2004 Limited vs. 06-07V6? Help Yuppie

[Sheaman]

Regards!
Ive been looking through these boards for weeks. Here is the dilemna.

I found a 2004 Limited V8 Etc with 40K miles for about $21-$22. Ive also looked at buying a used 05 or 06 even flirted with a new V6 SR5....

Should I save the 10K and get the 04 Limited with 40K miles or buy newer with less?

Yes I am somewhat of a yuppie but have mountain property and go to snow 2-3 times a year.

Any general thoughts would be appreciated.

Regards

 

[Neil]

I think that 04 sounds like a pretty good deal. It depends on if you feel comfortable buying a used vehicle or if you like knowing that all your warranty issues will be taken care of if you buy a new vehicle. I don't mind buying used but for me the biggest deal breaker is the finance rate. It is usually much lower on a new car so if you don't need all the extra's that a limited gives you then an 06 v6 might work for you. I know when I bought my 4runner I was going to buy a used accord, maxima, or camry but once I saw 1.9% financing and $1500 rebate on the 4runner I jumped at that. Hope that helps.

 

[RevoRunner]

I have an 04 V8 Limited 4WD. From what I can tell, the only things I miss from newer models is the jump in HP for the V8 and the reverse camera mirror. I can live without those but it would have been nice to have.

The AWD on the V8 might be useful for you in the snow and moutains. AWD might even help with lower insurance???

I think it really boils down to how well each used vehicle was maintained. As long as the mileage is close in relation to the year, I wouldn't make that a factor, Toyotas will run as long as they are well maintained.

Good point on the new cars... right now there seems to be a lot of good deals on new cars. Might be worth a look on that route.

One last note... I see the word YUPPIE and I have to figure LIMITED is written all over you.

 

[Uneek]

A slightly used car tends to offer a better value, because the original owner takes a big hit in depreciation in the first year. I personally, like the Limited trim because of all the extra gimmick features and do da's, most aren't necessary, but nice to have. But the SR5 is far from stripped down. The Sport Edition is probably the best mix of features and value. Might as well save 10k, get the extra features and perks and have the V8 too.

The SR5 will lack heated and body color mirrors and telescopic steering wheel. Power seats are optional on the 2006+ SR5 V6.

Post pics with which ever one you pick.

 

[Mark86]

I always preferred new, so I would recommend the new SR5. It all comes down to what you want or need in the truck. If you want heated leather seats, power seats (option in '06 V6 SR5), dual zone air, etc., then stick with the Limited. The difference between a 2004 and 2005 V8 Limited is 35 more hp, 20 lb-ft torque and a few cosmetic changes (black roofrails, black running boards, new spoiler). The other important fact to note is a V6 only offers part time 4WD while the V8 is always in 4WD.

 

[rx900]

Personally I would go for new. Unless you know the owner or the car was really taken cared of, go ahead. To me, the 4WD doesn't matter, but if you prefer a V8 (with lesser HP) vs a V6 (with more horsepower) then go for the 04 V8. I know it's mentioned that the V6 4wd is just part time vs a full-time 4wd in the v8, but if that isnt an issue, and u want to save some gas mileage, go with a V6 4wd NEW vs the V8 4WD 04 LTD.

 

[boston_kevin]

You can get a CARFAX report on the used vehicle, but it won't tell you maintenance records or small unreported things. With the '04, you will miss the VVTI on the V8 and thicker front windshield, but other than that, it is basically the same vehicle (some cosmetic changes in '06). As much as I hate to repeat, but it depends on your comfort level buying used vs new. I've never been much of a used car fan because you can't tell the maintenance schedules or how good/bad the vehicle has been driven.

As far as the capabiliies, even the V6 can be a full-time 4wd like the V8, the V6 just has the capability of being 2wd too. I have a V6 and I run all the time from November to April in 4wd mode.

 

[lockerc18]

I found a 2004 Limited V8 Etc with 40K miles for about $21-$22. Ive also looked at buying a used 05 or 06 even flirted with a new V6 SR5....

21 bucks for an 04???? Wow. Such a deal!

 

[Sheaman]

Bought 04 Limited V8! Thanks

Thanks for all the input.

Ok...so the internet add said 22,700 for this 04 limited with 39K miles on it....I go in two days in a row, they havent finished paperwork etc...

I shake hands with the salesman on 22K..I think I stole it...He comes back...says we have a big problem...He says they imput it wrong and the car is 28,500 not 23K. I say yah...big problem.

Owner comes over he says hes very sorry..I say not as sorry as I am because I had a hand shake and called my wife excited at 22K.

He says I will sell at a loss for $26K....I say wow...still mad...He says OK....24,900 I will lose 2 K on the deal but want to make right...on and on.....

Got it for $24,500 and 2 year 24K mile warranty for extra $1100.

Oh...get this....the guy had oil changed every 3K...I even called his wife while I was test driving it...it was on the paperwork...Said..Hey Im thinking of buying your car any showstooppers??? She was hesitant then said no, its great, they bought a yukon because he no longer had to commute...

SO where do I go to learn the official Handshake?????

Thanks All....

Oh...V8 04 Limited,,,Titainium. works....

BTW....How much more Horsepower does the 04 V8 have vs the todays V6???? I know that the new ones have what 25more HP.

Thanks.

 

[RevoRunner]

04 V8 has less HP than the V6. Depending on where you look they have about 235 and I remember the V6 has at least 245. I can't speak for the newer model V6, but I'm sure they have the same if not more. 05 is when the V8 made the jump to 270ish.

Either way you got a great SUV... that deal sounds a little odd though, but as long as you're happy that's all that matters.

Enjoy the 4Runner

 

[JungleJim]

The other important fact to note is a V6 only offers part time 4WD while the V8 is always in 4WD.

Why does this continue to be stated incorrectly on this forum?

The V6 does not only offer part time 4WD. In fact, it doesn't even offer the traditional "part time" 4WD.

You can put the V6 in 4WD and drive it like that forever and ever...
But it also offers the option of 2WD.

The V8 only offers 4WD.

 

[Mark86]

The V6 has not changed since 2003. The only difference is a 5 speed transmission was paired to it in 2005.