Need Advice. 2008 4x4 Sport Edition

[SantaCruzOM]

Hi folks,

This is my first post here. I've been lurking for a little while, primarily lusting over all the pictures. I hope to be in the market for a 4Runner in the next year. I don't quite have the resources yet, but I'm trying to do as much research as possible in the interim. I do have some history with 4Runners - I owned a beautiful black '88 T4R - literally drove it out of the showroom and enjoyed the hell out of it for 5 years. Now I think I'm ready to come back into the fold and would like some advice from you guys on the model I've selected.

After considering the different options on each model, I think I've decided on a 2008 T4R Sport Edition 4x4. My kids and I do a lot of outdoor stuff (camping, hiking, etc), so I want the ability to get out in the woods without worrying about getting stuck. At the same time, I have an hour long commute to and from work each day, so fuel economy is also a consideration. I should note that this will be my only vehicle. At this point, I think the V6 configuration would best suit my needs. I don't do a great deal of towing, so it would seem that the V8 might be overkill. I guess this is my primary question: what am I sacrificing by going with the V6? It appears that the V6 offers slightly better fuel economy. What other considerations should I be aware of? What about reliability? Any common problems I should be aware of with the 2008 SE? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Frank

 

[Milam]

I was in the same boat as you were as far as being undecided on what car to buy. I was torn btwn a 4R or a Tacoma because of their reliability. I found a great deal on my 4R and I'm very happy with the choice I made. I did a few things to it right off the bat and my fuel economy when down due to what I've done. This is my daily driver as well and have a 2 year old that I can't wait to get out into the outdoors with. I believe that this would be a great choice.

 

[SantaCruzOM]

Thanks for the response. I am in the exact same boat as you were, actually. I have been bouncing back and forth between the Tacoma and the T4R. The truck is more practical, but my heart is with the 4R.

 

[galactic_04]

Look at some of the other threads on the people looking at buying 4runners. There's a lot not too far downt he page. For the engine, I'd go with the V6. You have 50 ft.lbs less torque but it's a higher-revving engine as well so you really don't feel much of the difference. I was surprised with the V8 when I drove them back to back and went with the V6 cause it really didn't feel faster. Unless you're towing you won't notice much.

Since you do outdoors stuff a lot, get a 4wd 4runner and look for one with the rear diff locker. If you can, drive a V6 and V8 back to back and see what you like though. I've seen a lot of V8's on here claiming 17mpg, but seen a lot in the dealership getting 14-15 on the screen. My v6 sits at about 18.7-19.5 on the screen... I love it.

 

[BobbyZee]

I owned a 03 Tacoma for over 2 years and now driving 05 4runner. I would go with 4runner without question. It has much smoother ride for an SUV and will all the work you would expect from a truck. 4WD would work like a charm. I would go with V6 as you wont be doing much towing. GO 4R!

 

[Swammy]

My 2 cents

I own a 07 SE 4runner and it has 75,000 miles on it

I bought it new and use it on the road and off road on job sites

I drive it long distance and short distance, just put a new set of tires on it and have yet to do a break job because the mechanic says it doesn't need it

I live in Syracuse NY, we we get 100 feet of snow and have never got stuck

This is the best vehicle I have ever owned and I'll buy another one when I have to in the next 10 or 20 years

22miles mpg on highway with V6

Resale is great too

My wife owns a Highlander and she loves it

Swammy

 

[SantaCruzOM]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the encouraging responses. I will admit that I'm a bit spoiled from a mileage perspective. For the last 5 years I've been driving an '03 Volvo sedan, the "safe and practical car". It's been a great commute car. It averages 28 mpg. I've gotten as much as 34 mpg on long trips. I really can't complain about the Volvo. That said, I'm feeling a very strong urge to get back to my roots, so to speak (my '88 4R was my all time favorite vehicle.) The Volvo is hard to beat, but in my pursuit of an active lifestyle for my kids and myself, I'm having to confront the fact that the Volvo has severe limitations. I just hope I don't regret the choice to go to an SUV when gas prices skyrocket next year....

 

[Nuke]

I have an '08 Sport V6 and I tow. I towed with my 3rd gen 3.6L and with my 2nd gen 3.slow. I'd consider the V8 ONLY becasue I tow farther now than I used to but still, the V6 is a very good performer.

Mileage wise, the V6 seems to get about 2-3 MPG better on average than the V8. I do a lot of long distance driving and average 19-20 MPG at 70-75 MPH and 24-25 MPG at 50-55 MPH (all hand calculated). Extrapolate from there.

 

[Climb14er]

The Volvo is hard to beat, but in my pursuit of an active lifestyle for my kids and myself, I'm having to confront the fact that the Volvo has severe limitations. I just hope I don't regret the choice to go to an SUV when gas prices skyrocket next year....

Honestly, if you're having ANY negative feelings about the mileage on the V6 now, when fuel prices do rise, and they will, you will feel even more so when you're paying four bucks a gallon in California... or more.

I drive a V8 2007 4 x 4 and the miles/per/gallon are even less than the V6. However, I knew that going in so that's life so-to-speak.

The old adage 'if you have to worry about the mpg before buying a vehicle, then don't buy it' holds true in many cases.

I absolutely recommend both the V6 and V8 4Runners to folks who want a vehicle that can do A LOT. The active lifestyle is IMHO what the 4Runner is all about. Plus safety and reliability.

If you've having second thoughts due to mpg, then take a look at a Subaru. You're giving up room and a whole lot more but here in Colorado as in California, Subarus have a cult-like following.

I'm simply trying to bring things to a realistic level and what many of see is higher fuel prices.

There's a ton of info on this forum and if you do the searches you'll find many folks who simply enjoy their 4Runner for many reasons. And they do understand that fuel cost is a trade-off for a really A+ vehicle.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[hgill]

Honestly, if you're having ANY negative feelings about the mileage on the V6 now, when fuel prices do rise, and they will, you will feel even more so when you're paying four bucks a gallon in California... or more.

I drive a V8 2007 4 x 4 and the miles/per/gallon are even less than the V6. However, I knew that going in so that's life so-to-speak.

The old adage 'if you have to worry about the mpg before buying a vehicle, then don't buy it' holds true in many cases.

I absolutely recommend both the V6 and V8 4Runners to folks who want a vehicle that can do A LOT. The active lifestyle is IMHO what the 4Runner is all about. Plus safety and reliability.

If you've having second thoughts due to mpg, then take a look at a Subaru. You're giving up room and a whole lot more but here in Colorado as in California, Subarus have a cult-like following.

I'm simply trying to bring things to a realistic level and what many of see is higher fuel prices.

There's a ton of info on this forum and if you do the searches you'll find many folks who simply enjoy their 4Runner for many reasons. And they do understand that fuel cost is a trade-off for a really A+ vehicle.

Good luck with your choice.

:thumb3::thumb3::thumb3::thanks:

 

[SantaCruzOM]

Honestly, if you're having ANY negative feelings about the mileage on the V6 now, when fuel prices do rise, and they will, you will feel even more so when you're paying four bucks a gallon in California... or more.

I drive a V8 2007 4 x 4 and the miles/per/gallon are even less than the V6. However, I knew that going in so that's life so-to-speak.

The old adage 'if you have to worry about the mpg before buying a vehicle, then don't buy it' holds true in many cases.

I absolutely recommend both the V6 and V8 4Runners to folks who want a vehicle that can do A LOT. The active lifestyle is IMHO what the 4Runner is all about. Plus safety and reliability.

If you've having second thoughts due to mpg, then take a look at a Subaru. You're giving up room and a whole lot more but here in Colorado as in California, Subarus have a cult-like following.

I'm simply trying to bring things to a realistic level and what many of see is higher fuel prices.

There's a ton of info on this forum and if you do the searches you'll find many folks who simply enjoy their 4Runner for many reasons. And they do understand that fuel cost is a trade-off for a really A+ vehicle.

Good luck with your choice.

Thank you. Great points. It's often hard to yield to reason when you're thinking about a purchase like this. The excitement takes over and it's all too easy to drop your guard and lose a realistic perspective on what you're doing.

I should note that I am located in South Georgia, though my screenname implies California. SantaCruzOM refers to the make and model of acoustic guitar I play. It was made in Santa Cruz, Ca. however.