pepowdylan
New member
Do I really need a V8 in my 4runner? I'm starting to look, and deciding exactly what I want. It will save me gas money if I don't. Only thing I will ever be hauling is a smaller trailer or a small 19" bayliner.
Do I really need a v8?
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jediwebdude
New member
A 19" Bayliner should fit inside your 4Runner pretty easy. :jump:
Seriously though, before I had my V8, I had a 2005 SR5 V6 and pulled a 5x9 cargo trailer full of heavy astronomy gear all over Texas and it did great. I only upsized to a V8 when we decided to buy a 6,000 lb RV travel trailer.
The V8 is a smooth engine and does fine with fuel mileage on the highway. I lost only 1 mpg (hwy) going from the V6 to the V8 (both 4WD).
Boats are far easier to tow than RVs. We had a 19' Crownline BR with a 250 HP V8 (heavy) and we pulled it with an Acura MDX (smaller V6 and weaker frame) with no problem.
You need few things. Maslows hierarchy of needs and a car is not one. Nor a tv, or ac or indoor plumbing. Dont use such loaded words because it is the wrongbway to look at it. No...you do not need the V8. If large towing was such a biggie you would looking at a truetower. A huge double wide v8 power stroke.
You want....you want. What do you want? What can you afford? Those are the releva t questions.
So...what do ya want?
P.S. I own a v8.
You want....you want. What do you want? What can you afford? Those are the releva t questions.
So...what do ya want?
P.S. I own a v8.
The only people saying you don't need the V8 don't drive one. Get the V8, it's too hard to upgrade down the road. If you're towing anything you can't have too much power.
You only lose 1mpg and buying used, it might not cost any more for the V8. The V8 was THE reason I went 4runner over another model.
You only lose 1mpg and buying used, it might not cost any more for the V8. The V8 was THE reason I went 4runner over another model.
Atlanta_man
New member
Get a V8 while you can. They are likely to become more and more rare.
Probably the greatest American invention of all times !
Probably the greatest American invention of all times !
20034RunnerV84x2
New member
V8 ftw!
4runDiZZLe
New member
an advantage of the v6 is the timing CHAIN, vs the v8 which has a timing belt that will eventually need to be replaced
Koz
New member
I agree! Also, the extra tow capacity will be appreciated when pulling through the mountains.
Koz
SUP3RJEFF
New member
Love my V6, great for towing boats and small enclosed trailers. If I was planning on towing anything bigger I might have bought the V8. I also enjoy the fact that I can drive in 2HI, personal preference. Either way, you cant really go wrong IMHO, just look for the truck you want 
Well I'm definitely one who believes that you don't NEED a V8. I've owned several vehicles over the past 30 years of driving. There's advantages to both. I know for a fact I won't be towing anything over 5000lbs.....I haven't towed anything over 3500lbs in over 20 years. There's no need for a V8. Besides the timing belt issue (which can cost you several hundred to replace it every 100k miles if you don't do it yourself)...The V6 is real easy to work on. I like an engine compartment that's not cramped. Just past the 220k mile mark..and engine runs PERFECTLY.
the dutch man
New member
GET The V8! For 1 MPG difference, the power and tourque difference is huge. I have the V8 and my dad has an 07 with the V6. His drives like a dog compared to mine.
Everyday my neighbors see me driving down the street with white teeth beaming as I smile ear to ear.
Everyday my neighbors see me driving down the street with white teeth beaming as I smile ear to ear.
ChaosStarter
New member
When my fiance and I were debating on our first car purchase together, the 4Runner was in the lead the whole way. The debate was obviously the V6 or the V8. If I was going to have my own pick-up for towing(Obviously V8 or Ecoboost TTV6), and she drove the 4R, then she'd be fine with the V6. But if we just got the one truck, then I'd prefer the V8.
One thing I liked about the V8 was the AWD. I knew that if she ever got caught in snow, she'd have to learn how to use the 4wd on the V6 properly, but on the V8, she could just drive. I also don't mind the t-belt maintenance on the V8 since I'll do it myself and get the parts at cost.
In the end, we decided on just the 4R and maybe getting a pickup later on down the road. Found a great deal on a V8 and jumped on it. :cheers:
One thing I liked about the V8 was the AWD. I knew that if she ever got caught in snow, she'd have to learn how to use the 4wd on the V6 properly, but on the V8, she could just drive. I also don't mind the t-belt maintenance on the V8 since I'll do it myself and get the parts at cost.
In the end, we decided on just the 4R and maybe getting a pickup later on down the road. Found a great deal on a V8 and jumped on it. :cheers:
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Martinjmpr
New member
When faced with a similar choice I ultimately went with the V6.
Here's why:
1. V6s are more numerous than V8s. More choices = more competition = lower price for a vehicle with the same # of miles and overall condition.
2. Every V8 I looked at had a sunroof, which I didn't want (potential for leaks/rattles/reduction in headroom which is an issue because I am tall.) Ditto for leather seats, 3rd row, nav, etc - DO NOT WANT. Easier to find a V6 without all that stuff.
3. Full time 4wd + thirstier V8 = worse MPG. May only be a few MPGs but I'm a cheap SOB so it matters to me. The V6 has multi-mode 4wd which means you can have full time 4wd if you want or 2wd if you don't.
Have to say I'm happy with my choice. Power is great compared to my anemic 3rd gen, even pulling a trailer, and MPG has been phenomenal (see my separate thread.)
If you want a V8, then only a V8 will do. But if you don't care, then get the V6. Like the old ad for the Nissan Xterra said, it's "everything you need and nothing that you don't."
:
Here's why:
1. V6s are more numerous than V8s. More choices = more competition = lower price for a vehicle with the same # of miles and overall condition.
2. Every V8 I looked at had a sunroof, which I didn't want (potential for leaks/rattles/reduction in headroom which is an issue because I am tall.) Ditto for leather seats, 3rd row, nav, etc - DO NOT WANT. Easier to find a V6 without all that stuff.
3. Full time 4wd + thirstier V8 = worse MPG. May only be a few MPGs but I'm a cheap SOB so it matters to me. The V6 has multi-mode 4wd which means you can have full time 4wd if you want or 2wd if you don't.
Have to say I'm happy with my choice. Power is great compared to my anemic 3rd gen, even pulling a trailer, and MPG has been phenomenal (see my separate thread.)
If you want a V8, then only a V8 will do. But if you don't care, then get the V6. Like the old ad for the Nissan Xterra said, it's "everything you need and nothing that you don't."
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boondoggle
Member
If you don't get the V8 you're a commie girl.
Kidding.
When I was shopping around I would have been happy with either. Found a good deal on the V8 and the only time I think about the V6 is while I'm at the pump. Wondering if I could have maybe gone an extra day between fill ups.
I do feel like the V8 is s strong, reliable power train. Just this morning I was behind a Land Cruiser with the same V8 and 5speed combo and I felt like I was driving it's little brother. The 1998 - 2007 100 series Land Cruiser was considered one of the best vehicles in its class at the time and I can get in on that power train, for a lot less money (and better MPG) so I feel like I made a good choice for the long term.
Kidding.
When I was shopping around I would have been happy with either. Found a good deal on the V8 and the only time I think about the V6 is while I'm at the pump. Wondering if I could have maybe gone an extra day between fill ups.
I do feel like the V8 is s strong, reliable power train. Just this morning I was behind a Land Cruiser with the same V8 and 5speed combo and I felt like I was driving it's little brother. The 1998 - 2007 100 series Land Cruiser was considered one of the best vehicles in its class at the time and I can get in on that power train, for a lot less money (and better MPG) so I feel like I made a good choice for the long term.
aha2988
New member
Agreed, didnt really care which engine i got when looking for my truck was mainly interested in the suspension and tow package. wanted the sport but found a limited with everything the sport had except the hood scoop.. anywho the limited happend to be a V8 used that to get the price down picked up an 03 limited V8 4wd with 98,000 in 2010 for 14,500 out the door with a brand new timing belt installed.
drive both see which you like the feel of best and buy it you'll love the 4runner regaurdless
