Check this 2006 4Runner out, need thoughts

Register to hide this ad
The V6 is venerable, but the V8 is virtually indestructible. Worst thing that can happen to a well maintained V8 is the exhaust manifold cracking problem, not cheaply rectified but not the end of the world.

The V8 needs a timing belt done at fairly short intervals. Costs about a grand at a dealer to do the job. I'm afraid I don't remember the change interval at this exact moment. Otherwise there's nothing else irregular about its maintenance. The V6 has a timing chain that will likely outlive a lot of other things.

The mileage is reported to be similar enough that it mostly depends on your driving style. Some report better mileage with their V8 than others with their V6 and vice versa. My V8 returns the same economy my '96 (3600lbs w/3.4L V6 vs the 4th gen's 4500lbs) got around the city but worse on the highway.

All things considered, generally averaged, diluted with some B.S. statistics I made up, I would tell you the V8 is about 1-2MPG worse than the V6.

Availability, in my opinion, would be a valid reason to get the V6. Fuel economy... meh, it's not a prius.

The V8 makes its torque right at cruising RPM, down low around 2000rpm or so. The V6 not so much, so towing with the V6 is an exercise in power management... the V8 just seems to lug along, apparently.

The V8 just has boatloads of grunt. It's not way overpowered and crazy but it's got guts for sure.

The V6 moves, no doubt about that though. I've ridden in a few and they get out and move when you push the pedal.
 
Last edited:
I think it depends too, what you're planning to do with it. If I could do it again, I'd get a V8. After modding mine, just doesn't have much power to get up and go like it used to.
I don't know if you're at all interested in that 3rd row seating. It's pretty useless. I have it as well and though it might save you in a time of need it's not ideal for everyday travel.
 
That's a crap ton of miles for a '06. I'd start being concerned about wheel bearings, suspension bushings, maintenance that has been neglected, etc. at that point. Factor that into your decision. Make sure the timing belt was done already. And check the carfax for surprises.

I wouldn't even consider the V6 personally. The V8 makes almost 40 lb/ft more torque and it makes it at low RPM. It will surprise you how much nicer the driving experience will be with that kind of torque. I traded a 2012 Jeep with 290 HP V6 mated to a 6-speed manual with 3.73 axle gears...and this old V8 feels WAY stronger. Reason is because V8s make power where it's needed. Nobody drives around at 5,000 RPM.

I am getting 16.5 MPG average doing a 40/60 split of city/highway driving. When summer fuel starts being distributed I'll get 17.5 average based upon my experience with other vehicles. Not bad at all for a V8!

That looks like a very nice 4Runner to me...but I would not pay that price for it. You have to consider the maintenance costs you'll drop on it in the first 6 months just catching up on what hasn't been done.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the replies. I had a '04, same color, sold it 2 years ago. Wish I never did that. Family growing, need to cut down on some debt, as well. Surprisingly, I have equity in my Tacoma.

My '04 had the 3rd row seating. Totally useless, and the seats stayed in my house and just took up space. I think we used them once.

My plans are to mildly lift it...2.5 lift, maybe some Duratracs. No trail riding. I had my fill with my 99 Tacoma. This will be strictly for DD....

With the mileage, there would be no other car maker that I'd even look at with these miles. I recall while researching the V8 Timing belt has to be done every 90k or so...and these are interference engines. thousand bucks is pricey, though.
 
WXman said:
That's a crap ton of miles for a '06. I'd start being concerned about wheel bearings, suspension bushings, maintenance that has been neglected, etc. at that point. Factor that into your decision. Make sure the timing belt was done already. And check the carfax for surprises.

I wouldn't even consider the V6 personally. The V8 makes almost 50 lb/ft more torque and it makes it at low RPM. It will surprise you how much nicer the driving experience will be with that kind of torque. I traded a 2012 Jeep with 290 HP V6 mated to a 6-speed manual with 3.73 axle gears...and this old V8 feels WAY stronger. Reason is because V8s make power where it's needed. Nobody drives around at 5,000 RPM.

I am getting 16.5 MPG average doing a 40/60 split of city/highway driving. When summer fuel starts being distributed I'll get 17.5 average based upon my experience with other vehicles. Not bad at all for a V8!

That looks like a very nice 4Runner to me...but I would not pay that price for it. You have to consider the maintenance costs you'll drop on it in the first 6 months just catching up on what hasn't been done.
Click to expand...

I was thinking 11,500. See what happens from there.
 
Honestly i would say that is a little high on the miles, as per V6 vs V8...that argument has been beat to death, and it really all depends on a person's personal taste. me personally, i'm on my second V6 and i have no complaints. best way to look at it is this

V6 - V8
236HP 266 Lb-ft - 260HP 306 Lb-ft
All aluminum - iron block/alum head
300 lb lighter - 300 lb heavier
1-3mpg more - 1-3 mpg less
louder/coarser - smoother/quieter
less maintenance - more maintenance
more mod options (SkylineGTRRacer) - what you see is what you get

thats really the major issues brought forth in these "discussions" honestly i've driven both, and i really do not think the V8 is better, both have very flat torque curves so you can hardly tell a difference straight line with the weight difference. i think the lighter weight of the v6 makes it feel snappier and more responsive, the v8 as stated seems to lumber along and doesnt care to be revved as much, while the V6 is peppy and enjoys its entire rev range. my suggestion, give both a thorough test drive and decide what best suits your needs :D
 
Last edited:
Just curious OP, is your reason for trading strictly financial or are you not satisfied with the Tacoma? I ask because I'm contemplating doing the opposite, trading my Runner for a Taco


I'm bias toward the V8 so I disagree with most your post but I especially disagree with this:

CAD_GA1390 said:
what you see is what you get
Click to expand...

Says who?? There's all sorts of options including cams, intakes, superchargers (hard but not impossible to find), even headers can be custom made and thats just the tip of the iceberg. I don't know how many 1gr's out there are making over 1000hp but there's definitely plenty of 2uz's
 
I have a 2003 V8 coming up on 80k and not a problem, just did emissions yesterday and passed with no problem.

I looked at a few V6's and they just didn't have the grunt, pull or towing the V8 does. There are also quite a few reports of headgasket failures on the V6.

V8 has a timing belt that needs to be done every 90k (You can go 100k) but that's really taking a big chance.

I bought mine with 55k so 25,000 miles of trouble free driving in a year and 6 months isn't bad. It is a Toyota after all.

I wouldn't be so worried about the mileage. My buddy has a 2005 Tundra (Same engine) with 263k miles and no problems. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

Gas mileage is pretty terrible on mine (I don't drive like a grandma, but I don't drive like a maniac either). If I were to drive like most people, it would be around 16-17. I average somewhere around 13, but I'm also way overdue on spark plugs considering the PO put some cheap crap in it before they sold to to CarMax where I bought it. I say if you can talk them down on the price, go for it!
 
Last edited:
TRDCal said:
Just curious OP, is your reason for trading strictly financial or are you not satisfied with the Tacoma? I ask because I'm contemplating doing the opposite, trading my Runner for a Taco


I'm bias toward the V8 so I disagree with most your post but I especially disagree with this:



Says who?? There's all sorts of options including cams, intakes, superchargers (hard but not impossible to find), even headers can be custom made and thats just the tip of the iceberg. I don't know how many 1gr's out there are making over 1000hp but there's definitely plenty of 2uz's
Click to expand...


Financial and more room. We just had our second child, and after putting 2 car seats in a DC, there just isn't room. I absolutely love my Tacoma. It's my second one. Getting a used 4Runner will cut our debt big time. Just trying to prepare for the future, and I have equity in the Tacoma. I'm actually going to pull the trigger on this one.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/138972-test-drove-4runner-today.html
 
and let me add....after driving the V8, there is definitely a difference from the V6. 1-2 mpg won't kill the deal for me. We're not buying 4Runners and DC TRD Tacomas if we're gas mileage conscious. :)
 
I work for Toyota, and was looking for a 4R for a long time before I bought mine. I drive these everyday. I never once thought about getting the V6. Just a personal preference.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 367 (members: 5, guests: 362)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,310
Messages
3,554,080
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top