06-07 V8 vs V6 Drivetrains

[Flyer]

I drove several. Then I drove a V8 and it was so much more fun to drive and so quiet and powerful. So I knew I wanted a V8. I finally found a good one- a 2005 SR5 with 65,000 miles. I avoided the Sport due to the XREAS. I didn't really want leather so I focused on the SR5s. I love it. I have calclated mileage by hand every tank. So far, I am as low as 17.5 mpg and as high at 20.2 mpg. I do not do 100% city stop-and-go though. I suspect it will be lower in that case. For me it was not as much about towing as much as it was about the smoooth and quiet power, and the fact that I do live and drive a lot in the mountains. The V8's torque rules here and is such a pleasure to drive. In comparison, the V6 is louder and feels strained sometimes on steep uphills. I will admit that the V6 was just fine....till I drove the V8.:hatsoff:

 

[djj1973]

You pay what you drive. On any good perfomance vehicle you pay 1200 for timing belt. To save money, you need to drive cavalier or V6 4Runner. Or just do not drive it for more then 3 years. But ride quality will suffer.

No need to tell me. I've driven nothing but Toyotas for the last 16 years. I know what it costs for scheduled maintenance. The V8 was certainly nice but not everyone needs one, I didn't. :cowboy:

 

[4GLimited]

Sounds like you may need a V8 in the future and you seem to want one. The V6 gets only 1 to 2 mpg more, FACT!

Koz

The 03 Limited V8/4wd got 13-14 MPG and sometimes up to 17 all highway. I only had it a few months.

My 07 Limited V6/4wd gets 19-20 and up to 23 all highway.

I haven't changed my driving styles at all. The full-time 4wd is a gas whore in city traffic. The V8 is definitely quicker though.

 

[netwon]

I have the rear air suspension and it is great! No pictures, but no matter what I am towing/loaded in the rear she comes back to level everytime! It is nice to keep the headlights on the road, when there is weight in/on the back!

Netwon

 

[klennop]

The 03 Limited V8/4wd got 13-14 MPG and sometimes up to 17 all highway. I only had it a few months.

My 07 Limited V6/4wd gets 19-20 and up to 23 all highway.

I haven't changed my driving styles at all. The full-time 4wd is a gas whore in city traffic. The V8 is definitely quicker though.

I guess from my standpoint, my current Tahoe gets 8-10 in the city if I am lucky and that is with everything synthetic, K&N, Full Magnaflow exhaust, BFG AT's, etc. On the highway I am lucky to get 13. So anything vs running that pig is an upgrade to me. Plus for me in the summer my truck sits unless it is raining, I take my little Aprilia SR50 to work which does 50mph but still gets over 100mpg.

Most of our running around we do in our 2010 Maxima, Sport Package, etc., However that thing only gets on avg 18 mixed driving but that is because you always want to put your foot into it. With that CVT it is just a constant pull with the RPM's just screaming.

So if I end up with a V8 I will be happy with the extra MPG but if I get the V6 I just start throwing dollar bills out the window just because I will be saving so much!!:jump:

 

[4Runner8]

The 03 Limited V8/4wd got 13-14 MPG and sometimes up to 17 all highway. I only had it a few months.

My 07 Limited V6/4wd gets 19-20 and up to 23 all highway.

I haven't changed my driving styles at all. The full-time 4wd is a gas whore in city traffic. The V8 is definitely quicker though.

hmmmmmm i find that hard to beleive because i get way better then that, yes i have a V8 2wd but its got 4 inches of lift and on very aggressive 31'' at's

im not calling you a liar just saying dont know how you got that bad of mileage

 

[Koz]

You had this option on yours correct?

Was it worth it? Do you have any pictures of the switch, just so I know what I am looking for.

Thanks again for all the help and responses, I really appreciate it!!

The switch is located on the center console between the heated seat switches (Four main switches closest to the glove box/arm rest).

My 05 V8 Limited (Which was a GREAT vehicle) was just totaled (No one was hurt). I special ordered it for the auto-leveling rear air suspension and color. I needed it for towing. I can tell you that in the, almost 6 years, I put a lot of weight and miles on that system and it never skipped a beat. There is a 4" difference in height between low to high. I found it very useful for off-roading, deep water, towing, carrying cargo, loading and washing. Sometimes I would be towing at near its max rating loaded with people, equip, supplies, bikes, towing a camper and the vehicle was ALWAYS level and in total control. Sometimes I would have to use off-road approaches with the trailer and I would use the system to adjust the approach/departure angles of the trailer and the tow hitch/vehicle to get over ruts and obstacles. By lowering the system you would raise the back of the trailer. I also found that the handling and ride is smoother with air bags instead of springs, especially when the vehicle was empty.

I also use a motorcycle carrier that utilizes the tow hitch. I lower the vehicle, role up the bike with a ramp from the side. As soon as you start the vehicle the system levels off. My bike weighs just over 500lbs (Sport bike). It’s amazing how the vehicle rides with over 600lbs hanging off the back of the vehicle.

Here's the problem, I was spoiled with this system and must have it in my new truck and it is no longer available in the 5th gen (And the V8). This is why I why just special ordered a GX. It turns out the GX has this system combined with KDSS (Optional on the Trail) and AVS (Adaptive variable suspension). It should be very interesting towing with this set-up.

Koz

 

[klennop]

Well I went to look at a v6 limited and it was sold...:cry2:

But they had a v6 SR5 so I took that out just to compare the V6 and V8. I have to say I was impressed with the v6. I put it in 4H so it would be closer to the v8 and man I couldn't tell you which one was faster. I think the v8 is smoother and does ride a little nicer but the ride isn't really a fair comparison V8 Limited vs V6 SR5. It would be really nice if I could put a 4000lb load on each on and drive them back to back.

So as of right now, I would still like the v8 but I don't think it would be the end of the world if I got a v6. I have time to look yet, so I am in no hurry.

I also stopped to look at the new 4runners, they are nice but I don't really want to drop 40K on a v6 limited 4runner.

The air suspension does sound pretty slick but I don't know if I will be able to find one of those.

Thanks again everyone for the info...

 

[truckmike26]

You change it once every 80,000 miles. Not a big deal.

Not a big deal if you've got lots of a.) tools and equipment b.) time c.) a hoist
d.) space e.) extra disposable income or any combination of these.

Almost always, repair shops, both O.E. and non-O.E., mess something up and something such a timing belt replacement is an excellent oppertunity for messing something up.