Advice for a 1st time, 4th gen buyer?

[Sporin]

Hello everyone, I've been digging through the forums absorbing all the info I can.

I am currently looking at a few different 2006-2007 T4R's, various trims, both V8 and V6. All have around 40k miles (off leases most likely) are are in the 20-23k range. I haven't actually driven one yet.

I currently drive an 08 Accord. My wife, son and I commute about 45 miles a day together. We just got a second dog who goes to work with us so we really need to get out of the sedan. I need something that can hold a dog crate in the back for when he needs to spend time in the car (weather permitting of course). We've looked at CRV and RAV4's new and they are fine but small, and pricy. I think a gently used 4runner is a better value.

Passenger comfort is a biggie, plenty of hip and shoulder room as I'm a big guy. Reliability, resale, etc... all important. MPG is important but high teens-20 or so is perfectly doable.

Anything specific I should look to avoid? Anything specific I should absolutely make sure I get (options, etc)?

I'm leaning towards the V8's as the prices seem to actually be lower and the fewer MPG vs. the V6 isn't a deal breaker. I read so many great reviews of the 4.7 that I'd hate to pass it up.

Background: I currently own a lifted 93 Land Cruiser on 35's and am in my 3rd year as President of Yankee Toys, one of the largest Toyota 4x4 clubs in the Northeast. I've had 2 different 85 4Runners in the past as 'wheeling rigs but wanted something more family friendly and really love the current Cruiser.

My thought is the 4runner could become my offroad truck down the road a few years when the Cruiser gives up the ghost (currently has 240k miles). For now, I just need it to be a comfortable, reliable, do-anything family hauler.

Thanks for any insight!

My Cruiser:

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Hello everyone, I've been digging through the forums absorbing all the info I can.

I am currently looking at a few different 2006-2007 T4R's, various trims, both V8 and V6. All have around 40k miles (off leases most likely) are are in the 20-23k range. I haven't actually driven one yet.

I currently drive an 08 Accord. My wife, son and I commute about 45 miles a day together. We just got a second dog who goes to work with us so we really need to get out of the sedan. I need something that can hold a dog crate in the back for when he needs to spend time in the car (weather permitting of course). We've looked at CRV and RAV4's new and they are fine but small, and pricy. I think a gently used 4runner is a better value.

Passenger comfort is a biggie, plenty of hip and shoulder room as I'm a big guy. Reliability, resale, etc... all important. MPG is important but high teens-20 or so is perfectly doable.

Anything specific I should look to avoid? Anything specific I should absolutely make sure I get (options, etc)?

I'm leaning towards the V8's as the prices seem to actually be lower and the fewer MPG vs. the V6 isn't a deal breaker. I read so many great reviews of the 4.7 that I'd hate to pass it up.

Background: I currently own a lifted 93 Land Cruiser on 35's and am in my 3rd year as President of Yankee Toys, one of the largest Toyota 4x4 clubs in the Northeast. I've had 2 different 85 4Runners in the past as 'wheeling rigs but wanted something more family friendly and really love the current Cruiser.

My thought is the 4runner could become my offroad truck down the road a few years when the Cruiser gives up the ghost (currently has 240k miles). For now, I just need it to be a comfortable, reliable, do-anything family hauler.

Thanks for any insight!

You're on exactly the right course. Sit in one first, you may want to look for one w/o a sunroof, especially coming from the L.C. (which is very cool:bigok: ). The roofline is a bit low.

I think it varies market to market a bit but I wouldn't rule out the T4R's cousin, the GX470 Lexus either. Yes, all the T4R aftermarket suspension stuff will fit

You're suggested 06-07 model year is a good range. "All" of them seem to have two very minor, annoying traits. It seems Toyota can't quite get a minor driveline thump to go away 100%. Proper greasing keeps it to a minimum and the other thing is a minor seat pop/rattle. Both are stickies in "Probs & Warranty Issues".

Good luck on the hunt and get the V8 especially if it's cheaper. There's many threads on mpg differences and which one is better. You can't lose, they're both awesome!

:cheers:

 

[offshorebear]

Is your commute highway or city? I have no problem getting 20 mpg on the highway with my V8, but in the city its more like 14. I don't know what the 6 does, but the V8 sure is fun

 

[GMZ]

I had an 06 Sport 4x4 V6 and just got into a 07 Sport 4x4 V8 so I can shed some light on the two.

The V6 is a great engine, with 5 minute oil changes possible. Several members have run them up to 150K with nary a problem. I was getting 19 mpg during my 14 mi round trip city commute. I am mostly by myself, but I did load it up with ppl and gear on several occasions to go up to the mtns skiing and it did make a noticable difference in performance so if you will be with a family often you might want to opt for the V8. If fuel economy is important the Multi-Mode 4wd is fantastic. I was getting 23 mpg with ease on the highway. It is not as smooth as the V8 power/sound wise.

Ive only had my V8 for a week but the impression I have so far is great. I can get 21 mpg on the highway if I use the CC and have a good tailwind, city I am around 17 I think (still on my first tank I went 110 mi in the first 1/4 tank). Power wise the V8 is very smooth, very quiet. Almost effortless in driving. And of course it is Full-Time 4 wd which I prefer. Oil changes are a pain compared to the V6 but not as bad as the 370Z I just got rid of. And of course the V8 (2UZ-FE) is one of the best engines around, period.

Hope this helps you out, both of mine have been Sport Editions. I like the upgraded amenities like heated mirrors, dark cloth interior, and wheels without having to go all out in a Limited with leather, nav, etc.

 

[eskimochaos]

I had an 06 Sport 4x4 V6 and just got into a 07 Sport 4x4 V8 so I can shed some light on the two.

The V6 is a great engine, with 5 minute oil changes possible. Several members have run them up to 150K with nary a problem. I was getting 19 mpg during my 14 mi round trip city commute. I am mostly by myself, but I did load it up with ppl and gear on several occasions to go up to the mtns skiing and it did make a noticable difference in performance so if you will be with a family often you might want to opt for the V8. If fuel economy is important the Multi-Mode 4wd is fantastic. I was getting 23 mpg with ease on the highway. It is not as smooth as the V8 power/sound wise.

Ive only had my V8 for a week but the impression I have so far is great. I can get 21 mpg on the highway if I use the CC and have a good tailwind, city I am around 17 I think (still on my first tank I went 110 mi in the first 1/4 tank). Power wise the V8 is very smooth, very quiet. Almost effortless in driving. And of course it is Full-Time 4 wd which I prefer. Oil changes are a pain compared to the V6 but not as bad as the 370Z I just got rid of. And of course the V8 (2UZ-FE) is one of the best engines around, period.

Hope this helps you out, both of mine have been Sport Editions. I like the upgraded amenities like heated mirrors, dark cloth interior, and wheels without having to go all out in a Limited with leather, nav, etc.

X2 about the V8 being one of the best engines ever made.

 

[Sporin]

Thanks for all the input guys, it is GREATLY appreciated.

I'll check out the thump and seat threads.

My commute is rural highway and secondary roads. (I live on the VT/NH border) I generally have no problem averaging the EPA's Highway number over a tank of gas (at least for my last 3 cars) so I'm feeling confident that I can average close to 20 in teh V8.

Hoping to get to the dealership this weekend. Keep the insights coming!

 

[Sporin]

..."All" of them seem to have two very minor, annoying traits. It seems Toyota can't quite get a minor driveline thump to go away 100%. Proper greasing keeps it to a minimum and the other thing is a minor seat pop/rattle. Both are stickies in "Probs & Warranty Issues".

Just read through those thread, very imformative.

Being a long time offroad I'm good with a grease gun so the thump doesnt' scare me.

We'll see how the seat issue is. I'm a fat bas**** so I wonder if that makes it worse or better? :hungry: I'll be listening for both on the test drives.

 

[chaz]

i went looking for a v6, but after driving the v8, i had to have it.

 

[Sporin]

Bought one today! I'll post details in a separate thread. :rocker: