Picking a 4th Gen T4R: milage vs trim package

[poser]

I'm fairly new here, and still lurking and still hoping to pick up my first T4R.
I'm selling my Tundra and as soon as I do I'll be picking one up.

What I want is fairly hard to find in my area, 2003/2004 V6 4wd, well hard to find without a salvage title, crazy high miles are over priced.

There's two that I'm watching on Craigslist. Both 2003.
One of them is red SR5 (that's the base model correct?) 140,000 miles. Leather seats and sun roof (not that big of a deal to me), but the clear coat on the roof and hood is flaking.
The other is a black sports edition. It's got the cool hood scope and rear "spoiler" thing. THe paint is in great shape. But it has 170,000 miles.

I like the black one better, but how bad is that extra 30k miles? If I averaged the miles out, it's how many miles I'd have put on my tundra if it were that old.

Question about the sports edition: isn't the suspension upgraded or something?

thanks!

 

[preacher35]

I'm fairly new here, and still lurking and still hoping to pick up my first T4R.
I'm selling my Tundra and as soon as I do I'll be picking one up.

What I want is fairly hard to find in my area, 2003/2004 V6 4wd, well hard to find without a salvage title, crazy high miles are over priced.

There's two that I'm watching on Craigslist. Both 2003.
One of them is red SR5 (that's the base model correct?) 140,000 miles. Leather seats and sun roof (not that big of a deal to me), but the clear coat on the roof and hood is flaking.
The other is a black sports edition. It's got the cool hood scope and rear "spoiler" thing. The paint is in great shape. But it has 170,000 miles.

I like the black one better, but how bad is that extra 30k miles? If I averaged the miles out, it's how many miles I'd have put on my tundra if it were that old.

Question about the sports edition: isn't the suspension upgraded or something?

thanks!

First, WELCOME to T4R.org, from another SE Texan! This is the best place to get information and help for all of your 4Runner issues!

Second, yes, the SR5 is the "base" model, but that is not a bad thing.

Third, the Sport Edition has a few upgrades, one of them being the XREAS suspension system. Essentially, this means that all four shock absorbers are hydraulically linked together, so that when you are turning your vehicle, hydraulic fluid is pushed to the shocks on the side of the vehicle that is "away" from the turn to prevent the vehicle from "leaning" away from said turn. Thus, your cornering is much improved. XREAS is pretty cool, until it begins to leak. Most XREAS systems begin to leak around 120k miles. It is at that point that most of us, here on T4R.org, begin to switch to a more conventional suspension setup, albeit, lifted.

Fourth, regarding whether or not the 30k mileage difference is an issue, depends COMPLETELY on how the previous owner/s maintained the vehicle in question. I think you know what I am getting at here.

 

[progress4m]

I agree with “preacher35” comments and in addition I would recommend reading J.A. Web site Top4Runners.com - Toyota 4Runner Informational Website (he is a member here) as it has a lot of great info and will answers many of your questions!

Also, since you are looking at V6 (especially with over 100K on the clock and older models), pay close attention to head gaskets issue that V6 can have;

Good luck!

 

[poser]

First, WELCOME to T4R.org, from another SE Texan! This is the best place to get information and help for all of your 4Runner issues!

Second, yes, the SR5 is the "base" model, but that is not a bad thing.

Third, the Sport Edition has a few upgrades, one of them being the XREAS suspension system. Essentially, this means that all four shock absorbers are hydraulically linked together, so that when you are turning your vehicle, hydraulic fluid is pushed to the shocks on the side of the vehicle that is "away" from the turn to prevent the vehicle from "leaning" away from said turn. Thus, your cornering is much improved. XREAS is pretty cool, until it begins to leak. Most XREAS systems begin to leak around 120k miles. It is at that point that most of us, here on T4R.org, begin to switch to a more conventional suspension setup, albeit, lifted.

Fourth, regarding whether or not the 30k mileage difference is an issue, depends COMPLETELY on how the previous owner/s maintained the vehicle in question. I think you know what I am getting at here.

I agree with “preacher35” comments and in addition I would recommend reading J.A. Web site Top4Runners.com - Toyota 4Runner Informational Website (he is a member here) as it has a lot of great info and will answers many of your questions!

Also, since you are looking at V6 (especially with over 100K on the clock and older models), pay close attention to head gaskets issue that V6 can have;

Good luck!

Thanks for the replies :thumb3:
Yeah, I'll have to try and get a feel from the owners best I what type of life the cars had. One positive about down here, no salt on the roads, so it helps with rusting. Some of the pics of the XREAS I've seen, they were pretty rusted up.

Unfortunately in my price range, everything has 140k miles or more on the clock.
Good thoughts on the head gaskets. I'll look for leaks or freshly cleaned engine bays.

There are more V8s available down here in 4wd (well AWD), but I'm wanting the v6 for the fuel mileage advantage. And lets be honest, I don't need AWD down here.
That brings up a question: are all V8 T4Rs AWD? Or are there 2wd and AWD models?

preahcer35 - are you a really a preacher or pastor? or is the just your SN?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The V8's came in 2WD and "All-Time 4WD" (there's a distinction as AWD intones there is no low range of 4WD gearing, like a Subaru or Audi Quattro system, where as our transfer cases have High & Low Range gearing like a true 4WD vehicle) which basically means the 4WD V8 models have only 4Hi and 4Lo. To be honest, you won't really notice a significant difference in terms of fuel mileage/drivability if you ran the V6 in 4Hi or drove the V8 4WD; Toyota did a great job of making the system very flexible and road worthy compared to say older Domestic vehicles that you could feel the axles binding up when in "AWD" mode.

That being said, the fuel mileage in real world driving typically isn't far off from the V6 and I'll be frank... if 1-2 MPG is that big a deal for you, you're buying the wrong vehicle. Perhaps a Prius V may be a better option at that point or a Hybrid Highlander? barfn both those...)

The V8 4WD models have a slightly larger front differential than the V6 units, they as mentioned lack the ADD actuator on the front differential. The V8's also came with a 5spd "Sealed" Automatic Transmission, where a the V6's did not get the 5spd as a standard transmission until about '05 if I remember correctly. The V8's also came with frame mounted weight distributing tow hitch that is of higher rating than the V6.

The Sport Editions have larger brake rotors and calipers than the SR5 and some Limiteds (the larger brakes were optional on Limiteds.) You also get the nifty non-function hoodscoop (outside of the US there's a diesel option and its used for airflow to the top-mounted intercooler, inside the US it just looks cool.) You also get the XREAS system as [MENTION=89791]preacher35[/MENTION] mentioned, which isn't a bad system; but is expensive to fix when it does go bad (but easy to change over to traditional shocks when the time comes or a lift kit) and typically is better for on-road performance than off-road performance. There's some minor exterior stuff like color matched grill and trim, as well as running boards and such that come standard on the Sport Edition; otherwise there isn't too much else.

Best of luck.

 

[progress4m]

......That brings up a question: are all V8 T4Rs AWD? Or are there 2wd and AWD models?
...

You can get V8 AWD (4WD) or V8 with 2WD model only;

Just FYI: V8 AWD (4WD) is the same mode that V6 has when it is switched from 2 WD to 4WD;

Understand your idea on V6 for gas mileage savings.. in real life it is about 1 to 1.5 mpg better with V6;

 

[poser]

The V8's came in 2WD and "All-Time 4WD" (there's a distinction as AWD intones there is no low range of 4WD gearing, like a Subaru or Audi Quattro system, where as our transfer cases have High & Low Range gearing like a true 4WD vehicle) which basically means the 4WD V8 models have only 4Hi and 4Lo. To be honest, you won't really notice a significant difference in terms of fuel mileage/drivability if you ran the V6 in 4Hi or drove the V8 4WD; Toyota did a great job of making the system very flexible and road worthy compared to say older Domestic vehicles that you could feel the axles binding up when in "AWD" mode.

That being said, the fuel mileage in real world driving typically isn't far off from the V6 and I'll be frank... if 1-2 MPG is that big a deal for you, you're buying the wrong vehicle. Perhaps a Prius V may be a better option at that point or a Hybrid Highlander? barfn both those...)

The V8 4WD models have a slightly larger front differential than the V6 units, they as mentioned lack the ADD actuator on the front differential. The V8's also came with a 5spd "Sealed" Automatic Transmission, where a the V6's did not get the 5spd as a standard transmission until about '05 if I remember correctly. The V8's also came with frame mounted weight distributing tow hitch that is of higher rating than the V6.

The Sport Editions have larger brake rotors and calipers than the SR5 and some Limiteds (the larger brakes were optional on Limiteds.) You also get the nifty non-function hoodscoop (outside of the US there's a diesel option and its used for airflow to the top-mounted intercooler, inside the US it just looks cool.) You also get the XREAS system as [MENTION=89791]preacher35[/MENTION] mentioned, which isn't a bad system; but is expensive to fix when it does go bad (but easy to change over to traditional shocks when the time comes or a lift kit) and typically is better for on-road performance than off-road performance. There's some minor exterior stuff like color matched grill and trim, as well as running boards and such that come standard on the Sport Edition; otherwise there isn't too much else.

Best of luck.

You can get V8 AWD (4WD) or V8 with 2WD model only;

Just FYI: V8 AWD (4WD) is the same mode that V6 has when it is switched from 2 WD to 4WD;

Understand your idea on V6 for gas mileage savings.. in real life it is about 1 to 1.5 mpg better with V6;

Great info, thanks!
Only 1-2 mpg isn't a big deal, but I thought I remembered reading somewhere, that "real world' mileage of the v8 was about 16-17 and the v6 19-20, and some guys seeing 21 on smooth highway. I guess I need to do some more searching and reading on here.

which one is better for longevity? And how hard is the V8 to work on. I imagine the v6 is a tight fit and the v8 a really tight fit. I do like the idea of high tow capacity for sure. COming from a Tundra 5.7 I'm use to being able to hook up to just about anything and haul it LOL

 

[preacher35]

Thanks for the replies :thumb3:
Yeah, I'll have to try and get a feel from the owners best I what type of life the cars had. One positive about down here, no salt on the roads, so it helps with rusting. Some of the pics of the XREAS I've seen, they were pretty rusted up.

Unfortunately in my price range, everything has 140k miles or more on the clock.
Good thoughts on the head gaskets. I'll look for leaks or freshly cleaned engine bays.

There are more V8s available down here in 4wd (well AWD), but I'm wanting the v6 for the fuel mileage advantage. And lets be honest, I don't need AWD down here.
That brings up a question: are all V8 T4Rs AWD? Or are there 2wd and AWD models?

preahcer35 - are you a really a preacher or pastor? or is the just your SN?

No, I am not a preacher or pastor. Now, that being said, I used to have a radio show where we talked about End Times prophecy, Scripture and the supernatural. Everyone began calling me "preacher", due to the research and show content, so it stuck. I have already said too much. Anyway, the V8 only gets about 2 less mpg than the V6. I wish I could go back in time and get the V8, but the V6 will do.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Great info, thanks!
Only 1-2 mpg isn't a big deal, but I thought I remembered reading somewhere, that "real world' mileage of the v8 was about 16-17 and the v6 19-20, and some guys seeing 21 on smooth highway. I guess I need to do some more searching and reading on here.

which one is better for longevity? And how hard is the V8 to work on. I imagine the v6 is a tight fit and the v8 a really tight fit. I do like the idea of high tow capacity for sure. Coming from a Tundra 5.7 I'm use to being able to hook up to just about anything and haul it LOL

The 1GR-FE & 2UZ-FE are strong engines and typically don't have too many issues (the timing belt being a big factor on the 2UZ-FE's and the somewhat uncommon, but prevalent cylinderhead gasket issue on the 1GR-FE's being a big factory for them)

Working on the 2UZ-FE isn't too bad as long as you don't have to take off the exhaust manifolds, they tend to be a big pain in the arse. Changing the spark plugs on the 2UZ-FE's isn't that hard, nor is changing the timing belt too difficult.

The 2UZ-FE is a pretty good engine, not as powerful as your 3UR-FE equipped Tundra; but its still a solid engine.

 

[RunnerAK]

Owning both a stock 4WD V6 and 4WD V8, in our experience the fuel mileage difference more like 3-4 mpg.

Our V6 consistently gets 17-18mpg in town, and around 24mpg on the highway, while my V8 gets only 14mpg in town and 19-20mpg on the highway (hand calculated).

For reference; the highway speeds are only 55-65mph up here, neither of us has a lead foot, and we don't use the A/C much, all of which aid fuel economy. The V6 doesn't seem to care whether it is in 2WD or 4WD, the gas mileage stays pretty much the same.

Edit: As far as trim packages, the only thing that our Limited has that I wish was on our SR5 is the steering wheel stereo controls.

 

[poser]

Owning both a stock 4WD V6 and 4WD V8, in our experience the fuel mileage difference more like 3-4 mpg.

Our V6 consistently gets 17-18mpg in town, and around 24mpg on the highway, while my V8 gets only 14mpg in town and 19-20mpg on the highway (hand calculated).

For reference; the highway speeds are only 55-65mph up here, neither of us has a lead foot, and we don't use the A/C much, all of which aid fuel economy. The V6 doesn't seem to care whether it is in 2WD or 4WD, the gas mileage stays pretty much the same.

Edit: As far as trim packages, the only thing that our Limited has that I wish was on our SR5 is the steering wheel stereo controls.

Sounds like about a 20% difference then. Thats the difference in me spending $200 per month in fuel and $160 per month (for example). That's two trips to the local MX track.

 

[robaroni]

If you have the VIN# you can check to see if the owner serviced their vehicle at a Toyota dealer. Just create an account and enter the VIN. I'm not as dealer guy because I have my own mechanic that I trust more but I was able to determine that my T4R got all its required services.

Toyota Owners Official Web Site: Service Coupons, Owner's Manuals, Service Scheduling And More

 

[Martinjmpr]

Sounds like about a 20% difference then. Thats the difference in me spending $200 per month in fuel and $160 per month (for example). That's two trips to the local MX track.

Yes, but that was on an '06 which has a 5 speed auto. The 03 and 04 V6 models have the A340 4 speed so I doubt you'd get MPG that good.

I believe one of the advantages of the 5 speed auto was increased MPG in the V6 models, though I don't know for sure. My '07 has the 5 speed and I love it.

 

[progress4m]

Yes, but that was on an '06 which has a 5 speed auto. The 03 and 04 V6 models have the A340 4 speed so I doubt you'd get MPG that good.

....QUOTE]

Agree with that… also “RunnerAK” reports 24 MPG on hwy which probably less than 5% V6 4Runner can achieve…. as most people will not drive 55 mph with tail wind all the time;
With V8, my best average mileage I ever got was 21.5 mpg (hand calculated) during over 3000 miles family trip from Texas to Yellowstone and back; that was before my current setup with lift and AT (oversized tires);
With current setup, my average millage (city\hwy\hunting\family trips) for the past 4 years is ranging from 17.2 to 19.1 mpg (hand calculated); when I tow (4500 Lbs travel trailer) it drops to 14.5 mpg;

 

[poser]

Who am I kidding? The more I look and read around, it won't be that long before I'm doing things to it that hurt the mileage anyway LOL.
I put a 3" + 1" level kit and slightly oversized tires on my Tundra. I will probably do something similar to that.
As long as it gets better than the Tundra, I should be happy.
Looking at the V8 opens my options a little, I don't have to be picky about engine.
It's the 4wd thats tough to find (with reasonable miles and clean title)

side note, what's with people selling vehicles with a salvage or rebuilt title for premium prices?

 

[progress4m]

Who am I kidding? The more I look and read around, it won't be that long before I'm doing things to it that hurt the mileage anyway LOL. ...

I know.... I feel your pain... :sobbing: LOL:laugh:

...
side note, what's with people selling vehicles with a salvage or rebuilt title for premium prices?

I think those are people who believe that "There's a sucker born every minute"…

 

[Dylan]

I have a small case of Lead Foot Syndrome, and my V8 still gets about 16 mpg city during the warmer months. Winter time, with the different gas mixture, it's normally around 14-15 mpg city. Keep in mind the V8 will show less of a drop in mpg if you run larger tires and other things like armor or added weight that would normally drop mpg. It honestly is a negligible difference in mpg, but a difference nonetheless if you really care. Like [MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] said, if you're buying this vehicle for the fuel economy, then you may want to reconsider. Yet either model will get better mpg than the 5.7L, I think my buddy says his gets about 11 mpg. There are certainly differences between the two options, but for me mpg is not a real concern with a 4x4 truck. Plus the throaty V8 sounds pretty cool, especially if you put an exhaust kit on it later. Some things to think about. Either way, the 4th gen is a sweet vehicle.

 

[preacher35]

I think those are people who believe that "There's a sucker born every minute"…

Damn, I was going to say that exact same thing... er, with maybe a joke about liberals thrown in.

 

[Sporin]

Having just gone through the used 4Runner search I wound up having to balance a lot of factors to get the best truck.

Set a budget and go look at everything you can in that budget. For me, I initially didn't want a Sport, and wanted under a certain mileage. But after looking at so much junk, I would up in a Sport with higher mileage than I wanted but in MUCH better condition with way better mechanical records.

So even though I had a list of "I wants" at the end of the day it came down to condition being #1 with compromise on other wants.

That's just me, shopping around the $10k mark here in northern New England.

Not sure if it's been mentioned yet but the 03-04 V6's seem to be the ones most effected by the headgasket issue (do a search, lots of reading).

 

[poser]

The Tundra sold this afternoon, so the search is officially on!