Another Noob -- question

[alms21]

First, a little background

In December I purchased an '04 GMC Yukon. I had an '02 Yukon brand new back in '02 and prior to that I had a '96 4Runner. The 4Runner was by far the best SUV I have owned....not taking anything away from my Yukons. I've decided that I don't need the size of the Yukon and have decided on a 4Runner. This will eventually be my second vehicle later this summer. I am a sportscar enthusiast first but living in MD and having a dog requires an SUV. Thus here are my questions:

Is there a big difference in the V6 and the V8? I will not be doing any towing at all.

It appears that the 2006 had a change in exterior appearance in the shape of the fenders and rear bumper but the interiors don't appear to have changed. Is this correct?

Anything mechanical I need to be aware of in the '04-'06 years. I'm really leaning toward a 2006...I like the fender shape and rear bumpers a little better.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

[p nut]

There were very subtle changes throughout the years, but nothing that would warrant any special kind of attention.

The main change was in 2005 when they started putting in 5-speed autos in the V6's (instead of the 4-sp). I'd look for an 05 or above in a V6. It will have plenty of get up and go. If you're a sports car enthusiast, the Sport Edition has the XREAS suspension which is nifty. Basically raises the other side when cornering to supposedly handle better, but I'm not sold on that yet.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Welcome...
This thread is good place to start.

This one has links to all the brochures from the various model years.

V8 vs V6 gets discussed a lot. The short answer is as follows:

1) There isn't a V8 owner that would trade for a V6. (Most V8 guys rave about the smoothness and torque.)

2) There's only a very few V6 ('05 or newer) owners that wish they had a V8. '05 began the 5speed auto. (The V6 guys don't complain about a shortage of torque/power or excessive roughness/noise, in fact they are quite pleased.)

3) The V6 gas mileage is reported as 1.5mpg better, on avg, than the V8. Most V6 guys seem to get 18.5-20mpg.

4) The V8 has a timing belt that needs replacement at 90k. The V6 uses a chain.

5) The V6 has a super oil filter arrangement and DIY oil changes are very easy.

Niether engine has any 'known-issues' like head gaskets or anything...

:cheers:

 

[peter78]

The 03 & 04 V6 came with a 4 speed transmission and the V8 did not have VVT-i. Back then, the V6 made 10 more horse power than the V8. The V8 still had tons more torque. My boss has a V8 Tundra and ended up buying a 2006 V8 4Runner last Oct. I bought a 2004 V6 last Nov. and I am quite please with it. Of course, I am coming from a 2001 V6 4Runner. The 06 has neat led tail lights and can play MP3's. My stereo has a CD and a tape deck, which to honest, I don't even know if it works. I can't remember the last time I used a tape. The 05 V6 has a 5 speed transmission. The interior of the 06 and 04 are pretty much the same. Your right about the rear bumper too, the 06 has no red reflector in the bumper, my 04 does. The V8 in 05 has VVT-i and has more power.

As far as the difference between the engines, which by the way has cause many arguments in this forum are what I call noticable, but not huge. They are 700 cc's apart. The V6's have a good bit of power, but the V8 is smoother and of course more torque. The V8 has been around since about 2000 and the V6 came out in 03 and has aluminum block and a timing chain.

Here is a link to my 2 4Runners, it will show you the difference between the 3rd gen and 4th gen 4Runners. By the way, I think the build quality is better on the 3rd, but the 4th are still quite nice, IMHO.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=43143

 

[alms21]

Thank you for the replies everyone. Alot of stuff I didn't realize has already been brought to my attention in just a few posts. I guess I really need to test drive both a V6 and V8 and decide for myself. After having an '03 996TT, an '07 Z06 and an '08 BMW335tt I am kinda used to the TQ now so I think I'll try the V8 first. At the end of the day, the truck will most likely see about 5k miles per year.

I hope this doesn't start a V6 vs V8 pissing contest. It certainly wasn't brought up for discussion for that purpose. Its good to hear that those that have V6's love them and those that have V8's love them too. I have heard that the aluminum engine in the V6 is a bit noisy at times compared to the iron block of the V8.

 

[Mirlen]

Happy V8 owner here.

Get the V6.

You're not towing, you'll get a 2WD mode selection, easier oil changes, timing chain, better mileage and lighter front end. If I did it again I'd give a bit more consideration to the V6.