ive got a v6, since i dont tow anything the v8 was of no use to me. ive only put 500 miles on my new runner in the last month so i havent had a great chance to determine how well it does. i had about 350 miles on my last fill up with little under a 1/4 tank left. my previous 3rd gen i avg'd 21mpg though i know that. im a light driver all freeway and flat land.
Welcome and for a change the salesman is telling truth V6 vs V8 has so many variables it's impossible to be very precise but 1 to 2mpg seems to be what most people claim.
The 4wd V8 is the worst of the bunch and the 2wd V6 is probably the best, obviously...
I drive like a little old lady and with a mix of driving get 18.3-19.5mpg. It's very hot and the A/C is always running hard.
From reading here: It seems as if you lift and go with 33's etc the difference in MPG dissappears somewhat. I think it's because at some point you begin to really work the V6 and the V8 has so much reserve torque it doesn't suffer as much. Don't read that to be the V6 is short on power, it does fine even modded, even towing. That's my take from reading here...
There are many Polls and V6 vs V8 threads on this site, bottom line is everybody is happy. The V8 guys wouldn't change, the V6 guys wouldn't change. The great thing about a T4R is it's hard to go wrong.
I recently purchased my runner and on the pa turnpike i got about 22 actual mpgs. i didnt know which engine i would prefer, but the v8 has some balls. i left harrisburg w/ a full tank, drove to johnstown pa and the drove it around for 6 days before it was at 1/4 of a tank. it did cost $61. to fill it up, but i think the gas mileage is great for the v8. LOL (didnt mean to make that rhyme)
From the way you described it, I can tell the salesman is trying to sell you a V8. if you do a lot of driving, those 1-2mpg will add up. V8's also depreciate at a faster rate. But, if you are gonna tow toys, don't drive too much or in rush hour traffic, go with the V8.
I went with the V6, because it is plenty. I tis my wife's daily and her trip computer shows 17.5-17.8mpg on average. I keep a log book, but I haven't calculated actual mileage, yet.
Also check the common issues and reliability ratings of both as well before you make a decision...
Regardless, they are both Toyota 4Runner's and are fantastic....
I have an '07 v6 and I average about 21 mpg...but I took a trip a few weeks ago with all hwy driving obviously and got 27 mpg! not too bad if you ask me!
oh, i didn't answer your question...sorry. i usually can get about 425-450 miles with a tank depending on how much highway driving i have. but, i do kinda drive like a grandma... oh well!