After doing extensive searches, I haven't found the exact answer to a question I have. Is the V6's bad score in Consumer Reports just speculation without any real incidents to back it up? I searched this forum and others for problems with the 4th gen 03 and 04 models, and I didn't find any trends with engine related problems, especially with the V6 models. Have any of the users here had problems with the V6 engine vs the V8? I don't plan on doing any towing, so I'd just be throwing away the fuel mileage with the V8. The vehicle would see offroad use, but nothing to the extreme. I'd appreciate hearing about any personal experiences, or links to other sites/forums that would have the info I'm looking for. Thanks!
04 V6 V8 Engine Issues
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loyd
New member
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i drove both and say the v8 is quicker off the start...the gas milage is complarable too....you dont save much with the v6 even though its a smaller engine, and the v8 is awd. im glad i got the v8 over the v6! i think that consumer report is inaccurate, as i havent heard of any problems with the v6 - there was a few ppl saying there was a slight knocking noise or something coming from the engine, but no mechanical problems.
i drove both and say the v8 is quicker off the start...the gas milage is complarable too....you dont save much with the v6 even though its a smaller engine, and the v8 is awd. im glad i got the v8 over the v6! i think that consumer report is inaccurate, as i havent heard of any problems with the v6 - there was a few ppl saying there was a slight knocking noise or something coming from the engine, but no mechanical problems.
sharp4runr
New member
The bad rating was accounted for by a fuel rail prblem on the V6. There was a notice put out by toyota and it was quickly replaced.
I was in the same predicament you were in when buying a few months ago. I went with a V6 and here are the reasons why:
1. I don't do any towing currently and I probably wouldn't tow anything too heavy if I did.
2. I am in the Washington DC Metro area so I see my fair share of traffic so I want the best gas mileage possible
3. With the V6 model and if you have 4X4, you can switch between 4X2 or 4X4 so you can save gas by driving in 4X2 and switching to 4X4 when you need it.
I haven't had a problem with the V6. I test drove the V8 when I was looking and the extra power was nice, but deep down I couldn't account paying the extra money for the V8. It's a personal choice and you have to look at your priorities.
During day to day driving with a 50/50 mix of city/highway I get about 18mpg. I've calculated this by my gas receipts and my odometer, not by the onboard computer since its the more accurate method.
Good luck purchasing and either way you go, you'll be happy.
EDIT: Also you don't have to run premium fuel on either engines. It's says for "increased performance use premium". Both engines will run fine on regular.
I was in the same predicament you were in when buying a few months ago. I went with a V6 and here are the reasons why:
1. I don't do any towing currently and I probably wouldn't tow anything too heavy if I did.
2. I am in the Washington DC Metro area so I see my fair share of traffic so I want the best gas mileage possible
3. With the V6 model and if you have 4X4, you can switch between 4X2 or 4X4 so you can save gas by driving in 4X2 and switching to 4X4 when you need it.
I haven't had a problem with the V6. I test drove the V8 when I was looking and the extra power was nice, but deep down I couldn't account paying the extra money for the V8. It's a personal choice and you have to look at your priorities.
During day to day driving with a 50/50 mix of city/highway I get about 18mpg. I've calculated this by my gas receipts and my odometer, not by the onboard computer since its the more accurate method.
Good luck purchasing and either way you go, you'll be happy.
EDIT: Also you don't have to run premium fuel on either engines. It's says for "increased performance use premium". Both engines will run fine on regular.
mam4994
New member
I wanted a diesel.....
But, I am cheap and did a calculation and figured that I would save A LOT (I plan on keeping it for at least 10 years) of money in the long run by getting the V6. And I am relocating to Cali, so that was a large factor.
I don't tow a boat or anything, and my company will always move via professional movers. Thus, I had no need for the extra towing power.
The reason I got a 4Runner was I need something with true 4x4 capability to get me to the places where I work, and in my profession, we work 24/7. We don't take days off because of poor weather.
And, I have contacted the tech. dept. within Toyota, and they said you can run the V6 on 87, with a "slight" decline in performance. They said if you want the whole pony show from the V6 it must take 91. It even states in the owner manual it can take 87. To clear up further confusion, I even asked if I filled-up with 87 and the engine gets messed up they would not void my warranty.
It was a nice in between option. I do regret almost daily for not getting a V8, but I do like the feel and performance I have gotten from the V6.
But, I am cheap and did a calculation and figured that I would save A LOT (I plan on keeping it for at least 10 years) of money in the long run by getting the V6. And I am relocating to Cali, so that was a large factor.
I don't tow a boat or anything, and my company will always move via professional movers. Thus, I had no need for the extra towing power.
The reason I got a 4Runner was I need something with true 4x4 capability to get me to the places where I work, and in my profession, we work 24/7. We don't take days off because of poor weather.
And, I have contacted the tech. dept. within Toyota, and they said you can run the V6 on 87, with a "slight" decline in performance. They said if you want the whole pony show from the V6 it must take 91. It even states in the owner manual it can take 87. To clear up further confusion, I even asked if I filled-up with 87 and the engine gets messed up they would not void my warranty.
It was a nice in between option. I do regret almost daily for not getting a V8, but I do like the feel and performance I have gotten from the V6.
Thanks for the excellent replies so far. They have been very enlightening. The more I read, the more I think that the V6 is the way to go in my situation. The ability to switch from 2WD into 4WD when needed is also quite attractive. Does this sacrifice 4WD performance though? The vehicle will see mostly on-road driving (lots of freeway driving), but I do need the 4x4 ability from time to time. I'd be dealing mostly with deep sand --- not so much rocks and other obstacles.
sharp4runr
New member
No sacrifice in performance. The 4WD system is identical in the V6 and V8. Also switching is on the fly. That means you can be driving and switch from 4X2 to 4X4, they do say do not switch while going over 62MPH though. Now if you want to switch to 4X4 LOW (low gear for crawling) they tell you to stop or put it in neutral and then switch to LOW. Makes sense to me, if I have to go into low gear I'll probably be stopping anyways.
I think I'm in a similar situation as you. I do the majority of my driving on the pavement but on the weekends I do simple offroading. I take drives on the backroads to get to the paintball fields I frequent so I need something that can handle it's share of mud, ruts, rocks and mud. Also the snow storms in the North East will make you glad you have 4WD.
Also, here is the link on the recall for the V6. It was done in it's 2003 the first production year and has since been fixed in the 2K4: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=381&pagenumber=1
I think I'm in a similar situation as you. I do the majority of my driving on the pavement but on the weekends I do simple offroading. I take drives on the backroads to get to the paintball fields I frequent so I need something that can handle it's share of mud, ruts, rocks and mud. Also the snow storms in the North East will make you glad you have 4WD.
Also, here is the link on the recall for the V6. It was done in it's 2003 the first production year and has since been fixed in the 2K4: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=381&pagenumber=1
ToolmanJohn
New member
I chose V6
The V8 and V6 have nearly identical 0-60 times (if that's important to you in an SUV), the V6 can tow 5000 lbs, and the 2 mpg overall increase in fuel economy will add up over years and miles of ownership.
I didn't feel there was a need for me to have a full time AWD system, and the V8 does cost more.
The V6 is slightly noisier, but it depends on the temperature (both engine and ambient). The V6 Consumer Reports reliability rating is because owners of the early release of the V6 4runner reported the recall on the annual survey. It did not mean that people were breaking down all over the place. Unfortunately CR does not make any distinction. If there is something reported in a particular area (engine) more than the average for that class of vehicle (midsize SUV) they give it a black mark.
I bought mine knowing this and have had no problems except for defective stereo headunit, which was switched out under warranty, no problems since.
The V8 and V6 have nearly identical 0-60 times (if that's important to you in an SUV), the V6 can tow 5000 lbs, and the 2 mpg overall increase in fuel economy will add up over years and miles of ownership.
I didn't feel there was a need for me to have a full time AWD system, and the V8 does cost more.
The V6 is slightly noisier, but it depends on the temperature (both engine and ambient). The V6 Consumer Reports reliability rating is because owners of the early release of the V6 4runner reported the recall on the annual survey. It did not mean that people were breaking down all over the place. Unfortunately CR does not make any distinction. If there is something reported in a particular area (engine) more than the average for that class of vehicle (midsize SUV) they give it a black mark.
I bought mine knowing this and have had no problems except for defective stereo headunit, which was switched out under warranty, no problems since.
I test drove the Sport V8 4x4 yesterday, and was quite impressed with it. Today I gave the Sport V6 4x4 a test run, and I was more impressed. The V8 felt great and had plenty of torque, but I don't think I could justify that with the added fuel consumption. The switchable 4WD on the V6 is very attractive, and I could definitely feel the difference between 2WD and 4WD when accelerating. The V6 felt like it had all the power I would need since I don't need to do any towing. I guess time will tell how well the aluminum engine does though. It seems like some issues would already be surfacing in the '03 models that are getting up there in mileage, but I haven't read anything yet. Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it. Hopefully I'll be buying within the next week.
sharp4runr
New member
If you haven't read this website yet, definitely check it out: http://www.carbuyingtips.com
I found it very helpful and there were a lot of good strategies to use.
July
I found it very helpful and there were a lot of good strategies to use.
July
4x4 V6
New member
V6 was better choice for me.
I have the 2003 V6 4WD Limited. I have 19.5k miles over 15 months. I chose the V6 for the reasons already stated above, i.e., more practical for my driving needs, switchable 2wd to 4wd, etc.
I test drove both V8 and V6. I could tell a slight difference in the feeling that the V8 seemed to have a more powerful feel in the acceleration than the V6. But it wasn't enough to convince me to buy the V8. FYI, I also owned a Sequoia V8 4WD for 2 years and that poor gas mileage was one of the major reasons I didn't want to pick another V8, granted the 4-runner is lighter in weight than the Sequoia, I still needed a worth while improvement at the gas pump.
I have definitely not regretted getting the V6. For the winter snow trips in the mountains, that 4WD kicks butt! For the summer trips to the lake, I thought I would never tow anything. But just this year, I purchased a SeaDoo Personal Watercraft (PWC). With the trailer, PWC, and gear, the load is about 1500 lbs. I have no problems pulling my PWC in 2WD on the road. In fact I can't even tell I'm pulling anything. The only time I really feel like I'm towing something is when I'm braking. When loading or unloading the PWC in the water, I'll sometimes put it in 4WD to get more torque on the loading ramp. I don't need to go into 4WD, but it was nice to be able to switch it ON.
Most of the time I'm in 2WD to and from work on side streets and freeway. V6 and 2WD is definitely a benefit to me. Less visits at the gas pump. I use 87 octane and have seen no problems.
As far as reliability of the 4runner, it's second to none. Sure I have had the serpintine belt and tensioner replaced, have had the fuel pump recall service, and took care of that annoying moonroof rattle, but after all those issues were fixed under warranty, I haven't had any problems.
Initially I thought I should get the V8 since I owned the Sequoia V8 (I guess it was a guy thing to get the V8), but I'm over that and I am a satisfied owner of a V6.
-Gene
I have the 2003 V6 4WD Limited. I have 19.5k miles over 15 months. I chose the V6 for the reasons already stated above, i.e., more practical for my driving needs, switchable 2wd to 4wd, etc.
I test drove both V8 and V6. I could tell a slight difference in the feeling that the V8 seemed to have a more powerful feel in the acceleration than the V6. But it wasn't enough to convince me to buy the V8. FYI, I also owned a Sequoia V8 4WD for 2 years and that poor gas mileage was one of the major reasons I didn't want to pick another V8, granted the 4-runner is lighter in weight than the Sequoia, I still needed a worth while improvement at the gas pump.
I have definitely not regretted getting the V6. For the winter snow trips in the mountains, that 4WD kicks butt! For the summer trips to the lake, I thought I would never tow anything. But just this year, I purchased a SeaDoo Personal Watercraft (PWC). With the trailer, PWC, and gear, the load is about 1500 lbs. I have no problems pulling my PWC in 2WD on the road. In fact I can't even tell I'm pulling anything. The only time I really feel like I'm towing something is when I'm braking. When loading or unloading the PWC in the water, I'll sometimes put it in 4WD to get more torque on the loading ramp. I don't need to go into 4WD, but it was nice to be able to switch it ON.
Most of the time I'm in 2WD to and from work on side streets and freeway. V6 and 2WD is definitely a benefit to me. Less visits at the gas pump. I use 87 octane and have seen no problems.
As far as reliability of the 4runner, it's second to none. Sure I have had the serpintine belt and tensioner replaced, have had the fuel pump recall service, and took care of that annoying moonroof rattle, but after all those issues were fixed under warranty, I haven't had any problems.
Initially I thought I should get the V8 since I owned the Sequoia V8 (I guess it was a guy thing to get the V8), but I'm over that and I am a satisfied owner of a V6.
-Gene
You'll wish you would of gotten a V8 
When I could get the Toyota V8 in the 4th generation 4runner I didn't even consider the V6. I know that the gas mileage is about the same between the V8 and the V6. The Toyota V8 is a world class engine, same engine they put in the Lexus LX470 that sells for $65K+. Guys on the oil expert site www.bobistheoilguy.com have stated in used oil analysis of the Toyota 4.7 V8 that it is one of the best engines made and is good for 500K miles with normal care. Also there is a big safety difference between the AWD with the V8 and the part time 4wd with the V6. You can't drive the 4wd on dry pavement and the opportunity for an accident is that time between what seems like a dry road and a slick road. I know I've owned Toyota 4wd's and Toyota AWD's (95 Landcruiser). The AWD is worth the difference from a safety factor all on its own. Good luck.
When I could get the Toyota V8 in the 4th generation 4runner I didn't even consider the V6. I know that the gas mileage is about the same between the V8 and the V6. The Toyota V8 is a world class engine, same engine they put in the Lexus LX470 that sells for $65K+. Guys on the oil expert site www.bobistheoilguy.com have stated in used oil analysis of the Toyota 4.7 V8 that it is one of the best engines made and is good for 500K miles with normal care. Also there is a big safety difference between the AWD with the V8 and the part time 4wd with the V6. You can't drive the 4wd on dry pavement and the opportunity for an accident is that time between what seems like a dry road and a slick road. I know I've owned Toyota 4wd's and Toyota AWD's (95 Landcruiser). The AWD is worth the difference from a safety factor all on its own. Good luck.
sharp4runr
New member
Re: You'll wish you would of gotten a V8
Please explain. I've driven in 4WD on the pavement many times and never had a problem. This is dry pavement not wet or snowy....
July
Pitbull said:
Please explain. I've driven in 4WD on the pavement many times and never had a problem. This is dry pavement not wet or snowy....
July
toybox
New member
While on the new 4runners with the V6 can be driven on dry pavement in4wd without a problem I still like the awd. It is that one time you have it in 2wd and then all the sudden you wish you had it in 4wd and it is too late to click it in at the actual moment you need it. Been there, done that. That is why I was sold on the awd V8 combo
TechWrench
Senior Member
"Also there is a big safety difference between the AWD with the V8 and the part time 4wd with the V6. You can't drive the 4wd on dry pavement and the opportunity for an accident is that time between what seems like a dry road and a slick road. "
Not looking to start anything here, but I would have to disagree with this. As far as I know, there is no reason you can't drive the V6 part-time in 4WD on any type of pavement as long as you don't lock the center diff. The salesman who took me on my first test drive (not that I consider him an authority) suggested that I leave it in 4WD all the time for 'convenience'. IMHO, the ability to switch between 2WD and 4WD is worth much more that the slight performance increase the V8 offers. If one feels safer using an AWD system, I would be the last to criticize their choice. But I have driven PT 4WDs for the last 25 years, and feel the system in this SR5 is the best I've ever had. I trust it to do what it is designed to do, and I hope I am smart enough to know to not ask it to do anything is isn't. I have a friend who has the V8 and I have driven his enough to feel no reason to regret my choice.
After all, choice is what it should be all about.
Not looking to start anything here, but I would have to disagree with this. As far as I know, there is no reason you can't drive the V6 part-time in 4WD on any type of pavement as long as you don't lock the center diff. The salesman who took me on my first test drive (not that I consider him an authority) suggested that I leave it in 4WD all the time for 'convenience'. IMHO, the ability to switch between 2WD and 4WD is worth much more that the slight performance increase the V8 offers. If one feels safer using an AWD system, I would be the last to criticize their choice. But I have driven PT 4WDs for the last 25 years, and feel the system in this SR5 is the best I've ever had. I trust it to do what it is designed to do, and I hope I am smart enough to know to not ask it to do anything is isn't. I have a friend who has the V8 and I have driven his enough to feel no reason to regret my choice.
After all, choice is what it should be all about.
Your correct I was thinking about my 85 Taco 4x4 truck. Here is everything you will need to know about our current 4x4/AWD systems. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12
Sounds like if you are not impressed with the Toyota V8 like I am you might as well buy the V6. Hey it's a Toyota you can't go wrong. But I do love that V8
Sounds like if you are not impressed with the Toyota V8 like I am you might as well buy the V6. Hey it's a Toyota you can't go wrong. But I do love that V8
TechWrench
Senior Member
Pitbull said:Your correct I was thinking about my 85 Taco 4x4 truck. Here is everything you will need to know about our current 4x4/AWD systems. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12
Sounds like if you are not impressed with the Toyota V8 like I am you might as well buy the V6. Hey it's a Toyota you can't go wrong. But I do love that V8
Let me refrase that. It's not that I am not impressed with the V8, but more like I am very impressed that IMHO the V6 is so close to it. If Toyota offered the V8 with the PT 4WD, I would'a got a V8. The other big plus for me with the V6 was again revealed when I changed oil today. I just love the oil filter 'upstairs'.
slowginjoe
New member
looking at the gearing ratio for the 4-speed v6 and the 5-speed v8 trannys, the 5-speed has a 32:1 1st gear ratio while the 4 speed is around 28:1. the higher ratio may be important to someone who does serious off-roading, which means they would probably have the v8 in the first place. but with the new 5 speed v6 it's the same gear ratios now.
i was all set to get the v6 as well until i came across a deal on the v8 that made it a tough choice, and well, you know which i picked... from reading owner's testimonies, looks like v6 is a mile or two better in miles per gallon. i can live with that, as long as it wasn't 5+ mpg difference!:beer:
i was all set to get the v6 as well until i came across a deal on the v8 that made it a tough choice, and well, you know which i picked... from reading owner's testimonies, looks like v6 is a mile or two better in miles per gallon. i can live with that, as long as it wasn't 5+ mpg difference!:beer:
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