4th Gen vs. 5th Gen For My Needs?

[flipflopnfly]

I bought the '07 and '08 Runners with a V8 for towing. Class IV factory hitch, factory trans cooler, factory 130A alternator. You don't get that package with a 4.0. I had an '05 Tundra 4wd with the same VVti 4.7l and Aisin 5-spd transmission, same tow package so I knew the 4Runner 4.7l would be a gamer towing.

4.7 does pretty good fuel mileage, and it sounds so nice when I floor it. Such a sweet engine, derived from the Lexus 4.0 V8 and originally slapped into the Tundra with an iron block.

 

[p nut]

I bought the '07 and '08 Runners with a V8 for towing. Class IV factory hitch, factory trans cooler, factory 130A alternator. You don't get that package with a 4.0. I had an '05 Tundra 4wd with the same VVti 4.7l and Aisin 5-spd transmission, same tow package so I knew the 4Runner 4.7l would be a gamer towing.

4.7 does pretty good fuel mileage, and it sounds so nice when I floor it. Such a sweet engine, derived from the Lexus 4.0 V8 and originally slapped into the Tundra with an iron block.

I love that 4.7L. I had the same in my old Land Cruiser. Such a smooth engine. I let it go at 180k miles and she was still running great. Oil analysis said engine is in pristine condition, even after 10k mile oil change interval.

The only fault I see is the poor header design.

 

[AKmoney]

Unfortunately that's not the case in California. I almost bought a 2007 V8 with 100K miles from someone on craigslist, but she got so many emails about it, that she was able to sell it for $3K over her asking price. She listed it at $13K. It's crazy out here, but at least the vehicles are usually rust-free.

Wow.. anyone wanna buy a rust-free V8 4th gen w/ 130K miles?

J/K

 

[DCameraMan]

4th gen all the way. Save 1/3 the cost and a great vehicle! Put the saved money into suspension and stereo

 

[OffroadT4R]

I have a 4th Gen

Was looking at GX470 for a long time but couldn't get close to one.. seems like the word got out before I could snag one. With that though, the ones without NAV seem preferred and much more difficult to find and without KDSS for some is also important...

anyway, I finally picked up a used 4th Gen 2007 Sport 4x4 with 87k for 13k. very clean.

Coming from previous jeep ownership (CJ7, CJ8) it's a lot different technically (4wd, transfer cases, locking, etc) and lifting is definitely different but I really like the vehicle. No worries about starting or dying on the road or in the woods (LOL).

Vehicle is still clean (no mods) but hope to put some on in the near future.

Currently getting 19.6 mpg according to the dash.

One thing I don't care for are the climate controls and I wish there were aftermarket options for these but after almost a year, I'm finally getting used to it.

 

[cooper30]

I recently bought a 2008 Limited with the 4.7. I had been looking specifically for a V8

I bought it from a Toyota dealer, and before I accepted delivery, I had them change the center disconnect actuator. While they were doing that, they gave me a 2019 SR5 4Runner as a loaner. It had 10 miles on it when I took it. I had it for a week.

Being new, it was all fancy. There is definitely more room inside. That being said, I found the arm rest on the door, as well as the window controls to be in an awkward place for me.

The V6 is nice, but it's not the V8. One of the reasons I bought a V8 was for towing. Full time 4x4 is another feature I wanted. That doesn't appear to be available on the new ones.

As far as mileage, I've had my 2008 back for a few weeks now. Real-time mileage based on my calculations (and using the same pump every time I can) is ranging from 17-18. I have a heavy foot though.

 

[Berty_K]

I recently bought a 2008 Limited with the 4.7. I had been looking specifically for a V8

I bought it from a Toyota dealer, and before I accepted delivery, I had them change the center disconnect actuator. While they were doing that, they gave me a 2019 SR5 4Runner as a loaner. It had 10 miles on it when I took it. I had it for a week.

Being new, it was all fancy. There is definitely more room inside. That being said, I found the arm rest on the door, as well as the window controls to be in an awkward place for me.

The V6 is nice, but it's not the V8. One of the reasons I bought a V8 was for towing. Full time 4x4 is another feature I wanted. That doesn't appear to be available on the new ones.

As far as mileage, I've had my 2008 back for a few weeks now. Real-time mileage based on my calculations (and using the same pump every time I can) is ranging from 17-18. I have a heavy foot though.

Howd you manage to get the dealer to replace the actuator? Had you not yet paid for the car?

 

[cooper30]

Howd you manage to get the dealer to replace the actuator? Had you not yet paid for the car?

This was longer than I meant it to be...sorry

Buying it and getting it delivered was a difficult process, and if that dealer never sees me again, they will be very happy.

I bought it after trade in but before it officially hit the lot, so it hadn't been through service yet. I actually didn't test drive it since it was on the lift (I got to inspect it on the lift). I paid for it, but didn't get it for a week because they were replacing the steering rack, tie rod ends, and rear wiper motor.

When I picked it up, I had them notate that I hadn't test drove it, and they agreed to start my "Four day no questions asked return" and "Two month drive train warranty" that day rather than when I paid.

As soon as I got in it, I tried locking the center diff right then and there. It didn't lock, so I went back in and told them.

The sales dept tried a lot of bullshit on me about how involved 4x4s are and the components are tough to understand....they said it was working fine, and I was just confused as to how it operated. Side note...I've worked on vehicles independently for over 25 years. I even owned an LX470

Long story (not really) shortened....after getting the general sales manager involved, lots of heated discussion, and finally telling them to refund my money (remember the no question return policy?), they agreed to fix it on their dime.

Took them just short of two weeks. At one point the general sales manager told me that the part was very big and expensive, and had to be shipped from Japan. :doh:

At the beginning of the second week, I ended up telling the general manager that if I didn't have it by Friday at 1 pm, I would be taking their brand new 4Runner moose hunting for 10 days. It was ready the next day.

Interestingly enough, when I picked it up, the service manager was very nice and apologetic. He told me they (the service dept) never knew it was supposed to be a rush job until I told the sales dept I was taking the new one hunting. Apparently the Used Car Sales Dept and the Service Dept don't communicate well at this dealership.

Anyway, the reason I held out for this one is because it was the only 4.7 I could find within a reasonable distance, and it has had every single recommended service done at Toyota dealers. I have all the records from Toyota....from the first 5k service to now.

Epilogue: The center diff locked as soon as I tried it after replacement, and when I got home, I immediately put it up on my lift and inspected their work. Other than being a little sloppy with the fipg, they did what they were supposed to do.

 

[TeryT]

Unfortunately that's not the case in California. I almost bought a 2007 V8 with 100K miles from someone on craigslist, but she got so many emails about it, that she was able to sell it for $3K over her asking price. She listed it at $13K. It's crazy out here, but at least the vehicles are usually rust-free.

I know this is an old thread, but hey, I just found it! I know what yer talking about here, because I recently thought I would look to see what V8 4Rs were out there for sale. This is because my 03 V8 has nearly 190k on it, and my DW asked if maybe it wasn't perhaps time to sell it. We really have no issues with the vehicle to speak of hardly at all, except for pretty routine maintenance (and high mileage things like removing the X-Reas, possibly new cats, etc.).

So I got online and started doing a search for a newer V8 with less miles (gotta have the V8 for towing). Yup, you guessed it - they were almost nonexistent! I kept expanding and expanding the search area. Only two V8s came up in the whole friggin country (a ton of V6ers BTW) and they had almost as many miles as I have.

The bottom-line is my V8 is still one heck of a great vehicle and even with droppin' some fundage into it from time to time - much cheaper (and easier) than buying another - if one could even find it at all our there!!!

 

[tv4184]

I had this dilemma but for the $38-42k I would have spent on a TRD off road plus I would have done similar mods (BBK, suspension, super charger, audio...) I was way better off starting with a 4th gen with the V8. I rather use my new car budget for a sports car (CTR / Focus RS / M2) / tesla model 3. I can build me a TRD-esque 4Runner but I can't really build a sports car the way they come from the factor (IE: CTR has one off wider front suspension / Focus RS has its own AWD setup / M2 wider body with M4 engine). The only thing the 4th gen doesn't have that the 5th gen has is the CRAWL control. After driving both, I decided the 4th gen was a good base to start off with and even if I decide to supercharge the V8 and finish my audio / armor upgrades, I'll still be under the price of a used 5th gen. My build is still currently under the average price of used 4th gen V8s.

If no one has mentioned it, the towing cap for the 4th gen is higher for the V8 because of the tow hitch and not the power from the engine.

So I got online and started doing a search for a newer V8 with less miles (gotta have the V8 for towing). Yup, you guessed it - they were almost nonexistent! I kept expanding and expanding the search area. Only two V8s came up in the whole friggin country (a ton of V6ers BTW) and they had almost as many miles as I have.

The bottom-line is my V8 is still one heck of a great vehicle and even with droppin' some fundage into it from time to time - much cheaper (and easier) than buying another - if one could even find it at all our there!!!

I've been across a couple that were less than 60k in mileage with prices ranging from 11k-26k with the 4wd V8. 26k being a one owner 2008. The other two I saw were 2005s. I came across a 2007 with 32k miles at the beginning of the year for $15k. I would totally get another one for 11-15k at low miles. Its such a great vehicle that'll last forever starting with mileage that low.

 

[TeryT]

If no one has mentioned it, the towing cap for the 4th gen is higher for the V8 because of the tow hitch and not the power from the engine.

Eh? I know people who tow with their V6s, but they are things like bass boats or light trailers. I don't think I'd want to hook my 25' travel trailer to a V6 though. Just sayin.

BTW - great that you found some V8s out there with lower mileage - so there's hope in case this one got totaled! (and I really didn't want to go the Lexus route . . .)

 

[tv4184]

Eh? I know people who tow with their V6s, but they are things like bass boats or light trailers. I don't think I'd want to hook my 25' travel trailer to a V6 though. Just sayin.

BTW - great that you found some V8s out there with lower mileage - so there's hope in case this one got totaled! (and I really didn't want to go the Lexus route . . .)

Well maybe just you but with the load distributing hitch and a good front brake setup. I’m sure a v6 could tow just fine. Maybe difficult going up mountain passes but you might not be trying to tow something massive if you’re headed up the mountain.

 

[TeryT]

Well maybe just you but with the load distributing hitch and a good front brake setup. I’m sure a v6 could tow just fine. Maybe difficult going up mountain passes but you might not be trying to tow something massive if you’re headed up the mountain.

We've been all over mountain passes out west, like Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado (10,856'), for the past 13 years with the rig in my signature - don't think this would work quite as well with a V6 . . .

 

[tv4184]

We've been all over mountain passes out west, like Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado (10,856'), for the past 13 years with the rig in my signature - don't think this would work quite as well with a V6 . . .

Yeah dude I get it you don't have to preach to me about the benefits of the V8. I have one and if you see my sig I have an affinity for performance cars :lol:

I was just stating a fact earlier about how Toyota came up with the capacities for the 4th gen.

 

[flipflopnfly]

This was longer than I meant it to be...sorry

Buying it and getting it delivered was a difficult process, and if that dealer never sees me again, they will be very happy.

I bought it after trade in but before it officially hit the lot, so it hadn't been through service yet. I actually didn't test drive it since it was on the lift (I got to inspect it on the lift). I paid for it, but didn't get it for a week because they were replacing the steering rack, tie rod ends, and rear wiper motor.

When I picked it up, I had them notate that I hadn't test drove it, and they agreed to start my "Four day no questions asked return" and "Two month drive train warranty" that day rather than when I paid.

As soon as I got in it, I tried locking the center diff right then and there. It didn't lock, so I went back in and told them.

The sales dept tried a lot of bullshit on me about how involved 4x4s are and the components are tough to understand....they said it was working fine, and I was just confused as to how it operated. Side note...I've worked on vehicles independently for over 25 years. I even owned an LX470

Long story (not really) shortened....after getting the general sales manager involved, lots of heated discussion, and finally telling them to refund my money (remember the no question return policy?), they agreed to fix it on their dime.

Took them just short of two weeks. At one point the general sales manager told me that the part was very big and expensive, and had to be shipped from Japan. :doh:

At the beginning of the second week, I ended up telling the general manager that if I didn't have it by Friday at 1 pm, I would be taking their brand new 4Runner moose hunting for 10 days. It was ready the next day.

Interestingly enough, when I picked it up, the service manager was very nice and apologetic. He told me they (the service dept) never knew it was supposed to be a rush job until I told the sales dept I was taking the new one hunting. Apparently the Used Car Sales Dept and the Service Dept don't communicate well at this dealership.

Anyway, the reason I held out for this one is because it was the only 4.7 I could find within a reasonable distance, and it has had every single recommended service done at Toyota dealers. I have all the records from Toyota....from the first 5k service to now.

Epilogue: The center diff locked as soon as I tried it after replacement, and when I got home, I immediately put it up on my lift and inspected their work. Other than being a little sloppy with the fipg, they did what they were supposed to do.

Congrats! I like the 2008 4.7 also. They finally got a 'VSC Off' button for 2008, nice feature. Good idea to test the 4lo and CDL for proper operation, use it or lose it.

 

[flipflopnfly]

Well maybe just you but with the load distributing hitch and a good front brake setup. I’m sure a v6 could tow just fine. Maybe difficult going up mountain passes but you might not be trying to tow something massive if you’re headed up the mountain.

Thing about the V8 tow package is not only the ClassIV hitch, but also the 130A alternator and external transmission cooler. I don't know why Toyota didn't and still doesn't have the premium tow package at least available as an option for the 4.0 V6's.

It's a $600 option on 2nd and 3rd Gen V6 Tacomas, frankly a no-brainer, I bet 99% of V6 Tacomas ordered by dealers they automatically have it factory installed. Even if you don't tow heavy a factory 130A alternator and external transmission cooler is nice to have for a measly $600.

 

[tv4184]

Thing about the V8 tow package is not only the ClassIV hitch, but also the 130A alternator and external transmission cooler. I don't know why Toyota didn't and still doesn't have the premium tow package at least available as an option for the 4.0 V6's.

It's a $600 option on 2nd and 3rd Gen V6 Tacomas, frankly a no-brainer, I bet 99% of V6 Tacomas ordered by dealers they automatically have it factory installed. Even if you don't tow heavy a factory 130A alternator and external transmission cooler is nice to have for a measly $600.

Yeah I forgot about those other two items. I think it was mentioned earlier though. I might have been just reiterating something that was already said.