Newer V6 or Older V8?

[C.Rocks]

If all else was the same as far as mileage, condition, maintenance and both cars were bone stock, would YOU choose the older V8 or the newer V6? Why?

I'm honestly just looking for opinions from those out there driving these cars in the real world. 4WD is a must, so I guess also consider that both cars would be 4WD. And light towing would occasionally be necessary, >3000lbs for relatively short distances.

A second, unrelated question: how much are YOU willing to pay for low mileage? Again, all other factors being the same, is it worth it to dish out say an extra 2000-4000 dollars to get relatively the same car but with 20,000 less miles? 40,000 less miles? When is "less mileage" worth the extra money?

Obviously I'd want to get the newest car in the best condition with the lowest miles. But when it comes to 140,000 vs 160,000 is there really a noticeable difference?

All comments and opinions welcome, whether you're a mechanic who's not afraid of mileage or problems and can tackle most/all repairs on your own, or you're an average joe/jane buying a daily driver

 

[bkim7]

If all else was the same as far as mileage, condition, maintenance and both cars were bone stock, would YOU choose the older V8 or the newer V6? Why?

I'm honestly just looking for opinions from those out there driving these cars in the real world. 4WD is a must, so I guess also consider that both cars would be 4WD. And light towing would occasionally be necessary, >3000lbs for relatively short distances.

A second, unrelated question: how much are YOU willing to pay for low mileage? Again, all other factors being the same, is it worth it to dish out say an extra 2000-4000 dollars to get relatively the same car but with 20,000 less miles? 40,000 less miles? When is "less mileage" worth the extra money?

Obviously I'd want to get the newest car in the best condition with the lowest miles. But when it comes to 140,000 vs 160,000 is there really a noticeable difference?

All comments and opinions welcome, whether you're a mechanic who's not afraid of mileage or problems and can tackle most/all repairs on your own, or you're an average joe/jane buying a daily driver

Something to keep in mind with V8 vs V6: V8s with 4wd are full-time and V6s with 4wd are part-time.

To answer your question, I would go with the V8 simply because I live in the midwest and the full-time 4wd is much better on snowy roads.

 

[Bumbo]

Something to keep in mind with V8 vs V6: V8s with 4wd are full-time and V6s with 4wd are part-time.

To answer your question, I would go with the V8 simply because I live in the midwest and the full-time 4wd is much better on snowy roads.

You do understand that by putting the v6 into 4WD with the center differential unlocked, it functions 100% exactly the same as the v8.

The ONLY difference is the V6 can operate in 2WD. Other than that, both are the same. Both can operate with the TC unlocked or locked.

Sometimes I switch my v6 into 4WD unlocked (AWD aka full-time 4WD), on dry pavement, just because I can.

 

[Bumbo]

[MENTION=427893]C.Rocks[/MENTION]

I really love my V6, the 1GR-FE motor really is fantastic. That said, I would want the V8, only because I have always wanted one.

• Gas mileage is about the same, at least the delta isn’t enough for me to care at all.
• 4WD/AWD modes for the work part on both are the same. V6 just has the ability to operate in 2WD as well.
• V8 resale is better as time progresses because it’s a popular want for enthusiasts.

I would be happy to own either, but I would put my money into the one which is overall in better condition or the one that just looks better maintained. I have 200k on my V6 and I feel like it has plenty of runway left. So, I would not dish out 2-4k more to get 20k less on the clock. 2-4k buys you a lot in the way of repair, maintenance, upkeep.

 

[C.Rocks]

[MENTION=427893]C.Rocks[/MENTION]
2-4k buys you a lot in the way of repair, maintenance, upkeep.

That’s what I imagined. I figure the money I’d save would be put to better use. I’m having a hard time finding a V8, and the V6’s I’m finding jump way up in price with every 10,000 miles less they have.

I found a well maintained and decently clean 2006 SR5 4WD with 180,000 miles for $3000 less than two other cars with 130k-140k, also V6 4WD

 

[C.Rocks]

Something to keep in mind with V8 vs V6: V8s with 4wd are full-time and V6s with 4wd are part-time.

To answer your question, I would go with the V8 simply because I live in the midwest and the full-time 4wd is much better on snowy roads.

Don’t live in the snow yet, but I plan to. What advantage does the V8 have?

 

[Bumbo]

Don’t live in the snow yet, but I plan to. What advantage does the V8 have?

None regarding the 4WD system, it's the same, read what I wrote above.

Edit:
Unlocked center differential allows slip, which is beneficial in snow driving as you don’t really scrub / break traction when turning. It functions similar to how a Audi or Subaru would. It’s a fully mechanical limited slip.

Locked center differential provides 1:1 power ratio between the front and rear drive axles. Ideal for off-road driving.

Both V6 and V8 can operate in this manner.

 

[bkim7]

Don’t live in the snow yet, but I plan to. What advantage does the V8 have?

Just so you know, I have never driven a V6 4runner so keep that in mind. The V8 has more power and torque and it can tow more than the V6. Resale value will be better on the V8 models as well.

Subjectively, I just like the V8 noises when I floor it too.

From what I've seen, both the 4.7 L V8 and 4.0 L V6 are excellent motors.

 

[bkim7]

You do understand that by putting the v6 into 4WD with the center differential unlocked, it functions 100% exactly the same as the v8.

The ONLY difference is the V6 can operate in 2WD. Other than that, both are the same. Both can operate with the TC unlocked or locked.

Sometimes I switch my v6 into 4WD unlocked (AWD aka full-time 4WD), on dry pavement, just because I can.

Thank you for this. I did not know the V6's 4WD system can be driven unlocked.

 

[Stampeed Valkyrie]

You have to ask yourself how much towing if any are you doing? If quite abit then aim for the V8. If not so much and not too heavy then the V6 will be fine.

The power output for the V8 also changed later in the 4th gen production run.. early V8's put out less power then the V6, but more torque. Later production V8's more power and more torque.

When I was looking to replace my 98 T4R I drove V8's and V6's both were night and day different from the 3.4 V6 in my 3rd gen. I was not willing to pay the premium price for something I may never not use.. not to mention I didn't want to deal with a timing belt.. so V6.

 

[Captsolo]

I don't believe the 2020 4runners come with the V8 option any longer. Just the V6.

So, in ten years where are you going to get parts?

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

I don't believe the 2020 4runners come with the V8 option any longer. Just the V6.

So, in ten years where are you going to get parts?

I don't even know where to start with this statement....:lmao:

 

[4RunnerB]

I’m personally really happy with my 2005 Sport V6 4wd, which I purchased at ~170,000 mi and is now at 207,000 mi. I’ve never driven a V8 4Runner, but I seldom tow and get plenty of power out of this V6. We get some snow here in OR in the winter, and I do light off-road driving to go camping, and then I like being able to drive in 2wd the rest of the time. I do minor repairs myself and would rather pay a few thousand less even if it had 25,000 miles more on the OD, as long as I thought the previous owner took reasonable care of it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AceSpades]

Towing >3000 pounds you definitely want the V8

I don't believe the 2020 4runners come with the V8 option any longer. Just the V6.

So, in ten years where are you going to get parts?

WTH?? I have no problem getting parts for my mid 90s VWs and Toyotas and Mitsubishis.

 

[Elan750]

I had an 05' v6 4runner for a couple years. Was just totaled, and opted to get a higher mileage v8 lexus gx470 (aka the fancy 4runner)
The v6 was great, and had good pickup, etc.. I did have a slow headgasket leak that plagued the 04 +05. Towing was decent taking hauls to the dump, picking up pavers, etc.

The v8 I just got has 207k. It just feels more solid. Its actually quieter too. Obviously theres the timing belt, but if you get one that just had the belt changed, you wont have to worry about it for YEARS. the toyota v8 has been regarded as toyota perfecting the engine. Look at all the tundras now hitting a MILLION MILES! without opening the engine up.

 

[Bumbo]

Thank you for this. I did not know the V6's 4WD system can be driven unlocked.

It’s a great system and one Toyota has used for many years. Similar/same technology is found on the GX and Land Cruiser as well.

Unfortunately they stopped doing this on the 5th gen 4Runners. None of the models except the Limited have this functionality now.

The SR5, Trail / Off-Road / Pro only operate with the TC locked when in 4WD.

 

[dvto2]

I am the original owner of a 2005 Sport v6. If your really need heavy towing I'd get the v8 but the v6 is a great engine. I tow 3000 lbs with little problem. 260k and the engine runs fantastic. Plus, I don't have a timing belt to worry about.