Looking to buy my 1st 4Runner...need help pls!

P

pudnt

New member
Hi everyone,
I'm new here and I came to this forum because I am shopping for my first 4Runner and I am overwhelmed with all the possibilities and I would appreciate your feedback.
I have pretty much figured out I want a 2003 or 2004 because the price I can get (I'm looking to spend $10 to 15k) seems to be a pretty good value for all the features.
Although I havent purchased it yet, I'm pretty sure I will be buying a travel trailer in the 4000lb range (and pulling it a few hundred miles every week). I know the V8's are much better for towing because of the extra torque but does anybody tow this much weight with the 4L V6 and feel like it's too heavy and wishes they had the V8?
The biggest reason I would not want the V8 is gas mileage obviously. But from what I've been reading it doesn't seem like theres a huge difference between the two motors...looks like its about 20mpg to 17mpg for the V8. That is something I can live with if it meant I was going to have more wear and tear on the V6 which would require more maintenance. I would rather pay for gas than unknown maintenance bills. But if the V6 is strong enough for the job, let me know what you have experienced because I may not end up using the trailer as much as I think.
Also, I can't make up my mind if I need 4WD or not. I know this drops the MPG's a little further and requires extra maintenance but I would hate to need it one day and not have it. I don't want to be the guy on the side of the road putting chains on a nice SUV while all the other SUV's drive by laughing at me thinking 'why didn't that idiot get 4WD'! I don't go to the snow that often...maybe to Tahoe once a year. But if I ever want to pull a boat, it sure feels better in 4WD going up and down the boat ramps. Any opinions on this?
Last but not least is the different options packages...SR5, Sport or Limited. Obviously the Limited is the nicest of the 3 for bells and whistles but what about drive train? Do any of the upgraded options offer anything special for towing that make it a must have over the others?
So far I'm thinking I should get the V8 4x4 Limited but I'm not rich for having money or anything and I know I'm gonna blow a lot on gas. Is the extra $5g worth the upgrades or can I get the job done with a base model V6 SR5?
I appreciate any and all opinions.
Thank you.
Jim

P.S. If you need any more info feel free to ask.
 
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I never drove a V6 very far but it sounds like you answered your own question. I would never consider a 2 wheel drive. I would be pissed off if I saw a nice trail I could go down in the mountains and not be able to because I did not get a 4x4. Low range on a 4x4 is also nice to pull heavy boats up a steep launch ramp and back a trailer into tight places. The V8 is the same engine that was used in the Tundra for many years so you know it can tow. Also the V8 comes standard with a external trans cooler. Also the V8 came with a heavier duty hitch.
 
I wouldn't consider a 2 wheel drive 4runner - only about 1mpg diff and - why? I think 4000 lbs is a lot for a 4runner on a regular basis - maybe flat land ok. The closer the trailer weight is to the vehicle weight the closer you are to tail wagging dog - not a pretty sight. I would say go for an Expedition or Suburban or Tundra if really looking to tow 4000 lbs. If you do not have the trailer yet, look for a lighter weight trailer. If you are really going to pull regulary - I would say the v8 would be better. The v6 is strong but if pulling mtn passes not that good and as previous, v8 has towing extras. I don't see a big difference in price for the v8 as the v6 is in higher demand.
 
I have a '98 6CYL SR5 w/ 242,000 18 mpg
and a 2004 V8 15 mpg. The towing for the 98 is good for a small cart trailer but if you are going to tow 4000 lbs every weekend, buy the V8 if you can find one. Under no circumstances should you buy a 2wd. You will forever be kicking yourself!
 
I have a 4wd V6 and I pull our boat 3200-3500lbs every weekend in the summer and its a 60 mile round trip on 4 lane no prob.
 
Should never get a 2wd 4runner :rockthrow:

You should be able to find an awesome vehicle in the 10-15k range. I got my 03 with 86k on it last march for 14.2k (w/JBL upgraded sound sys). Just make sure you get it dirty occasionally :hungry:

Good Luck
 
I have a V6 and I love it. I have only pulled about 1500lbs with it (A 7x12 enclosed trailer) so I can't comment on 4000lbs with the V6. If I were towing on a regular basis, I would without a doubt get the 4.7. It is a strong motor, that will not turn the MPGs of the 4.0L but will make you a lot happier when you got the trailer hooked up.
 
If you're going to be towing it sounds like you require the V8. The V6 is a perfectly capable engine but won't match the torque of the V8.

2WD or 4WD?? 4WD, of course. 2WD would be like buying a rifle without sights or a scope. I mean yeah, the 4WD system adds some weight but the vehicle can be put in 2WD, as well (some [or all] V8s are 4WD, only).

Realistically it's probably smart to look at "ranges" instead of discreet numbers for fuel economy. If you are hearing an average of 17MPG for the V8, be prepared for the worst case (maybe 14-15 MPG) as well as the best case (18-19 MPG), because believe me, there are cases of each. If you can handle the worst-case scenario, then go ahead and get it. But I'd feel it a mistake to have a blanket assumption that your fuel economy will be "X"; everybody here has different driving habits, altitudes, payloads, maintenance practices, etc.

I have a 2006 Sport Edition and really like the cloth seats and styling. I do wish I'd found one with the JBL system, though. I'd get at least a Sport though... I wouldn't want an SR5.

Good luck.
 
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