2003/04 4Runner V6 Versus V8

[degull]

I sure this has been beaten to death, but I can't seem to find any posts about it. The search function does not allow short searches like v6 versus v8.

Looking at a 03 or 04 4runner and I'm torn between the 2 engines. The v6 puts out more horsepower but the v8 eats up the v6 in torque. I plan on towing my 2000lb fishing boat probably 4-6 times a year. The rest of the time it will be my daily ride. The gas mileage on the v8 is scaring me away and forcing a long hard look at the v6. Was wondering if I can get some opinions from you gurus.

Thanks.

 

[sbbamafan]

You are right - this has been beaten to death. As for towing I tow a 4500# boat and trailer fairly often. My V6 pulls it better than my 2001 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab V8 did. It is really a sleeper compared to other vehicles that are supposed to be designed for towing. I, too, got the V6 for the better mileage. I have no regrets with the V6. I kind of regret not getting 4WD, though. I stayed with 2WD for mileage, but in hindsight, it doesn't seem that there is much, if any difference. FYI - my mileage after about 44,000 miles is about 17.5, not quite what I hoped for but MUCH better than the 12.5 I got with the Dakota. T4R has without doubt been the most trouble-free car (and with no ratles or squeaks) that I ever owned.

 

[Steve Theodore]

I cannot give you an ownership perspective yet, but I have now test driven an 08 with the V6 and an 04 with the V8, and I am pretty sure I'm going to buy the V8 based on my experience.

The V8 seems to be working less hard overall, and the grunt actually felt greater to me when I really got on the gas, despite the horsepower deficiency on paper. I also feel that the V8 will ultimately be a better hauler, and the full time 4WD is actually something I want to keep me from turning it on and off (this may have led to my recent accident with my third generation 4Runner).

The other big deal to me for the selection process is that I won't be using it for a primary driver, so the gas mileage difference won't be the end of the world. Good luck to you!

 

[Uneek]

If you're only looking at the 2003-04 4Runners, the advantages of each,

V6:
4 speed transmission, VVT-i, top mounted oil filter location, timing chain, ability to be in 2WD on 4WD models (can be left in 4WD all day long and driven just like a V8 4WD).

V8:
5 speed transmission, smoother, full time 4WD, additional external/auxilary transmission fluid cooler, 7000lbs weight carrying hitch (late 2003 and newer).

2005 models, V6 gets 5 speed transmission, V8 gets VVT-i.

 

[Methodical]

I've got an 04 runner and of all the things to come out in the ensuing years on 4runners, I wish I had the 5 speed.

 

[statman24]

I just went through this exercise a few weeks ago.

Get whatever you can get the best deal on. I ended up with a 4wd V8 limited. PM me and I'll tell you the ridiculous price I paid for it.

It helps if you understand the vin.

All 03/04 start with:

JTE

Then

4th: B (4wd) - Z (2wd)
5th: U (6cyl) - T (8cyl)
6/7th - 17 (Limited Edition), 14 - (SR5 or Sports Edition)

Note, you cannot distinguish SR5 from Sports edition using VIN, so simply look at the hood for the scoop (which indicates Sport Edition if previous owner did not swap hoods).

Good luck on your search!

 

[Uneek]

Note, you cannot distinguish SR5 from Sports edition using VIN, so simply look at the hood for the scoop (which indicates Sport Edition if previous owner did not swap hoods).

Good luck on your search!

And, there will be a hydraulic line that runs from the shocks for X-REAS. The interior will be a dark color. SR5 and Limited only comes in beige and gray interiors.

 

[Even Steven]

Either engine will tow a 2000lb boat with ease.

 

[airbur]

V8

 

[degull]

Thanks alot guys! I was hoping to see that there were people happy with their v6's. With fuel priced so high it has become a huge part of my decision. Also I was concerned that the v6 would be overworked leaving the truck underpowered.

I came accross this thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showt...perpage=15&highlight=BUYING 2004&pagenumber=5

9 plus pages of arguments for both engines, very informative.

Personally I think I'm going to get the v6. Thanks so much everyone!

 

[Bookmonke]

I have both the 4x4 and sport both V8's the 4x4 gets 15 mpg and the sport 17.5 mpg and 17 if I get on it more, lol, same roads.

 

[Uneek]

Personally I think I'm going to get the v6. Thanks so much everyone!

If this helps, on 87 octane, I'm averaging 19mpg, about 85% all highway miles since day one. My best was 22.6mpg and a low of 15.7mpg for all city. IMO, quite pleased for a bad@$$ 2-ton SUV.

 

[panamapat]

If this helps, on 87 octane, I'm averaging 19mpg, about 85% all highway miles since day one. My best was 22.6mpg and a low of 15.7mpg for all city. IMO, quite pleased for a bad@$$ 2-ton SUV.

I love torque and high HP vehicles (have a twin turbo V12), but I have to say the V6 in our 07 4Runner SR5 is truly amazing blend of power and efficiency. We are getting 19-21 mpg in the city (strictly 4-5 mile commutes) and on the highway (mountain driving) we get typically 21-22 mpg, and have had as much as 26 mpg (round trip 410 miles).

I've gotten as little as 15 mpg in a strong headwind averaging 75-80 mph.

In terms of wanting more power, we have had no concerns. We have a large flat bed trailer that we use to pull two Honda ATV's across the mountain passes in Colorado and have zero regrets about needing more power. Keep in mind that with the mountains high altitutude, we have anywhere from 15-30% less HP than down at sea level (thin air) and still no regrets.

I also like the ability to switch into 2wd, which we do most of the time.

this is my first Toyota and I have to say its the best car I've owned by far.

Pat

 

[sharp4runr]

If you plan to tow a bigger trailer in the future, definitely get a V8. The V8 also comes with a factory tran cooler as well as a more heavy duty hitch to help out towing heavier loads.

I've been happy with my V6. You can see my mileage numbers in my sig...

 

[panamapat]

If you plan to tow a bigger trailer in the future, definitely get a V8. The V8 also comes with a factory tran cooler as well as a more heavy duty hitch to help out towing heavier loads.

I've been happy with my V6. You can see my mileage numbers in my sig...

My brother has the V8 and he loves the power and effortless acceleration. Agree that with a larger trailer load, I'd be better off with the V8, especially in the mountains. I should plan on getting a trans cooler to extend tranny life as I was unaware that it was not included (got the factory trailer kit).

 

[statman24]

If this helps, on 87 octane, I'm averaging 19mpg, about 85% all highway miles since day one. My best was 22.6mpg and a low of 15.7mpg for all city. IMO, quite pleased for a bad@$$ 2-ton SUV.

Agreed. I purchased the V8 cause most here said that gas mileage was not much different. Well (to be honest), I really bought the V8 because I got a real good deal on my 4runner and that's what it had in it.

But... don't buy into the V6/V8 gas mileage argument. V6 gas mileage is MUCH BETTER. I struggle to get 15mpg on my V8. Some (see above) are getting 19 with their v6.

 

[Koz]

Get the V6, it will be fine.

Koz

 

[sjoa]

just got a 2003 V8 sport a month ago....LOVE the power, but don't love the mileage...it wasn't unexpected however....

I drove the exact same model of both and I guess my ego took over....I drove the V6 first, so maybe I didn't give it enough of fair shake.....I wonder if I wouldn't have known which I was driving before I got in, if my decision would be the same. Hindsight being 20/20, if all things were equal I may have gone with the 6....but they weren't, the one I got had 8k less miles and was certified. The other wasn't, and it's been on the dealer's lot now for 8 months, so something may be up with it....

Luckily, I'm only doing about 20 miles a day now, so I'm only visiting the pump once every two weeks....

Great, great truck....

 

[Koz]

just got a 2003 V8 sport a month ago....LOVE the power, but don't love the mileage...it wasn't unexpected however....

I drove the exact same model of both and I guess my ego took over....I drove the V6 first, so maybe I didn't give it enough of fair shake.....I wonder if I wouldn't have known which I was driving before I got in, if my decision would be the same. Hindsight being 20/20, if all things were equal I may have gone with the 6....but they weren't, the one I got had 8k less miles and was certified. The other wasn't, and it's been on the dealer's lot now for 8 months, so something may be up with it....

Luckily, I'm only doing about 20 miles a day now, so I'm only visiting the pump once every two weeks....

Great, great truck....

There is not that much better gas mileage with the V6. The only real difference is in torque, if you need it.

Koz

 

[Even Steven]

There is not that much better gas mileage with the V6. The only real difference is in torque, if you need it.

Koz

The difference is 2.5 mpg (combined city & highway) according to the EPA.