2004 V8 Sport or 2006 V8 Limited

Scoobs

Scoobs

Member
Hi guys. I had a 2004 V8 Sport but sold it last spring in a fit of "dementia". It was replaced with a 2008 V6 RAV4 Sport. Needless to say the RAV4 isn't doing it for me, and given that the other ride is an AWD Matix I'm sort of lost.
So tonight I'm sitting in front of the computer staring forlornly at used 4Runner listings on autotrader when my wife walks in, sees what I am doing, and says " well why don't you just buy it and we'll give the Matrix" to our son. So I'm looking around the room for the camera because I'm certain I'm being punked. But no she was serious. So I figure I had better do the deed before she changes her mind.

I found a 2004 V8 Sport which is a dead ringer for the 4Runner I had. I also saw a nice 2006 V8 Limited. The extra power of the 2006 V8 vs. the 2004 V8 has me thinking I should go for the 2006 Limited ( I can't find a 2006 V8 Sport or I'd go for it instead ). What do you guys think? Is the extra hp in the 2006 engine really noticeable? Have there been problems with the rear air suspension in the Limited?

Thanks in advance for your advice, and hoping to rejoin the tribe soon.
 
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I can't really comment on the Limited or the extra power of the '06 V8, but I might put some thought into considering whether or not that little extra bit of power is worth the price difference, whatever that may be. Speaking from my own experiences, I've got the older '04 V8 and it's got ballsy enough performance for my purposes and tastes.

Also, you seem to have an affinity for the Sport Edition, that might make a difference in what you'd enjoy driving more. I dunno.

I guess what I am trying to say is get what makes you happy :D

Just my two cents.
 
I like the sports better too. (as you can see) But, you also have to weigh the fact of buying a new vehicle for the same price as an older model with a V8. I'll give you all the credit....its a tough decision.
 
slightly off topic

Just wondering what year your RAV4 is. I thought of getting one, or a Sub. Forester. I test drove the V6 and thought that maybe I could tow my camper with it. Do you like the RAV4?

I ended up buying another 4Runner, but the RAV4 was high on my list.

Oh, I would go with the 04 Sport. I would think the variable timing on the new V8 would be good in the upper range of power, some place we rarely ever go. Plus, I really like the Sport.
 
That is a tough one. I am in to the "Hood Scoop" thing myself. The extra gizmos on the Limited would be a nice to have. I also am torn between the head lights (03-05 vs 06-09?). I own both so I really can't say I like one over the other. I perfer the placement and look of the projector style fogs on the 03-05s but I also like the projector style lowbeams on the 06-09s. If I could mix the 2 I would have it made. Also the 06s and up have LED taillights. I perfer the tube style roofrack and steps on the 06 and up sports vs the running boards and older style silver roof rack on the 03-05 SEs. These are all cosmetic things but I think the 06 and up sports stand out a little more than the 03-05s. Also no useless red reflector housings on the rear bumper corners on the 06s and up. One thing I think is a little funky on my 08 is the smoked chrome grill. I would love to swap it for a body colored grill like on the limiteds and SR5s. I would go for the Newer V-8 if it were me.

If you are going to go used if you could wait for an 06 V-8 SE 4x4 I think that would be the way to go. All the upgraded external features and the VVTI V-8. If I had to choose between the 04 SE and 06 Limited I think I would go with the 06 Limited.:D

Good luck in your search. No matter what you end up with you will have a great vehicle!!!
 
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Re: slightly off topic

peter78 said:
Just wondering what year your RAV4 is. I thought of getting one, or a Sub. Forester. I test drove the V6 and thought that maybe I could tow my camper with it. Do you like the RAV4?
Click to expand...

Peter,

The Rav4 is nice but it's no 4Runner. I just don't get the same buzz driving it and every time a Runner drives by my eyes wander. The power of the V6 is nice but when you really put your foot down on the highway you have to have a good grip on the wheel because it takes off " like a rocket with a missing fin". I have towed a utility trailer with it no problem but Toyota has a ridiculously low tow rating on it, only 600 lbs unbraked with the V6. 3500 lbs if trailer brakes installed on the V6, 2000 lbs on the I4 ( assuming of course that you also have the towing package installed - standard on Canadian V6, optional on U.S. V6. If no tow package the rating drops to 2000lbs braked.

As for the Runner, I guess it might get down to dollars, what doesn't these days, and how generous the other half is really feeling.

Thanks for all your input guys.
 
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I just got my 05 Ltd V8 and I have to say, that V8 is worth every penny. Now I am a bit of an aggressive driver, so I find the power of the V8 well worth the investment. If you go anywhere off-road, the leather is easier to get clean, should you track it in with you. I have a Dodge Ram Hemi that has "Yes" fabric, and I'll take the leather any day. The bells and whistles of the Ltd are well worth it. Honestly, you have to take both for a long test drive and see which one you're more comfortable in.

How in the world did you go from a 4R to a Rav4? Even the Highlander (my last car) would have been a better move. I loved that car. But like the CR-V, the Rav4 lacks the comfort, fit and finish of the 4R.

One more thing, I tow a 5x8 cargo trailer with my 4R, packed with retail pet supplies. No brake box. Does a nice job. I felt the tow a bit more than my Ram, but the Ram overpowers the trailer.
 
Re: Re: slightly off topic

Scoobs said:
Peter,

The Rav4 is nice but it's no 4Runner. I just don't get the same buzz driving it and every time a Runner drives by my eyes wander. The power of the V6 is nice but when you really put your foot down on the highway you have to have a good grip on the wheel because it takes off " like a rocket with a missing fin". I have towed a utility trailer with it no problem but Toyota has a ridiculously low tow rating on it, only 600 lbs unbraked with the V6. 3500 lbs if trailer brakes installed on the V6, 2000 lbs on the I4 ( assuming of course that you also have the towing package installed - standard on Canadian V6, optional on U.S. V6. If no tow package the rating drops to 2000lbs braked.

As for the Runner, I guess it might get down to dollars, what doesn't these days, and how generous the other half is really feeling.

Thanks for all your input guys.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I kind of thought about it, but if I am going to give my 01 to my Son, I need something to replace it. I saw this thread in the RAV4 forum about towing.
http://rav4world.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=18632
The guy has the same trailer as me. I thought of all the stuff I do and just came to the conclusion, I needed a bigger vehicle.

It is funny you mentioned the word "buzz", because I feel the RAV4 is a bit of a buzz when driven, but this time I mean it is a little noisy and rough around the edges.

http://rav4world.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=18434
http://rav4world.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=18252
 
ELonGrad97 said:


How in the world did you go from a 4R to a Rav4? Even the Highlander (my last car) would have been a better move. I loved that car. But like the CR-V, the Rav4 lacks the comfort, fit and finish of the 4R.
Click to expand...

When I got rid of the 4Runner I still had a 2003 Honda Pilot so I didn't see any reason to buy a Highlander and have two vehicles @ the same size. I agree the RAV4 doesn't have the fit and finish of the 4Runner, nor is it as quiet on the road. The RAV does go like stink though, and it has more useable room and storage inside than the 4Runner.
 
I'd go for the 06 Limited... none of us are getting any younger and we need all the luxuries we can get :)

Does the Ltd have Xreas or airlift? I'm not sure you'll notice much difference in engine power but IMO you will notice a difference in suspension.
 
pipspeak said:
I'd go for the 06 Limited... none of us are getting any younger and we need all the luxuries we can get :)

Does the Ltd have Xreas or airlift? I'm not sure you'll notice much difference in engine power but IMO you will notice a difference in suspension.
Click to expand...

The 06 has X-Reas and airlift
 
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