Comparing early 4.7L V8 with VVTi V8...worth $10k in price?

[Steve Theodore]

Hey guys,

I might be purchasing a 2004 V8 Sport Edition 4Runner tomorrow, and want to confirm with those in the know that I won't regret spending more on the VVTi version in a newer model.

In my region, the 2006 V8 models go for about $5k more, and in some cases up to $10k for available 2006 and 2007 models. To me this is a really significant amount of money for pretty much the same vehicle, albeit with a slightly different engine.

I'm already seriously doubting that the difference is big, but has anyone else done this comparison with regard to performance and fuel economy? If the answer is "slightly more power and marginally better fuel economy", then I think I'll be really happy to go with the 2004 V8!

Thanks in advance, and the one I'm looking at is black with 34,900 miles, sport edition, V8, premium sound, roof rack, tow package, and sunroof. I'm definitely excited to see if I take it home!

 

[toto]

I'm sure that the VVTi version of the V8 alone is not worth the extra money. Toyota trucks seem to hold their value really well, so you're paying for the newer truck, and not necessarily a single feature.

This thread hits the highlights of what changed from year to year.

 

[Steve Theodore]

Thanks toto...I'll be sure to read that thread you linked now.

 

[h7009]

VVTi V-8

Call me foolish but I didn't think the V-8 with VVTi was an option in the 4Runner that it only came in 05/06 Tundras.....CSM-H

PS: I have the 03 4Runner non vvti, 05 Tundra vvti...BIG difference

I'm sure that the VVTi version of the V8 alone is not worth the extra money. Toyota trucks seem to hold their value really well, so you're paying for the newer truck, and not necessarily a single feature.

This thread hits the highlights of what changed from year to year.

 

[MLB]

Hey guys,

I might be purchasing a 2004 V8 Sport Edition 4Runner tomorrow, and want to confirm with those in the know that I won't regret spending more on the VVTi version in a newer model.

In my region, the 2006 V8 models go for about $5k more, and in some cases up to $10k for available 2006 and 2007 models. To me this is a really significant amount of money for pretty much the same vehicle, albeit with a slightly different engine.

I'm already seriously doubting that the difference is big, but has anyone else done this comparison with regard to performance and fuel economy? If the answer is "slightly more power and marginally better fuel economy", then I think I'll be really happy to go with the 2004 V8!

Thanks in advance, and the one I'm looking at is black with 34,900 miles, sport edition, V8, premium sound, roof rack, tow package, and sunroof. I'm definitely excited to see if I take it home!

The torque is about the same if I recall. THAT is what gooses you off the line, HP only comes into play on the top end, passing time might be a tad slower, but it's STILL a V8!! I drove an 04 but bought an 07 and I didn't detect much difference.
I use the low end punch a fair bit. Hardly ever use top end, where the hp difference would show.
In short, I don't think I'd notice it a bit.
FWIW

 

[SP Jon M3]

2004 non VVTi V8 235 hp / 320 lb-ft torque 15/19 mpg (4WD Sport)
2005 VVTi V8 270 hp / 330 lb-ft torque 15/19 mpg (4WD Sport)
2006- 2008 VVTi V8 260 hp / 306 lb-ft torque. 16/19 mpg (14/17 mpg for the 2008) (4WD Sport)

You also have to realize that the SAE testing became more stringent for the 2006 model year. Therefore if the 2004 V8 were to be tested it would probably be rated lower than what Toyota claimed, and you'd be better off comparing the 2004 to the 2005 to see the differences because they used the same SAE standard for testing. So the power difference it quite dramatic from the non VVTi to the VVTi V8. 35 hp more or a 15% increase in HP. Fuel eco stayed basically the same. I have to say that they MPG stats are very conservative. On a flat stretch of fwy, I can easily get 22-23mpg with my 4x4 V8 Sport and that's with Yakima racks on the top too.

 

[Steve Theodore]

Here is an ironic update considering the subject matter of my post.

Today I went to check out the vehicle in question and it had been sold. I *****ed the salesman out for a bit since he had every opportunity to verify that ahead of time, yet tried to show me a completely different used 4Runner instead. I had nothing to do with that, and my wife and I went to the Toyota dealership.

A couple hours later we were the proud owners of a black 2008 V6 sport model with 7 miles on the odometer. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade darnit!

So, I'm not V8 equipped (they had no V8 sport models in black), but I am fourth generation 4Runner equipped, and got my beloved sport package as well. Thanks for all the assistance guys!

 

[Mirlen]

A couple hours later we were the proud owners of a black 2008 V6 sport model with 7 miles on the odometer. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade darnit!

Congrats! I was looking at a pretty loaded '06 V8 Limited but decided I'm going to look at the '08 Sport too. Heading to the dealer tomorrow to check local stock out (Already go all my Mfg invoice price printouts, option price printouts, vehicle inquiry reports showing options installed etc) so I know where I wanna land in price...just need to decide on V6/V8 and colors. Gray, Silver or maybe even that red...can't remember how the red looked in person but from a couple pictures I saw it looked a bit dark/gray which I really liked but I suspect it was just an overcast picture and is probably too bright for what I'd want... Also been stalling waiting for the interest rates to drop on the loan, which happened today

Congrats again!

 

[Steve Theodore]

Thanks very much! FYI...I got 3.9% APR direct from Toyota on a 60 month note. They also had a $1500 factory rebate available, but it couldn't be combined with the 3.9% deal. So, you can get something like 5.49% APR and take advantage of the rebate. Obviously, check with your own lending institution and the guys at the dealer. Good luck with your own shopping!

 

[Steve Theodore]

Quick odometer shot of the first time I climbed in!

 

[Steve Theodore]

The only decent exterior picture I was able to take today with our good camera (snowing and getting dark outside).

 

[Mike07SE]

Nice! Congrats on the purchase. You'll be happy with the six. I just bought my 07 SE V6 back in Oct.. I had the the dilema of the v6 vs. v8 vs. 08 v6-v8. I had a DD that left me S O L so getting a new truck asap was a priority. When I got to the dealership I had already known what they had on the lot so I told them I wanted a white SE, and they happened to have one V6 and one V8, so I went and test drove both. Other than the initial grunt off the line, the V8 didn't feel that much quicker than the six, plus it didn't have options on it like the sunroof, side airbags, etc. like the six had so that narrowed that choice down. The 08's were nice with more selections to choose from on the lot, but weren't being offered with any cash back incentives, so that left them out the door.

 

[Steve Theodore]

Daytime shot when we took a short drive today. Can you tell I'm a proud new papa?