Advice needed ASAP: V8 vs V6 4Runner

[greyhound788]

I'm in market for new 2005 4Runner... the V8 is about $1500 more than the V6, but comes with a $1K rebate,,vs. only $500 for the V6... and the mileage is not much different... one difference is that the V8 is 4WD only...whereas the V6 allows 2WD mode...
any thoughts?? thanks, fred

 

[CardsFan]

I bought the V8 because I tow and full time 4 wheel drive is a no-brainer for my wife when she's in bad weather.

 

[greyhound788]

V8 vs V6

I bought the V8 because I tow and full time 4 wheel drive is a no-brainer for my wife when she's in bad weather.

Thanks very much... i'm inclined towards the V8 for the same reasons you mentioned.... in fact i made the deal earlier today... but held onto the option to change my mind (to take the V6) before taking final delivery in a few days..

 

[Mark86]

There are a lot of different factors that come into affect when making this decision. If you are planning on towing a lot, then the V8 is the better engine for you. The V8 has 275 hp and the V6 has 245 hp. Both of these engines are paired with the smooth 5-speed auto transmission. I have never driven a V6, but the V8 on my 2005 is a very powerful engine. In addition, the V8 is the same engine used in the GX470, Land Cruiser, and LX470. It is a very reliable and proven engine.

Basically, it all comes down whether you are planning on towing a lot, want full-time 4WD, and want the feeling of driving a V8. My reason for going with the V8 was full time 4WD and the feeling of driving a V8. My opinion is go with the V8 for the $500 more.

 

[CardsFan]

Welcome. Also, this 4.7 V8 has been around for years with excellent reliability. I love the V8 and traction is always good.

 

[khaug]

What others haven't addressed is the silky smoothness and silence of the V-8. It seems some primal force is moving the truck. This comes at a penalty of 1-2 mpg, but if it's important to you, or if you tow, go for it.

We have two vehicles: Our 4Runner and an '05 E320 CDI Mercedes. The 4Runner is the more smooth and quiet of the two, hands down.

I haven't driven a V6, but based on the performance (Power and mileage) of our V-8, I have no regrets.

 

[Koz]

The V8 and V6 are both GREAT engines. If you're a power monger (guilty) or you are going to tow, go with the V8. If you are normal and don't need to tow over 5000lbs, get the V6.

Koz

 

[Bluto]

Postives for each -

V6:
part-time 4WD
timing chain
great oil filter location
weighs a few pound less
slightly better MPG
less $$ to buy


V8:
full-time 4WD
more power/tq
platinum spark plugs (100k)



Which one is less maintenance or more reliable in the long run is a toss up - both are Toyota quality.

 

[spyderdoc]

Postives for each -

V6:
part-time 4WD
timing chain
great oil filter location
weighs a few pound less
slightly better MPG
less $$ to buy


V8:
full-time 4WD
more power/tq
platinum spark plugs (100k)



Which one is less maintenance or more reliable in the long run is a toss up - both are Toyota quality.

Timing chain?!? I think the V6 has belts, not a chain. The recommended change interval is 90k miles....

 

[LeeRunner]

My neighbor has 2004 V6 and I was surprised it feels same in power on road but not as smooth feeling. At red light it feels only a little slower. It also is much better fuel economy. His mpg computer always reads 19.5mpg area. My computer always reads 15.5mpg area. I like full time four wheel drive but this is same as V6 too, I did not realize this.

 

[Koz]

My neighbor has 2004 V6 and I was surprised it feels same in power on road but not as smooth feeling. At red light it feels only a little slower. It also is much better fuel economy. His mpg computer always reads 19.5mpg area. My computer always reads 15.5mpg area. I like full time four wheel drive but this is same as V6 too, I did not realize this.

What year is your V8?

Koz

 

[Northof49]

With the new 270hp motor, there is a notable difference in power. I suppose some may never floor it anyways, so it wouldn't be noticeable, as both engines have more than enough power at 1/2 throttle to move the 4R along at well above legal speeds.

I bought the V8 because I wanted the larger, smoother, more refined, more powerful (and torquier) motor. Are the differences huge? No, but they do exist.

Also, for the price difference, I see it is a helluva deal....too good to pass up actually. See what other companies are charging for 6cyl --->8 cyl upgrades

 

[olliebear]

You coulda had a V8....

I don't tow. But I alway buy up. The V8's silky smooth power is very nice. The torque is ther to move me when I want to; to pass when I want to; and to get outr of harm's way when I need to. While the 6 may do the same job, the 8 does it smoother, easier, and more effectively.

Your resale is higher. The AWD is transparent and no input from the driver needed excetp to lock the diffs or go to 4L.

With the 4th Gen design, the fully boxed frame, the V8, the STAR safety features, I feel much more like driving a LandCruiser Light than a fancy Tacoma.

Go V8 nad you won't slap yourself on the forehead....

 

[V8Limited4wd]

i believe this is a no brainer.

 

[Solice]

V8 or V6? This has been debated so many times on this board. I have the V6 and yes I'm happy with it. I do a lot of towing but it's only about 2500-3000 lbs (over rocky terrain). The V6 has no trouble with this. The reason I bought the V6 of the V8 was because I felt (at the time) that the V6 would get much better gas mileage. Due to the V8 having more hp and torque and because the V8 is only available in full-time 4wd.

I should have done more research before buying because there is NOT that big of difference. I now regret not getting the V8 (not because I NEED it, I just love having the most power available, aka: power monger ). Like I said though, I'm still happy with the V6, it is still a very powerful, reliable engine.

Do yourself a favor though. If your really having a tough time deciding on which to get, go with the V8. If not, you'll wish you would have later on "just because".

 

[GYoter]

You will be happy with either one. That said, get the V8. The price difference is negligible and the benefits are well worth the money.

At first i was gonna get the V6 because i didnt want the full time 4wd but after reading threads much like this one i was swayed to the V8 side. I am happy as hell that i got the V8 now, i do some towing, often in the snow so the full time 4wd is really nice. While towing thru the mountains i can pull 80mph over the sierras no problem. Now I dont know how the V6 tows, but the V8 barely breaks a sweat.

Then to top it off, you have the bragging rights. People ask me "you have the V8 in that thing?" and i get to say, "yep, i sure do."

 

[OceanView]

What others haven't addressed is the silky smoothness and silence of the V-8. It seems some primal force is moving the truck. This comes at a penalty of 1-2 mpg, but if it's important to you, or if you tow, go for it.

We have two vehicles: Our 4Runner and an '05 E320 CDI Mercedes. The 4Runner is the more smooth and quiet of the two, hands down.

I haven't driven a V6, but based on the performance (Power and mileage) of our V-8, I have no regrets.

Is this really a fair comparison?
A gas vs. diesel engine?

 

[TeCKis300]

Having to never second guess yourself about whether you should have gotten the V8....worth way more than the relatively little cost of entry.

 

[Kanab]

My neighbor has 2004 V6 and I was surprised it feels same in power on road but not as smooth feeling. At red light it feels only a little slower. It also is much better fuel economy. His mpg computer always reads 19.5mpg area. My computer always reads 15.5mpg area. I like full time four wheel drive but this is same as V6 too, I did not realize this.

My V8 shows 19.3 on the trip computer, it works out to 17.3 hand calculated.

 

[jharris2]

Do a search - it's a little button at the top of your screen. This topic has already been discussed many times on this board.