Howdy. Fine forums you have here. Been reading through them while researching a likely purchase of a 2005+ 4Runner.

I did a search of the forums, but like all forum searches the search function sort of sucks. Most of the results for "purchase advice" come back with Gen 3 T4Rs so I'm just going to ask a few quick questions. If you have an opinion or factual answer, I'd love to here it. Thanks in advance.

1. On the V6 models, in 2005 they went from a 4 Speed to a 5 Speed automatic. Is there any real world difference here? Is there a noticeable gas mileage difference. Any idea why they did it if not?

2. I'm quickly talking myself into the V8 but am not entirely opposed to the V6 since it does get marginally better MPG and has a timing chain instead of a belt. However, pre 2005 the V8 was the 'low power' one. When it comes down to it, on the 2003/2004 would you really care if it was the 'old V8 vs. the V6?" I know from reading here the V8 vs V6 thing is a no no, but I'm talking specifically the old V8.

3. Does the 'old' V8 sound as good as the 'new' V8? Yes, I care about how the car sounds.

4. Speaking of sound, is the JBL system worth 'holding out for'? Head units are easy to replace but have 4 extra speakers seems like a good idea.

5. What's the consensus on the X-REAS system?

6. If there's one thing you wish you'd gotten on your T4R, what is it?

Here's what I'm looking for. Found a sweet one in the classifieds here but at %17,500 it's more than I want to spend.

2005/2006 Sport Edition, V8, Sunroof, JBL, under 100k miles.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Good info on the power band. So far the only thing I've test driven is a V6. I think I need to go waste some dealers time and take a couple of test drives (I'll probably buy from an individual - seems the deals are better).

Interesting about the X-REAS. Other than the hood scoop, that's the only real reason I was looking at the Sport Edition. I'll re-think the SE. Maybe it's not that important. I know it's just a fake hood scoop, but it does make it look better. Totally illogical, but what can I say.

FWIW, I'm selling off a one owner 97 Wrangler TJ, a 2002 VW GTI and a 72 Triumph TrophyTR6C brit bike. Out little boy was born 2 years ago. My wife got a Ford Crossover (which I just don't like driving) and it's time to unload the other three vehicles and get a 4Runner. I see the third row seats as a detriment.

If 3rd row seats are removed, can you still use the double decker platform in the back?

1. I'm not sure why they did it but both transmissions are good - nothing to worry about here.

2. You're right, V6 vs V8 threads are exhausted here. The truth is that they're both good engines - don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I've driven both and I would have been fine either one when I bought mine. But each has 1 big flaw that I'm aware of. The V6 has had some reported head gasket failures. It's hard to determine the exact number reported on this board because there are V8 people (one in particular) who likes to create aliases and create bogus threads about V6 head gasket failures. I'm not kidding - he's got no life. It's not a problem like the 3rd gen head gaskets were. Not even close. If I had to guess there would be less than 10 legitimate failures reported on these boards. Most of those reported failures we get no service history from the poster - they just come on here and post and disappear. So it's hard to tell if there's really a design flaw or if it's a result or poor maintenance. We have V6's in the 300k and 400k mileage range - go check the high mileage thread here in the 4th gen forum. I'm not sure if there's a V8 reported in the 300k range yet.

The problem with the V8 is that can get cracked headers. It's a way more common problem than the head gasket issue. Again, there's a thread where a lot of people have posted their experiences with this. Should be pretty easy to find with a search. There are no aftermarket options available yet so you've got to buy the same headers again from Toyota. Cost for either of these repairs is around $2k so whether you choose the V6 or V8 it's something to be aware of.

3. Sound wise I doubt you'll be able to tell the difference.

4. I personally tried to find a 4Runner without the JBL. Going aftermarket with the JBL requires a little more work. Sound quality between the two is honestly not that much different. So if you're thinking about going aftermarket I'd look for non-JBL.

5. XREAS is just ok. If you're actually going to offroad you'll probably want to change it out for Bilstein 5100's with some FJ shocks or OME shocks.

6. Nothing - I got exactly what I wanted in the color I wanted in the condition I wanted.

When I was looking for a 4Runner I had a list of things that I wouldn't do without. I wanted a good service history (it didn't have to be Toyota serviced, I just wanted good history), good condition paint and under body, non-JBL, 4WD, NOT leather interior (I'm weird) and either Galactic Grey or Shadow Mica. If it met all those conditions then I didn't care if it was a V6 or V8.

FWIW - I get about 17mpg with stop and go city driving and about 22mpg on the highway going 75-80. I'm completely stock so of course any lift or similar mods would decrease your MPG. V8 MPG ranges on this board ranges depending on who you talk to. I personally think it's about a 3mpg difference for both city and highway.

The SE also has larger disc breaks. I like the look of the scoop myself even if it's non-functional.

Did you even read the question? His question is about sound difference between the non-VVTi V8 and the VVT-i V8. You think you can hear the difference?

The pre-05 V8 does make slightly less power.

In my search I did not rule out pre-05 V8s, but it would have had to be an absolute steal for me to purchase one.

If you are into Muscle cars, horsepower etc, you def want the V8. I'm a Mustang guy and although the 4Runner V6 motors are very good as far as midsized SUV motors go, the V8 sounds better and is more fun to drive if you like low end torque.

I drove a 2006 V6 before buying my truck and it was not bad by any means, but the power band is a typical V6 power band, much more gradual and rose with the RPMs. The V8 torque comes on strong right off idle and goes up from there.

The V8 is not without it's quirks though. The cracked exhaust manifolds (which I have) are not much fun, and I have a timing belt to change sometime later this year too.

All things considered, they are great trucks, every make/model out there has its quirks and these (in V6 or V8) are damn good trucks.

My mistake. Terribly sorry!

Thanks for the good info guys.

Service history is important to me too. I'd pay a little more, or even buy a higher mileage truck, if I know the history. If its a one owner with service records that's a plus.

A lot of the dealerships around here get 4Runners from the east coast. I spent 5 years in NYC. I've seen what they've put on the roads. I had my jeep there. That salt (air) is corrosive. Hence why I'm planning to buy from an owner not a dealer.

Re the cracking headers/manifolds and engine choices. I agree,I'd buy a pre-2005 V8 but the 2005+ doesn't really cost that much more. It does seem like the combo I'm looking for Silver, Sport, V8, Sunroof were more common in 2004. I just fixed the cracked exhaust manifolds on my wrangler last year....

I do like the shadow mica. Galactic gray is good. White is so so. I liked the strato mica at first. Black always looks good but it's so hard to maintain.

There are some good deals down there in Dallas. I'm currently looking here, there, AZ, UT, NV and some areas of CA. Will let you know what I get. Hopefully in the next week or two depending whether I travel out f state.

Thanks for your help!

From what I hear, the difference between the VVT-I and non-VVT-I V8's is very minimal and may be felt only slightly if at all. I know I didn't notice when I was test driving them last year.

Yeah. I just checked the specs and the VVT-I V8 only got a 10lb increase in torque (to 330). And since HP is just torque over time it probably wouldn't be very noticeable unless you were pulling something heavy up a long hill. Wonder what the powerband/dyno curves look like...

HP and torque are funny things on paper. My turbo GTI and the inline six 4.0 in my jeep both have about 180 HP but the way they 'pull' couldn't be more different. The jeep has more torque but the GTI is obviously much faster. Of course, the jeep isn't made for speed. But I digress...

very informative post...im in the same boat and some of these answers just helped me narrow my search...

i freaking love this forum...i cant go to bed without creeping on all the new post haha

Both good motors, but the V8 is bullet proof. I talked to a few Toyota mechanics before my purchase of an '04 SE and they said to get the V8 if you can. Nothing wrong with the V6, but the 8 is just an all around better motor and worth the 1-2 mpg lower. I love it and would not trade it for anything. I also think XREAS is great, but when it does fail it is not worth replacing with new XREAS, but rather go the Bilstien 5100 route. The only thing I wish I did not have was the sunroof. It lowers the ceiling down and if I don't stay up on my haircuts it rubs the ceiling.:smile:

1. This was the first 5 speed auto tranny that I've owned... actually the 1st auto tranny period that I've owned, but after driving 4 spd auto trannys in the past, I have to say that I've been very impressed by this thing. Silky smooth shifts and the thing that jumped out at me when first driving these 4Runners, was that the speedometer climbs quickly while the tachometer barely ticks. It bugged me out at first since I'm sort of used to seeing the two needles dance almost in parallel on past cars that I'd driven. Anybody else notice this? Mileage wise, I'm sure it makes a difference, though maybe minute, but maybe it was just to consolidate the transmission between the power-train options.

2. Get a V8 if you can find one and don't look back. Yes, I'm partial and no I'm not interested in a debate, they are both fine engines. But just from being here on these forums I've seen a few V6 owners wanting V8's and not so many V8 owners wanting V6's. It's considered an upgrade for a reason. I drove a V6 before I owned mine and it was a great vehicle. I drove a V6 after I bought mine, and I KNEW I made the right decision buying the 8. I'd also look for a vvt-i if I was looking (which I always am), but as stated earlier, I wouldn't be opposed to an 03-04 if it was the right deal.

3. I don't think you'd be able to notice an audible difference between the vvt-i and non vvt-i engines. My dad has a non vvt-i Tundra with aftermarket exhaust, and that thing is as loud as you'd want anything to be.... Too loud for my taste.

4. My cousin has a LTD with the JBL and I think it sounds horrible. I think my factory non-JBL sounded batter as a matter of fact. My opininon: save the money and go aftermarket. Then get what you want. That's what I did and I'm extremely happy.

5. I don't have X-REAS and from all the research I've done, I don't want it. Again, if you ever plan on an aftermarket suspension, just save the money and get what you want.

6. Hmmm.. this is an interesting question. I'm happy with my color, engine, my trim package selection, the cloth interior (even though I've got Clazzio seat covers inbound). I like that I didn't spend extra on things discussed previously like sterio, wheels, and suspension because all of that stuff will be in or already is in a scrap heap anyway. I don't have a need for bells and whistles like heated seats or moonroofs... So all that being said, the only option that I long for on mine (available on LTD's) is a telescoping steering wheel. LOL! I know it's weird, but as much as love my truck, the one small gripe I have is that no matter what I do with the wheel, it's always a little ergonomically awkward for me. Telescoping function would cure it for me. Again, anybody else experience this?
I do like the SE hoods, roof racks and running boards as well, but they're not really deal makers or breakers for me.

Anyway, happy hunting man! You seem like you've done your research and due diligence. If you find a 4Runner, as everyone here will tell you, you will not be disappointed regardless. They are fantastic trucks and I really couldn't see myself in anything else.

Thanks for the input guys.

Here's a scenario for you. Would appreciate any feedback.

If price were roughly the same which would you get, would the mileage on option B be an issue?

Option A.

2005 V8 Sport 97k miles, (Timing belt replacement included in negotiations, has not been done), cloth seats, sunroof, JBL Syth. Extra set of summer tires, current bilzzaks have 80%+ tread aftermarket Pioneer App stereo, 2nd Owner (got it at 18k from the original) garaged, very well maintained.

Option B.

2005 V8 Limited, 127K miles. all the bells and whistles, Dual Climate, Nav, Leather, 3rd Row* (which I would remove), very well maintained. Brand new tires. Not sure about timing belt, let's assume it's been done.

For the same price, which would you go for?

* If the 3rd row is removed, can a double decker shelf be used/installed?

Thanks!
sb

I'd go with the limited due to navigation and leather seats, but then again I'm partial to those amenities as I have them in my SE. It came with leather and I put in a complete aftermarket audio setup.

Whichever you choose it is imperative to ensure that the transmission was or will be serviced. A complete fluid exchange.

I don't believe you can utilize the double-deck trunk option due to the interior component design of the trunk when configured for third-row seats.