4th Gen Advice Needed

[foolonawheel]

My wife totaled our low mile 2001 4runner last week. I'm looking at 4th gen 4runners and would like some advice. I use the 4runner about 8 or 10 times a year to tow a 10' enclosed trailer to the track. Otherwise it only gets driven when we need a four seater or groceries.

Found a good deal on a 07 Rear wheel drive. I've never needed 4 wheel drive in Kansas City but I'm concerned about how hard a 2 wheel drive might be to sell when the time comes.

Any disadvantages to the V8 other than 1 or 2 mpg less? Maintenance and reliability comparable for the V6 and V8?

The 4th gen units that I've looked at don't have a transfer case lever. Are the 4th gen 4WD full time four wheel drive?

Thanks for the help (and yes, I did search old posts )

 

[T4rman]

I have an 03 v8 4x4. I can't give you real mpg figures due to some modifications, but I can vouch for its reliability. I'm at 90k now and it's running great. The whole truck is running great.

It tows well, I've never had any issues. The v8 has plenty of power.

The 4th gen uses a little rotary switch near the key to engage and disengage 4wheel drive. V8s are full time 4wd while the v6 has the ability to switch between 2wd and 4wd.

Good luck with your search.

 

[STAYGOLD]

i would agree with the statement about 2 wheel drive. at least in michigan, anything RWD besides sports cars and some basic work trucks are a tough sell. then again hopefully the price of the 2WD is less than the 4WD when YOU buy it, so it will again be in proportion when you go to sell it.

yes, the 4th 4WD models are full time via a torsen center diff.

search v8 vs. v6 and you'll find most of your answers... but don't dare start a thread comparing the two.

big thing maintenance wise is v8=timing belt (90k replacement), v6=timing chain (long time. my tacoma had 213k on it before the timing chain starting slapping.)

each has its quirky issues, the biggest that come to mind are cracked manifolds on the v8 and head gasket issues on the v6.

just search around, and good luck with your pursuit of a 4th gen.

 

[stanleybb50]

You searched but didn't read

Haha all good, but since you mentioned, I'm calling a spade a spade.

But I'd say rock n roll with the v8! I love mine!

 

[drforton]

Go with the V8, you won't regret it. The power/torque difference is night and day from the V6, and the 2mpg less is totally worth it.

FYI, for some reason, the 2005 V8 has the most power of any year 4th gen, rated at 270hp and 330torque.

Good luck, and enjoy your "new" 4th gen. :cheers:

 

[chaz]

v8 dont only come with FT4WD, you can also find them with only 2wd if 4wd isnt wanted/needed. but as others have said, it may be easier to resell later if its 4wd. 2007 Toyota 4Runner 2WD 4dr V8 Limited (Natl) Prices - Consumer Guide Automotive

 

[zerowkul98]

If youre going to tow, your MPG's are gonna suck anyways. Did you say this potential-4runner is going to be a daily driver or not?

I own 2 V8's, and again, without turning this into a V6 vs. V8 thread, yeah there is that 90k interval, but after that work is done, it's almost like you have a near-new engine sorta! I did my 03's 90k service + got the water pump replaced, tensioners, etc...and its amazing how it's given it a new lease on life sotospeak. And for $1300, i got all that done plus all fluids replaced, diff's, tranny, filters, blah blah...

I know there are people in here that'll say i paid too much, you shouldah done it on ur own, youre a tool for letting a dealership do it, yadda yadda, but im happy with it. As long as YOURE happy, thats all that matters.

Good luck!

 

[rebelbowtie]

If youre going to tow, your MPG's are gonna suck anyways. Did you say this potential-4runner is going to be a daily driver or not?

I own 2 V8's, and again, without turning this into a V6 vs. V8 thread, yeah there is that 90k interval, but after that work is done, it's almost like you have a near-new engine sorta! I did my 03's 90k service + got the water pump replaced, tensioners, etc...and its amazing how it's given it a new lease on life sotospeak. And for $1300, i got all that done plus all fluids replaced, diff's, tranny, filters, blah blah...

I know there are people in here that'll say i paid too much, you shouldah done it on ur own, youre a tool for letting a dealership do it, yadda yadda, but im happy with it. As long as YOURE happy, thats all that matters.

Good luck!

This is very well said

 

[jimithing]

Definitely search the V6 vs V8 debate. We don't need another thread on it.

I'll just say this - if you were ok towing your trailer with the 3.4L then you'll be very happy towing it with the 4.0L V6. I love my V6 - it's got plenty of power for what I do and it seems pretty similar to what you're describing.

 

[foolonawheel]

The enclosed trailer that I pull weighs between 2500 to 3250 lbs depending on how many and which bikes I carry. While the 3.4 is underpowered I find that it tows ok if I respect it's limits. I run a large trans cooler and I don't dog it. On hills I let it run up to 85 going down and gradually give it back going up letting it drop to 70 or 65.

I've read through the V6 vs V8 threads. It looks as if either is going to be a big improvement for towing. Reliability is one of my primary concerns. I tend to hang on to my cars for awhile. I don't want to get 1000 miles from home and have any problems. I hate to say it, but if it wasn't for the reliability of the 4Runner, I might still be towing with Volvo turbo wagons!