Got a 4wd v8 tell me why I shouldn't trade in for a v6

[luke87gt]

The v6's oil filter is easier to change out. The v8's is a bear to deal with. I don't know maybe that's a plus one for the v6? Still going to keep my v8.


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Oil filter location, durable exhaust manifolds, and timing chain are great selling points for the V6.

With my Daystar lift, I can complete oil changes in less than 5min, no joke.

But this isn't reason enough to ditch a desirable platform and go through the headache of finding another used 4Runner.

 

[nevada]

I currently have a GG 04 v8 w/ 3rd row. It's an awesome truck and I love her but she has a drinking problem. I kind of knew it was going to be bad going in but didn't think it would get this bad. Now I'm wary of throwing a bumper or roof rack on her because at the moment I get on average 11.5mpg in the city and 15mpg or so on the fwy. If it is all fwy miles then I'll get around 330 miles on the tank but when I commute which is all normal street she'll get around 230 miles on the tank. I put 275/70 ko2's and a 3" lift so the actual miles and what it shows is probably off by quite a bit.

I don't tow anything. I don't have kids so I don't put the 3rd row to use. I got her primarily because I got what I think was a good deal and the truck had super low miles on it. The last owner was a senile couple who never drove it. Had 63k miles and maintenance records were all done at Toyota since the car hit the road. Timing belt was also done.

you are getting more than 11mpg, if you account for the tires. but probably not a lot more.

you put those same mods on the v6, and you will likely get very close to the same mileage.

The OP asked "Got a 4wd v8 tell me why I shouldn't trade in for a v6" and it turns in to a mpg thread. Answering the real question - Do whatever you want, this is not a decision that merits a forum consensus. It's your truck, your money, don't trust strangers to decide for you.

as expected, since his concerns for wanting to change was fuel mileage.

 

[Drummer1]

I would keep the V8 4x4 because when you downgrade you will notice a difference and regret not keeping the V8. I have a V8 also and thought I would be better off with a V6 but changed my mind and realized how much I enjoy the power and torque in a V8.

 

[socal-4runner]

you are getting more than 11mpg, if you account for the tires. but probably not a lot more.

you put those same mods on the v6, and you will likely get very close to the same mileage.


as expected, since his concerns for wanting to change was fuel mileage.

Eh I'm a college student so can you blame me for being worried about mpg?

 

[07V8]

Eh I'm a college student so can you blame me for being worried about mpg?

Why did you mod your 4R if MPG was a concern??

Is 1-2MPG MAYBE going to really make a difference in your wallet? If it is, you're driving the wrong car.

 

[eviele]

I have an 03 v8 with 265/70r17 Firestone ATs. Stock otherwise minus running boards and I average 17 city 20 highway.

I will say that after I seafoamed via air intake and 50/50 gas mixture along with throttle body cleaning and MAF cleaning my MPGs went up more or less +2. Around that time, ~90k miles, I did a good fluid swap everywhere with either amsoil or oem fluid.

Not saying it's exact or a miracle but I did notice a difference. Worth a shot.

--I will also add that I have gotten 13 mpg before driving through snow weeks on end here in SW CO. This will be my first winter after having cleaned up the beast. One last note, I will be putting on OME suspension this month and will have dedicated pizza cutting 245s blizzaks (I got stuck a few times driving home with the ATs) this winter so a few changes to note from last winter.

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Do you have any pictures with the current setup you mention - stock everything, but 265/70r17 Firestone ATs?

That's what I'm going to run next and I wonder how the slightly bigger tires will look.
Thanks!

 

[cseaman]

just deal with it. i had a '15 tacoma 4.0 5at with 265/75/16 KO2s and scs f5s, now i have an '06 4runner with the v8 and 275/70/17 KO2s and scs f5s - there is NO DOUBT that it is soooo much nicer to drive with the v8, around town and on the highway. my tacoma didn't even have armor or anything and it was still a dread driving at highway speeds with any sort of elevation. driving it eastbound to denver from moab on i70 was one of the most annoying things ever.

the minimal mpg hit will not matter in the long run. you can either afford a lifted and tire toyota 4x4 or you can't, v6 or v8 is irrelevant. just eat out once a month less and it'll cover it.

 

[bamma]

The v6's oil filter is easier to change out. The v8's is a bear to deal with. I don't know, maybe that's a plus one for the v6?

Being able to switch into 2wd?


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I put a pie tin under the filter and unscrew with the skid plate still on. Simple really, and no mess. Now the filter change on my wife's 5th gen, that is a PITA. Two plastic covers, a metal skid, and a cartridge filter. Takes me easily 30 minutes, and probably longer.

Both engine are fine, but the V8 torque is the difference maker. I have had two V6 tacomas and have a 5th gen 4runner with V6, none compare to the smooth and quiet V8 in my 2003.

Both the V6 and V8 have pros and cons, but both are better than what you will find in most other vehicles.

 

[ChrisLovesUgly]

Trading in a truck that you already own and like for another one because it'll get 2 mpg more is a waste of time and resources.

If mileage and fuel cost are concerns, you need to go trade it in on something more practical like a Prius or a Civic. Even a CRV or a Rav4 will net you at least 10-15 more MPG and still hold value/be reliable (if you need the space). They can all be leased for around $200-250/month w/ nothing down and solid used ones can be had around the same cost as your 4Runner.

 

[luke87gt]

Trading in a truck that you already own and like for another one because it'll get 2 mpg more is a waste of time and resources.

If mileage and fuel cost are concerns, you need to go trade it in on something more practical like a Prius or a Civic. Even a CRV or a Rav4 will net you at least 10-15 more MPG and still hold value/be reliable (if you need the space). They can all be leased for around $200-250/month w/ nothing down and solid used ones can be had around the same cost as your 4Runner.

Spot on.

 

[hgill]

Gas Mileage Savings Calculator: Car Cost vs. Fuel Savings

here is a calculator to help you figure it out.

Its never a good idea to trade in a reliable solid car for slightly better gas mileage (2mpg).

If you were getting a honda accord or small suv that will net you 10-15 additional mpg, it might make sense or if you drove crazy amount of miles each year.

It takes a lot of miles of driving to make up any additional costs you may incur in replacing your vehicle.

 

[V8Man]

Get a daily driver to put miles on and for mpg. Keep the V8 for fun, weekends, trips to Home Depot, and enjoy it.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Get a daily driver to put miles on and for mpg. Keep the V8 for fun, weekends, trips to Home Depot, and enjoy it.

But but... the V8 Goes VROOM VROOM! I like that sound, not the WHEEZE WHEEZE PUTTER that the wind-up cars make, or even worse the "WHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNE" that the horrid hybrids make! :O

Vroom Vroom is worth the gas!

 

[Rodtheviking]

Get a cheap daily driver, I learned that lesson with my Land Rover. I mean a V8 SUV is not a commuter, especially if you load it up with goodies.

 

[smurray711]

Do you have any pictures with the current setup you mention - stock everything, but 265/70r17 Firestone ATs?



That's what I'm going to run next and I wonder how the slightly bigger tires will look.

Thanks!

I will post a picture tomorrow when it is light out.

 

[Porqupine82]

The v6 has more horsepower than the v8....

Torque, not so much.

 

[07V8]

Get a cheap daily driver, I learned that lesson with my Land Rover. I mean a V8 SUV is not a commuter, especially if you load it up with goodies.

A V8 SUV is absolutely a commuter. I commute 50 miles daily in mine at ~14MPG. I refuse to drive a small car with the idiots on the road. Mine is modded and driven 100% on the street.

All these small cars with 5 star crash ratings misrepresent the dynamics of an accident. It may be 5 stars but only against a car of similar weight.

 

[techno]

The v6 has more horsepower than the v8....
Torque, not so much.

The earlier variants, yes, but 05 and on V8's had more. The 05's had 270 and then they dropped it back a little to 260 for the rest of the 4th gen run.

 

[Rodtheviking]

A V8 SUV is absolutely a commuter. I commute 50 miles daily in mine at ~14MPG. I refuse to drive a small car with the idiots on the road. Mine is modded and driven 100% on the street.

All these small cars with 5 star crash ratings misrepresent the dynamics of an accident. It may be 5 stars but only against a car of similar weight.

Okay, call it what you want. It's still a V8 SUV with bad gas milage.

 

[luke87gt]

The v6 has more horsepower than the v8....

Torque, not so much.

Dynoplots or it didn't happen ;-)