Advice needed ASAP: V8 vs V6 4Runner
- Thread starter greyhound788
- Start date
Q-V said:
I felt the same way when test driving the different configurations... but the little additional handling feel of 2wd mode will never equal the midrange punch and effortless feel of the V8.
Also...at first the selectable 2wd/4wd seems to be a good feature until you realize that when you think you need 4wd and you are not already in it, it is too late. Full time 4wd is not necessarily a bad thing when you never have to worry about traction.
You can't go wrong with either engine. I actually agree the general sentiment: if you even remotely think you'd rather have the V8, go for it.
That being said, I'm happy with my V6. I drove both and the V8 was only marginally (to me) smoother. For the $1K+ difference (depending on current incentives), there were other options that I considered more important -- side/curtain airbags, for example.
One other thing: consider that incentives are used to drive sales. In general, to incent someone to purchase a model that you're having a harder time selling, you would provide a larger incentive. The V8's incentive is more than the V6...which one is probably selling better?
It's your money, so take everything you've read with a grain of salt and go with your instinct.
That being said, I'm happy with my V6. I drove both and the V8 was only marginally (to me) smoother. For the $1K+ difference (depending on current incentives), there were other options that I considered more important -- side/curtain airbags, for example.
One other thing: consider that incentives are used to drive sales. In general, to incent someone to purchase a model that you're having a harder time selling, you would provide a larger incentive. The V8's incentive is more than the V6...which one is probably selling better?
It's your money, so take everything you've read with a grain of salt and go with your instinct.
tkr128
New member
I love my V6, but if I had to do it over again, I'd get the V8. The extra power and smoothness is really impressive.
I was researching prices because my uncle was shopping for a new 4Runner and the V8 actually turned up cheaper by quite a bit due to the huge rebates on the V8. If this had been the case when I bought my 4Runner, it would have been a no brainer.
The V6 won't disappoint, but for a little extra, the V8 is nice to have, assuming you don't mind filling up a little more often.
I was researching prices because my uncle was shopping for a new 4Runner and the V8 actually turned up cheaper by quite a bit due to the huge rebates on the V8. If this had been the case when I bought my 4Runner, it would have been a no brainer.
The V6 won't disappoint, but for a little extra, the V8 is nice to have, assuming you don't mind filling up a little more often.
Northof49 said:
That's probably true -- the V6 was projected to be the volume engine. The initial expectation was that 70 - 80% of the 4Runners would have the V6. I don't know what the actual split currently is.
Still, I would contend that the motivation behind the incentives is not a question of trying to get the V8 to outsell the V6. Rather, the additional incentive being offered for the V8 may be to influence the balance of sales between the V6 and V8 models to match the current (or planned) supply.
It could also be that the margins on the V8 models are better than the V6, so even with the added incentive, Toyota makes more money for every V8 sold. Note that the V6 model next year (2006) is being decontented to further differentiate the V6 and V8 models (i.e. removing the trailer hitch as standard equipment on the V6).
None of this means that one engine is "better" than the other, of course. It all boils down to Toyota's marketing department and the 4Runner product manager's objectives.
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Bluto
New member
spyderdoc said:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7830&highlight=timing+chain
The timing chain vs. timing belt comes up in all V6/V8 thread.
V8 - Timing belt replacement every 90k.
V6 - Timing chain every ???k
For me, the reliability/length of experience with the V8 in use was a seller, as was an OBVIOUS difference in lower noise, silky smoothness and acceleration from a stop.
The V6 is a healthy truck engine, but the V8 makes the T4R a hotrod!
Add to that you get fulltime 4 wheel drive, which folks are finding more and more aids controllability in emergencies, as well as traction in the snow, AND the ability to tow, and I agree, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.
If gas prices stay high, you'll probably see far fewer new V8's in T4R's, which will aid the resale price when you sell. So, I think the V8 may actually pay for itself over time, while allowing you to enjoy its benefits.
The V6 is a healthy truck engine, but the V8 makes the T4R a hotrod!
Add to that you get fulltime 4 wheel drive, which folks are finding more and more aids controllability in emergencies, as well as traction in the snow, AND the ability to tow, and I agree, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.
If gas prices stay high, you'll probably see far fewer new V8's in T4R's, which will aid the resale price when you sell. So, I think the V8 may actually pay for itself over time, while allowing you to enjoy its benefits.
Derek
New member
When I went shopping for an '05 4Runner I had no intention on getting the V8 because I didn't see the need to spend the extra money on the option plus the extra money on gas...
That being said, as it turned out, the only SE they had in stock with no sunroof just so happened to have the V8 so I decided to at least test drive it and see how I felt afterwards. Let's just say, after the first few minutes of driving, I was sold. I had an '04 SR5 with the V6 for almost a year so I have a good idea of differences between the two. The V8 is much quieter, smoother, more refined, and of course more powerful. The difference in MPG is minimal, I'd say 2-3 MPG at the most. For the price paid for the upgrade, I'd say it is well worth it. A friend of mine asked me just the other day how much the V8 costs as an option, and he was surprised that is was so little.
That being said, as it turned out, the only SE they had in stock with no sunroof just so happened to have the V8 so I decided to at least test drive it and see how I felt afterwards. Let's just say, after the first few minutes of driving, I was sold. I had an '04 SR5 with the V6 for almost a year so I have a good idea of differences between the two. The V8 is much quieter, smoother, more refined, and of course more powerful. The difference in MPG is minimal, I'd say 2-3 MPG at the most. For the price paid for the upgrade, I'd say it is well worth it. A friend of mine asked me just the other day how much the V8 costs as an option, and he was surprised that is was so little.
Derek said:
Ditto on that for me too. Two weeks ago, I traded my 2004 V6 SR5 (which I had for a year and a half) for a 2005 V8 SE. They were both 4WD and although the 04 V6 was a great truck, the 05 SE is that much better. I got a little taken on the trade-in value though, but it still was worth it. I should have bought the V8, and if possible the SE, originally and saved a few bucks. Drive them both and then you decide.
Picture: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5282&perpage=15&pagenumber=8
GA_4Runner
New member
I've done a search, but can't seem to come up with the information, so here goes:
Does the 2005 V8 (VVT-i) have a timing belt still, or did they move to a timing chain for this engine?
Does the 2005 V8 (VVT-i) have a timing belt still, or did they move to a timing chain for this engine?
GA_4Runner
New member
Pitbull said:
Thanks Pitbull.
boston_kevin
New member
I love the talk of reliability on the V8 vs V6 threads... There is not one spec of data showing that the V8 is more (or less) reliable than the V6, so please stop trying to sell this as a positive for the V8 over the V6. Lexus didn't choose the V8 over the V6 for reliability, and if they wanted to smooth out the vibrations, they would use liquid engine mounts like BMW. Luxury vehicles are not interested in gas mileage, but the most power on demand.
Resale is another unsubstantiated claim.. My local Toyota dealer has 4 '04 V8's on the lot (2 of which are brand new), and no V6's (04's or 05's). When I brought in my '04 for a Oxygen sensor replacement, the dealer asked me if I would be willing to trade up. I asked how much... He said a new '04 V8 same options/color for $1.5 grand plus my vehicle in trade. Since gas is at a premium these days, the V8's aren't selling like they used to (at least up here in MA). That's not to say the V6 has a higher resale, but that is not really a valid argument either... You might net an additional $500 for a V8 over a V6 in resale, but you paid an additional $1000 up front.
Bottom line, drive both, loaded with the maximum passengers/cargo you will have (not towing yet). Look at your driving habits - it you like have a lot of torque off the line, the V6 probably won't get you there fast enough. If 0-60 in under 8 seconds is good enough, the V6 is just fine. I respect all the V8 owners here, and either engine is a very tough choice, especially since both have the 5 speeds. The V8 is a fantastic engine and so is the V6. Either engine will last longer than you will own the vehicle.
If I had to buy mine all over again, would I still get the V6? Yes (just don't ask me that question if I upgrade my boat). I have consistently gotten 430-480 miles per tank of gas (except when towing) and I've never added more than 20.4 gallons with regular 87 octane.
Resale is another unsubstantiated claim.. My local Toyota dealer has 4 '04 V8's on the lot (2 of which are brand new), and no V6's (04's or 05's). When I brought in my '04 for a Oxygen sensor replacement, the dealer asked me if I would be willing to trade up. I asked how much... He said a new '04 V8 same options/color for $1.5 grand plus my vehicle in trade. Since gas is at a premium these days, the V8's aren't selling like they used to (at least up here in MA). That's not to say the V6 has a higher resale, but that is not really a valid argument either... You might net an additional $500 for a V8 over a V6 in resale, but you paid an additional $1000 up front.
Bottom line, drive both, loaded with the maximum passengers/cargo you will have (not towing yet). Look at your driving habits - it you like have a lot of torque off the line, the V6 probably won't get you there fast enough. If 0-60 in under 8 seconds is good enough, the V6 is just fine. I respect all the V8 owners here, and either engine is a very tough choice, especially since both have the 5 speeds. The V8 is a fantastic engine and so is the V6. Either engine will last longer than you will own the vehicle.
If I had to buy mine all over again, would I still get the V6? Yes (just don't ask me that question if I upgrade my boat). I have consistently gotten 430-480 miles per tank of gas (except when towing) and I've never added more than 20.4 gallons with regular 87 octane.
For me it the pull of a larger engine. Not for towing. If need to get out there and move can do it. Most V6 cant, I know BMW's straight 6 cant and it got traded real fast. Sound's -- 8's just
sound good. and with a little help can sound allot better.
But like said allot just depends on a persons driving habit. To some gas prices, that V6 is working harder than the 8 so doubt
much of a difference there. ? Harder working engine more wear.
If in your budget get the 8 better to have more than too little if
need it in the future. Cheaper by means of not trading, thinking hummmm Could've had a V8 LOL
sound good. and with a little help can sound allot better.
But like said allot just depends on a persons driving habit. To some gas prices, that V6 is working harder than the 8 so doubt
much of a difference there. ? Harder working engine more wear.
If in your budget get the 8 better to have more than too little if
need it in the future. Cheaper by means of not trading, thinking hummmm Could've had a V8 LOL
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seadweller
New member
I like my V6
I have an 05 V6 Sport 2WD with the 5 speed transmission and I love it. I know it is not as fast as the V8 but with the difference in weight it doesn't feel that different.
I think the power is more the adequate and is very fun to drive. Obviously, if money was not an issue I would've bought a loaded V8 but 2-3 miles per gallon difference is a lot to me. Plus the difference in the price being around $1500 at the time I bought mine it was not worth it.
I currently get 17.5 miles per gallon mixed city and highway driving. When I drove to Vegas from LA I got only 19 with almost 100% highway.
My advice is if you don't mind the higher price of the vehicle and gas, then go ahead and buy the V8. I just could'nt justify spending gas money on an SUV that only gave me 15 miles per gallon. For me the V6 is fine and if I want to go fast then I will just drive my IS300.
I have an 05 V6 Sport 2WD with the 5 speed transmission and I love it. I know it is not as fast as the V8 but with the difference in weight it doesn't feel that different.
I think the power is more the adequate and is very fun to drive. Obviously, if money was not an issue I would've bought a loaded V8 but 2-3 miles per gallon difference is a lot to me. Plus the difference in the price being around $1500 at the time I bought mine it was not worth it.
I currently get 17.5 miles per gallon mixed city and highway driving. When I drove to Vegas from LA I got only 19 with almost 100% highway.
My advice is if you don't mind the higher price of the vehicle and gas, then go ahead and buy the V8. I just could'nt justify spending gas money on an SUV that only gave me 15 miles per gallon. For me the V6 is fine and if I want to go fast then I will just drive my IS300.
Koz
New member
boston_kevin said:
Time is the only proof of reliability. The V8 has been used alot longer then the V6, and has been proven to be bulletproof. Does that make it more reliable then the V6. NO, but at this time the V8 is proven. I'm sure the V6 will prove to be the same.
Again, both engines are GREAT, make your decision based on what you need and want.
Koz
