I need input on buying a gen 4

[Jesman]

I am looking for a gen 4 to use for my daily 45 mile commute and to tow 3-3.5k lbs. maybe twice a month around NE Pa and down to W Va once or twice a year. It will also see some light off roading and be the dog (3) transporter. Is the V6 good enough for towing this weight up mountains or should I get a V8? Are the 05 and up V8s that much better than the 03-04? Prices for either the V6 or V8 are pretty close in my area, but there aren't many V8s. I will be looking for a limited model if that matters. If a V8 will be better I will also look at the Lexus GX. Thanks for any advice.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Well for towing if you don't mind the gas, the V8 will be better. But the V6 is adequate enough to do the job if need be, but it will not be as smooth as the V8 in terms of towing. If you search about in the 4th gen you'll find many people are towing with both engines and doing well.

The '05 VVTi equipped 2UZ-FE (4.7L V8) 4Runners are a bit more peppy than the non-VVTi units; but honestly its not a big enough difference to dissuade you from either engine.

 

[Martinjmpr]

For that kind of towing weight I'd hold out for a V8. My V6 is a tow rig but the biggest trailer I would consider pulling is maybe 2500lbs. My current trailer is 1,000lbs and the new one we will pick up tomorrow is around 1500.

 

[MarkinWMich]

Personally, I would try to find something that was in the '06-'09 model years. A little more refinement, and the differences between the V6 and V8 are minimal (236 vs 260HP/266 vs 300ft-lbs)...towing will not be an issue with either. Just downshift and off you go. The V6 has a timing chain that will doesn't need to be changed. The V8 has a timing belt that will need to be changed at certain service intervals. The V6 4x4 has a select knob that allows you to use 2WD, wheras, the V8 4WD system is on all the time. '09 was the year of the Trail Teams Edition, with the electronic rear locking differential. '06 and newer had the optional navigation systems, etc. If you check out Edmunds.com and look at the reviews, even after 100K, people are giving it a 5-star rating.

I am sure everyone has their favorite 4Runner model, but overall, I think you will be pleased with whatever one you choose.

 

[470SNC]

If youre towing up/downhill a lot, I would say go for a VVTI V8, my GX470 has awesome power and I love it. I'm getting average 14.7 mpg with a 3" lift and 285s.

 

[Jesman]

Thanks for the input. I'm thinking the V8 will be better with all the hills I will be towing over. Coming from a diesel I want torque. The closest V8 to me is an 08 Sr5 97k for $17,800. Going to drive it in the morning. The closest GX I found is 2 hrs away.