New 4runner...

[T4R402]

Hey guys, great site. Been browsing around and reading up on 4 runners. I'm in the market for a new car, and I'm leaning towards a 4runner, V8. I don't tow or anything but I want the power of one. I was wondering if there are anything to look out for when buying.
I've found one so far. 05, 16K on the clock, V8, SR5 4x4. Their asking $27,995, I believe its certified. thoughts on the price? I have a link if anyone is that intrested. I was wondering the different engine options and what not. If someone could fill me in on these trucks, I'd appreciate it. Thanks

 

[Fuzion]

Engines
V6
V8
2WD
4WD
FULL TIME 4WD

Some advice - about 4 months ago when I was looking at 2007 runners. I was able to find a good deal for an 07 4x4 V6 sport for $27k. gOOD luck

 

[T4R402]

Are their variations of the engines? More hp versions and what not? How about the power from the V6 to the V8? I'm looking V8 4x4 at the moment.

 

[snhrph]

www.edmunds.com will provide you with a lot of basic info on the different option as well as pricing.

Given the choice, I would pay a little more for a new truck.

As for the engine options - if you do not plan on towing a trailer or a boat, the V-6 will serve just fine. V-8 is an awesome powerplant, but does not justify the mpg difference: I get 20 mpg on V-6 and 16.2 mpg on V-8. That's almost 20% difference. Consider how many miles you drive.

 

[alaskaman]

try carmax.com to research prices for the vehicle you are interested in. a national search should give you some ballpark ideas on price. then try toyota certified. it will locate that (if available) vehicle and price it. you should be able to negotiate the price and get the vehicle with the toyota warranty if you call the dealer with the car. you may have to travel to pick it up but hey....

 

[TRBenj]

V-8 is an awesome powerplant, but does not justify the mpg difference: I get 20 mpg on V-6 and 16.2 mpg on V-8. That's almost 20% difference. Consider how many miles you drive.

I disagree. I assume youre comparing your V6 4Runner to your V8 GX470? Remember the GX is heavier and taller, so MPG will suffer. The consensus here seems to be ~2mpg difference between the V6 and V8. Thats consistent with what Ive seen on mine- I get ~19 in the summer and 17-18 in the winter.

Edmunds will show the basics, but heres a quick rundown.

V6 has been the same since '03. The hp rating changed in '06 due to Toyota switching to a different rating system (the engine itself was unchanged). The V8 went from 235hp to 270hp in '05 with the addition of vvt-i. The rating dropped in '06 due to the new rating system as well (engine is unchanged since '05).

All V8's are full time 4wd, and have always had the 5sp auto. The V6's are part time 4wd and got the 5sp in '05 ('03-04 got the 4sp).

There was a subtle styling change in '06 which changed the front clip (bumber, lights, grill), the tail lights, and the fender flares.

I think the price on the '05 you mentioned is way high. You should be able to get a leftover (new) '07 SR5 V8 for that kind of money. Even an '08 would only be a little (maybe $1k) more.

 

[T4R402]

I can live with traveling a little for what I want. I'll def have to take a V6 and V8 and see which I like more. I mainly do about 35 highway miles one way so I suppose gas may come into play. Thanks for the info about the engines. May sound stupid but does the V6 have the vvt?

 

[alaskaman]

I think that you are being smart about this. I also looked at the 8 and the 6. I decided on the 6 as I wanted 2WD for highway cruising and I don't tow much of anything which would warrant the 8. In addition, I found the 6 quite powerful and capable. From 40 to 80 is just over 3 seconds getting on the freeway with power to spare.

 

[alaskaman]

CarMax link

http://www.carmax.com/dyn/search/searchresults.aspx?N=4294966548

 

[T4R402]

Thanks for the replies, is there anything I should watch out for? Common problems with these trucks?

 

[alaskaman]

the 03's had some issues. since then they have become more refined. seat rattles, sun roof having sticking/closing issues and sulfur smells from what I have read. but most of those did not survive into the later years..........others may know more..........

 

[T4R402]

Good to know, I'm looking at prob 04 at the very oldest but more towards a 05-07. Can someone explain the vvt-i system, or point me in a direction. I've been driving a 4x4 explorer for years so alot of this is new. Like the center locking diff.

 

[ALt4r]

Are their variations of the engines? More hp versions and what not? How about the power from the V6 to the V8? I'm looking V8 4x4 at the moment.

Good to know, I'm looking at prob 04 at the very olders but more towards a 05-07. Can someone explain the vvt-i system, or point me in a direction. I've been driving a 4x4 explorer for years so alot of this is new. Like the center locking diff.

Versions of the 4runner after 2005 get a horsepower gain on v8 models as said by wikipedia and also this page.

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist42005.html


5. 2UZ-FE Engine A VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) system has been newly adopted to improve fuel economy and engine performance, and reduce exhaust emissions. An ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction System) has been newly adopted to increase the power output of the engine. Air injection system is newly adopted. This system uses an electric air pump for pumping air from the electric air pump to exhaust port of the cylinder head. This ensures the proper warm-up performance of TWC when starting a cold engine condition. The tailpipe emission regulation has been changed from ULEV to LEVII-ULEV. The evaporative emission control system has been changed in order to comply with the LEV-II evaporative emission regulations. To reduce exhaust gases, the number of TWCs (Three-way catalytic Converters) in the front exhaust pipe has been changed from one to two. The Compression Ratio is now 10.0:1 while the 2004 model was 9.6:1. Horsepower goes to 270 from 245. Torque goes to 330 from 315 ft. lbs.


Also over in the offroad section Thai put up a nice sticky about differentials, lockers, etc. I don't believe it's 4Runner specific but you should be able to find what you are looking for.
http://toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52

 

[jonhul]

"All V8's are full time 4wd, and have always had the 5sp auto. The V6's are part time 4wd and got the 5sp in '05"

My 06 V8 is not 4wd. It is definitely 2wd and as far as mileage goes- 17 in town and 20 on the hiway. I have a hair over 25K miles and the mpg is actual, not the computer.

 

[alaskaman]

you have the only 2WD V8 made.

merry christmas. :bigok:

 

[snhrph]

I disagree. I assume youre comparing your V6 4Runner to your V8 GX470? Remember the GX is heavier and taller, so MPG will suffer. The consensus here seems to be ~2mpg difference between the V6 and V8. Thats consistent with what Ive seen on mine- I get ~19 in the summer and 17-18 in the winter.

Yes, your assumption is correct, and you make a valid point about GX being taller and heavier.

I think the price on the '05 you mentioned is way high. You should be able to get a leftover (new) '07 SR5 V8 for that kind of money. Even an '08 would only be a little (maybe $1k) more.

The price quoted for '05 is definitely high. However, I doubt that he could get an '08 with V-8 close to that price. May be a leftover '07 , if there are any left. Considering the current $3K rebate Toyota offers, I think that '07s are a part of history by now.

 

[alaskaman]

in my limited experience......tells me that an individual will get their best price over the internet with an established dealer?

my 07 sport V6 4x4 OTD was just over 32K with no haggle and a $1,500 rebate. that included audio controls side and curtain air bags, standard radio/cd player tow hitch and floor mats.

 

[Barefoot]

you have the only 2WD V8 made.

There's plenty of them in California, Texas, Florida, and at least one in Maryland...

 

[T4R402]

Thanks for all the imput guys, keep it coming.

 

[Uneek]

"All V8's are full time 4wd, and have always had the 5sp auto. The V6's are part time 4wd and got the 5sp in '05"

The 4WD V6 are also full time 4WD like their V8 counterparts, except it has the option to be in 2WD. The V6 does not have a part time system--it can be driven in 4WD on any surface conditions and all day long.