3rd Gen owner buying a 4th gen

[Mountainman79]

Hello everyone, as the title of this thread says I am currently a owner of a 1998 SR5. Its got 255000 miles on it and I am fighting a seemingly uphill battle fixing all the rust spots. So I am on the look out for a 4th gen limited. Was wondering if anyone would have some helpful thoughts on a few things. First the v8 vs the v6, is one far superior than the other?

I will be hopefully getting a 03-07 range vehicle and will probably have just over 100k on it, is there anything in particular I should be looking for or at as far as trouble spots go on these vehicles? Any info would be greatly appreciated! Cheers

 

[T4RNightHawk]

Well others can probably say more than me but the most obvious thing is the body styling between the 03-05 and 06-09. Mainly the later 4th gens have projector headlights and LED taillights. A lot of guys put these in their early 4th gens and retail they're like $200 a piece or so.

I have a 2008 V8 Limited and I love the power. I can't talk about a V6 since I haven't been able to drive my friend's V6, but more power won't hurt anything other than your wallet (upfront cost and MPG), just depends on what you do and if you're willing to pay for the power.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

I would go for 06-09 models if possible, v6 and v8 are very similar in real world numbers, but seat of the pants will take you to the v8 every time. most v8 owners say they wouldnt have it any other way, and most v6 owners are content but wouldnt turn down the v8. primary difference between the two being towing capacity, and full time 4wd vs selectable 2wd 4wd for the v6

 

[S4TA]

I debated for awhile V6 vs V8. Did some math and figured the V8 wasn't too much more to pay for more play. I'm very happy I went with the V8. My wife has the sienna which is a v6 with nearly identical HP as the v6 4R but lighter and it feels so slow now, particularly accelerating on the highway. But I'm a car guy and appreciate the added power and sound of the V8. Some could care less.

 

[StL-T4R]

Agree with wnelax04sr5 - go for 06-09 models...V6 or V8 is personal preference

 

[Zadams31]

Hello everyone, as the title of this thread says I am currently a owner of a 1998 SR5. Its got 255000 miles on it and I am fighting a seemingly uphill battle fixing all the rust spots. So I am on the look out for a 4th gen limited. Was wondering if anyone would have some helpful thoughts on a few things. First the v8 vs the v6, is one far superior than the other?

I will be hopefully getting a 03-07 range vehicle and will probably have just over 100k on it, is there anything in particular I should be looking for or at as far as trouble spots go on these vehicles? Any info would be greatly appreciated! Cheers

I had a 2000 SR5 and the trans went at 226,000. I bought an 07 Sport Edition with 103,000 on it and love it. I have the V6 model and love it I get about 18-20 MPG. It will depend on if you tow things or want the power. I'm perfectly fine with the v6 model. Good Luck!

 

[OSUCHAMPS15]

I have a 04' V6. I looked at a V8 when i purchased mine. I read that the V8 had a chain instead of a belt that my go bad around 100k and it was very expensive to fix. I am content with the V6 but i now also have a V8 GMC and the difference is pretty big when you drive them one after another. I'd probably go with the V8 if I had to do it over again.

 

[kevinpt]

yes the v8 sounds good but having full time 4wd feels odd to me. when ever i have my v6 in "awd" i dont like how the front end likes to push in the turns.