All things equal, should I get the V6 or V8

[ddicosmo]

I'm new to 4runners and am trying to learn as much as possible before making a purchase. I'm looking to pick up a 4th Gen T4R and have narrowed it down to two 2005 SR5's with similar miles and price. One is a V6 and the other a V8. Which is a better vehicle? Is the full time 4WD system on the V8 better than the V6? Also, which version has proven to be more reliable? (ex. drive system and engine). Finally, is there a thread on here that compares the two and lists the pro's and con's of each? Thanks,

- Dave.

 

[ClockWork]

The V8 is a mechanically superior engine in every single way. See your other thread for more details.

Inb4debate.

 

[4Beast]

Here we go...


This topic has led to hundreds of debates/discussions, I am sure you will find them if you search.

 

[sonerick]

FWIW, I have a V6 and occasionally wish I had the V8. If it were the other way around and I had a V8, I don't think I would ever finding myself wanting the V6. Both are solid engines though. Personally, I'd go with the V8 if I did it all over again.

 

[TRDCal]

Hahaha this has been long debated and I don't think there's a clear answer...100% of the V8 guys will say get the V8 (including me)...90% of the V6 guys say get the V6 and the other 10% regrets getting the V6 (not offically numbers). Both are Toyota's so there's no wrong answer. The only thing I use to be jealous of on the v6 was it's ability to have 2H + 4wd so I could do burnouts/donuts. Soon after owning the v8 I realised I'm happy the V8 is full time 4wd, becuase the 2uzfe is an untamed beast and if it were only powering two wheels I would go thru a set of tires per month.

I don't have an issue with the V6 tho espescially because I plan on supercharging Tacoma when I'm tired of the 4runner, which at this rate isn't gonna be anytime soon.

 

[Daron-t4r]

I'm new to 4runners and am trying to learn as much as possible before making a purchase. I'm looking to pick up a 4th Gen T4R and have narrowed it down to two 2005 SR5's with similar miles and price. One is a V6 and the other a V8. Which is a better vehicle? Is the full time 4WD system on the V8 better than the V6? Also, which version has proven to be more reliable? (ex. drive system and engine). Finally, is there a thread on here that compares the two and lists the pro's and con's of each? Thanks,

- Dave.

Oh god, this question again. Go ahead and do a search on the forum you will find a cornucopia on information on the subject. Search for v6 vs v8.

Personally I'd go with the v8... the only cons are... no 2wd (if you can call that a con), heavier, and the gas mileage is about 4-5 MPG lower ( though that is debatable as well)

Edit: you really can't go wrong with either, a 4runner will be amazing no matter what engine you have.So don't be to worried about the decision

 

[Dusty Driftwood]

The question I have is, what are you going to be using it for? If you're towing a heavy load on a regular basis then the V8 probably suits you better. If you're never towing anything then the V6 is probably just fine for you.

Here is how I made my decision.
2wd V6: Best Gas mileage
4WD V6: Good mileage, power and 4WD
V8: Most power, best towing

I rarely tow anything right now, but even when I do it will be a light camper. I like the option of having 4WD (when I need it) and still getting 24mpg (hwy) on road trips.
Don't buy what other people think is best for them, buy what suits your needs the best.

 

[ClockWork]

If people bought what suited their needs best we'd all be driving 90's Civics. This is America.

 

[honda_nos]

Start with what you are going to do with it.

- For me, I drive 100 miles a week if that.
- I tow a boat

I bought the V8.

 

[snowbrdr033]

V8 hands down.

 

[Dusty Driftwood]

If people bought what suited their needs best we'd all be driving 90's Civics. This is America.

:flamewar: Didn't think I had to qualify that statement by saying, "buy whichever 4Runner suits your needs the best."
So much for common sense

 

[ClockWork]

:flamewar: Didn't think I had to qualify that statement by saying, "buy whichever 4Runner suits your needs the best."
So much for common sense

That was not the point of my statement.

 

[BReardon21]

never gets old does it?.........v8

 

[zstampe]

Buy whichever is local, in the best shape, and the best deal. Both are good motors.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

If you don't care for extra power and fuel guzzling, go for the V6. If you want Power, All-Time 4WD and the confidence replacing 2 extra cylinders, snatch a V8.

Simple as that! LoL

 

[knightsfs4]

I have the V8, and I can say I wish I had the V6. Only reason for it is cause of gas though. Last tank I averaged 15.5 MPGs and my friend with a lifted V6 gets like 16. I never have to tow anything, so that doesn't apply to me. That said, having a V8 is sweet for showing off or getting a quick head start. I beat my friend who had an Infiniti G35 in a race a couple weeks ago (even though he beat me in the long run I still got ahead before he did). If a little worse gas mileage doesn't bother you, go for the V8!

 

[Casper421]

Go for the best deal!

 

[Calif-4runner]

I just bought a 2007 Sport V6 and I have to admit . . . I wish I had gotten a V8.

The problem when buying used is finding the right color, right options then the right motor. I wanted a Galactic Grey Sport with Nav fully loaded and when I finally found a very clean low mileage one . . . is was V6.

If you don't tow then you can't go wrong with either motor.

Good Luck . . .

 

[goohead]

I just bought a 2007 Sport V6 and I have to admit . . . I wish I had gotten a V8.

The problem when buying used is finding the right color, right options then the right motor. I wanted a Galactic Grey Sport with Nav fully loaded and when I finally found a very clean low mileage one . . . is was V6.

If you don't tow then you can't go wrong with either motor.

Good Luck . . .

i just picked up a clean 06 v8 sport in galactic grey, my 4th 4runner

 

[034RUNNER]

The V8 is a mechanically superior engine in every single way. See your other thread for more details.

Inb4debate.

How so?

I come from v8's but got a deal on my 6 cylinder. It's not fast at all and my MPG's aren't amazing (15 with lift and 33in tires). The only reason I didn't completely shut down the deal was because it's a chain, not a belt. Interference or not, I come from mainly American trucks so I found peace of mind with this.

The v8 really seems no better in terms of power. I drove one before I picked up mine and just recently for a job. Not impressed. I guess if you're towing it'd be a different story.

For people regretting not getting a v8, don't bother beating yourself up about it. If you want power, do not get a 4runner. I drive a Tundra often and getting into the 4runner again is horrible.