2004 V8 vs. 2005 V6

M

MeddlingKids

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I'm considering purchasing a Toyota 4-Runner. Which would you recommend for a person using his 4-Runner to go snowboarding up in the Sierras? (And probably other activities having a 4x4 make possible).

2004 SR5 V8 4x4 w/15,000 miles ($22,500)
2005 SR5 V6 4x4 new ($26,000)
 
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From a V6 guy...

Normally I'd say the V6, but since there have been some issues lately with mating the V6 to the 5 spd (Obviously too much power :-) ) I'd lean towards the V8. Remember you will be spending more on gas for the V8, and at 15k miles, you are approaching the end of life for the Dunlops. Still, that number for the V8 seems a little low for retail, maybe something else wrong with it?

Either engine will have more than enough power for your needs (I've had 6 people in mine to go skiiing). Just keep in mind that you may have an extra 1-2k in expenses (tires, maintenance, repairs out of warranty) for the V8 that will come about faster than the V6.
 
boston_kevin said:
From a V6 guy...

Normally I'd say the V6, but since there have been some issues lately with mating the V6 to the 5 spd (Obviously too much power :-) ) I'd lean towards the V8. Remember you will be spending more on gas for the V8, and at 15k miles, you are approaching the end of life for the Dunlops. Still, that number for the V8 seems a little low for retail, maybe something else wrong with it?

Either engine will have more than enough power for your needs (I've had 6 people in mine to go skiiing). Just keep in mind that you may have an extra 1-2k in expenses (tires, maintenance, repairs out of warranty) for the V8 that will come about faster than the V6.
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No, those prices are the max I would offer. I'm sure their asking prices are significantly higher. The good thing is with a minimal down payment, essentially transferring the equity from my current car, I'd still be in positive equity on either of the 4-Runners. :)
 
Koz said:
If your not towing 4K+ lbs. on a regular basis or HP crazy (25 hp difference) the V6 is more then plenty.

Koz
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Agreed, I prefer the V6. However, I'm more concerned about the cost savings I could get by going used versus new. Trying to figure out if it's worth it. What's the avg. fuel consumption of the 2004 V8? I know the 2005 is about 1-2 mpg different than its V6 counterpart.
 
How long do you plan to keep it?


I plan to keep my 4Runner a very long time. So the new vehicle deprecation does not concern me.

I also wanted a vehicle vehicle I knew the history of (not abused, properly maintained).

Mine only had 4 miles on it when I drove it.


I prefer the V8's full-time 4WD system over the part-time.
 
i think the v6 is more then enough. i like being in 2wd all the time, you dont have to worry about the 4wd getting all messed up... the only reason i say this is because my 2002 explorer had auto4wd and it rode like hell! less problems in the long run... plus being in 2wd gives you a better turning radius and if you need too you switch to the good ol 4:)
 
galacticrunner1 said:
i think the v6 is more then enough. i like being in 2wd all the time, you dont have to worry about the 4wd getting all messed up... the only reason i say this is because my 2002 explorer had auto4wd and it rode like hell! less problems in the long run... plus being in 2wd gives you a better turning radius and if you need too you switch to the good ol 4:)
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You have to worry about the 4WD engagement system getting messed up.

part-time = more parts = less reliable?

Or

full-time = more wear = less reliable?


I can't think of any facts pertaining to the 4Runners 4WD systems to know which opinion is more likely. Other Toyotas have the part-time system, it is not without problems.

According to Toyota, turning circle diameter is the same for all 4Runners, 37.4.

For me, the full-time is a safety feature. Just my perspective.
 
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boston_kevin said:
Just keep in mind that you may have an extra 1-2k in expenses (tires, maintenance, repairs out of warranty) for the V8 that will come about faster than the V6.
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That's a new one.....

Anyways, as stated many times before, the V6 is more than enough, but the V8 does have its advantages. Basically, it's a drive both and see what best fits YOU :)
 
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Northof49 said:
That's a new one.....

Anyways, as stated many times before, the V6 is more than enough, but the V8 does have its advantages. Basically, it's a drive both and see what best fits YOU :)
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don't throw a hissy fit, he was referring that the V8 in question had 15K on it already and he'll have to perform the bigger maintenance issues sooner.
 
Northof49 said:
That's a new one.....

Anyways, as stated many times before, the V6 is more than enough, but the V8 does have its advantages. Basically, it's a drive both and see what best fits YOU :)
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This is not a V8 vs V6 thing. This is a 4 miles vs 15000 miles issue. If it has Dunlops, most people have been replacing these around 22k-25k miles (Tires seem to be running about $900 for 5 tires) Also, the bumper to bumper warranty is 36 months or 36k miles... Lets see... 36k- 15k = 21k miles left under warranty, and potentially only 18 months!

If you read the top portion of my post, I said I would lean towards the V8 due to a couple of issues with the V6 and 5spd fitment issues (so I am unbiased). My concerns would focus on the owner history of the V8 and the faster approaching expenses due to the milage of the V8.

I agree that either would suit the need for snowboarding in the Sierras, just weigh the risks of either investment.
 
Is the V8 a pre-owned vehicle with a 100k used car warranty, plus the the V8 at 15k they should give you the 15k service that includeds changing all the fluids but if I was going for the V8 I would want them to do the 30k service which includes a few more things and put new tires on it;):

But the V6 is new so and new is new, does the V8 have oil change records or was it a 1 year drive and leave the oil cause the guy just got another car;):
 
boston_kevin said:
From a V6 guy...
and at 15k miles, you are approaching the end of life for the Dunlops.
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R U series? I have 19k miles on my dunlope and they're only 1/2 wore. I rotate them ever 5k too. I can get another 15+ K out of them easily. so far they have not let me down trough rain and snow!.:D
 
TRD04RUNNER said:
R U series? I have 19k miles on my dunlope and they're only 1/2 wore. I rotate them ever 5k too. I can get another 15+ K out of them easily. so far they have not let me down trough rain and snow!.:D
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No, I am not series, but I am serious... Many people have complained about the life of the dunlops. Even people on tirerack have complained that 20k-25k was all the usable life they got. I only have 6k on mine, so I couldn't tell you personally, but search through the opinions on tirerack for these or search the forums for dunlops... Many people (maybe not the majority) have voiced experiences that these tires do not have a long life.

North - I hope that wasn't your accelerator ankle!
 
The Dunlops seem to vary.....There are also a lot of people that get 35K plus miles on them. I have 34K miles on mine and will probably get at least another 4K to 6K. I will be glad to replace them though.
 
The Dunlops depend, if your got 20k on them and dry weather your fine but snow might mess you up, another thing that may be helping the tires is the traction control, several 4Runner members mentioned that after they put Revos on the truck it felt better and the dash light did not go off at all in bad conditions;):
 
EDGE said:
The Dunlops depend, if your got 20k on them and dry weather your fine but snow might mess you up, another thing that may be helping the tires is the traction control, several 4Runner members mentioned that after they put Revos on the truck it felt better and the dash light did not go off at all in bad conditions;):
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I don't mean to be the idiot of the crowd, but what the hell are Revos? Send me a link please.
CV
 
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