feedback, but why are you wanting to change gear ratios? What gear ratio does it currently have? Also, I've heard from a few people that the 4 cylinder manual transmission and automatic transmission drive very differently.

I gave my 2 cents on this issue some years ago.

Value of a 2.7L vs. 3.4L and other options

I have no idea what ratio it has but I know it's the 4cyl manual with 15 inch wheels. I have read a few threads here stating that it will be extra sluggish with bigger Wheels if it has the gear ratio for the smaller ones.

The 4 cyl with manual works very well. If you can resist the urge to add a lot of weight then you will likely find it nice. I love mine but I try as hard as possible to keep the weight down for fuel economy and power.

If you plan to add bumpers, RTT, jacks and roof racks, big lift etc. I'd maybe keep looking for a V6.

It's a lot easier to re-gear if it's a 2WD. Just swap over a new used rear end.

Neither drivetrain is "fast" but both motors have nice flat torque curves. I find my 3RZ manual quite fun to drive and it's peppy enough since it's geared appropriately (4.56's with 32" tires). Where you feel the lack of power is like Kanoe said, when really loaded down... especially when heavy and trying to go fast up steep grades.

The V6 4Runners I have driven and ridden do accelerate a little faster than mine. But I'm happy with the compromise for ease of maintenance, mileage, and reliability.

Don't have any experience with manual vs auto, but I grew up in my dads 4 cylinder and I own a 6 cylinder now. When he drives mine (on 33s and 4.1 gearing) he says it feels really similar to his (stock). You'll mostly feel the power difference when pulling up steep hills on the highways.

I test drove a V6 manual in my search for a car, before ultimately buying a I4 5 spd. I didn't buy the I4 because I wanted that engine, I didn't even know the 4runner I bought had a 4 cylinder until after I bought it.

The V6 is a better engine to drive overall. It gets up to speed a bit faster, it sounds better, it's better for towing, and most importantly you wont have it revved out on the highway like you do with the 4 cylinder going 80 mph. When I drove the V6, acceleration felt smoother and sounded better (the pace it did it at wasn't that much quicker, but it might be different if its a slushbox)

But that is where the benefits end for the V6. The 4 cylinder is a tougher engine, there is less to go wrong. No timing belt, half the number of camshafts, fewer belts, and half the head gaskets. Based on how my timing chain has aged, I'll probably get to 358k before I need to change it. The 4 cylinder does have an EGR, but its never given me trouble. The only major issue on the 4 cylinder is burnt valve, if you do the valve adjustments you'll never encounter this.

The MPG of the 4 cylinder is barely better that the V6. Over the thousands of miles I've done, I've averaged 18 city, 21 highway. On the best days I might get 19 city and 24 highway. The MPG is maybe 1 mile above the V6 most of the time, neither is great.

The largest advantage of the I4 is the ease of maintenance. There is a ton of room in the engine bay, especially without ABS. I love how easy the engine is to work on or around.

Both engines are great. I consider the 5vz-fe to be the best V6 ever made by Toyota (I prefer iron blocks). The 3rz is debatably better than the 22re. I would worry more about the vehicles condition, that is more important as these vehicles are 22+ years old. The 4 cylinder was discontinued after 2000.

The 4 cly with a standard will be comparable to the 6, with the auto it will be a dog. The 4cylinder power band is a little higher than the 6 and a manual transmission allows you to keep it there. the auto transmission will not. Have them send you a picture of the vehicle ID on the door jamb, that will have the axle code and a way to find check the ratio

I do have the vin, am I able to tell from the VIN?

I f you have the VIN I am sure there is a site to go to get the rest of the vehicle info. I am not sure where that would be. You are looking for the axle code Hopefully AO3 or if you are lucky AO5

There is a code on the door jamb sticker right before your transmission code. Like @St Runner said, try to get a photo of that sticker.

Generally it's:

Code = Gear Ratio
A03A = 4.10
A04A = 4.30
A05A = 4.56

Log in to your account

Looks like they now require a (free) account to log in and look at VINs. Although this site doesn't usually list the axle gear ratio.

I have a picture of the door tag, and it says AO1 for the code. I'm assuming that's not good?

Here are all the stock rear axle ratio codes for 3rd gen 4Runners, models with 15" wheels typically came with taller ratios, 16" wheels (and 4WD) lower ratios.

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