Pros/Cons of different models

[Pitbull410]

Couldn't find a thread on the pros and cons of the different models of 4th gen t4r's, seems like something that should be stickied?

Can someone tell me some different pros and cons between the Limited and sport models? V6 vs V8 models?


I'm looking at 2 different 4runners at the moment and want to make the right decision. One is a 06 Sport model V6, the other is a 07 Limited V8. Both engines equally reliable? gas mileage? I understand the V6 uses a timing chain and the v8 a belt. The Limited also has the 18" wheels which I understand has better tire choices available?

I would be using this vehicle as my daily driver/work vehicle. future plans would include a modest lift and larger tires. Not really interested in offroading/mudding/rock climbing etc.. just want to be able to get places with no worries. I was originally looking for Sport model only for the black cloth seats(not really interested in the leather) but am starting to entertain other models now also..

Thanks for any and all help guys and gals :thumb3:

 

[chaz]

may not be exactly what you are looking for but its a start. i also suggest reading thru some of the maint. threads to get some idea of things that may need attention. Toyota 4Runner History 2003

 

[kevinpt]

I would say a sport would be better if you are going to lift and dont want leather.
also sport will have hood scoop and should have darker chrome. If you find a limited with xreas you have less options on lift

 

[Pitbull410]

Thanks Chaz, a good read! Any personal opinions from experience? Will I regret settling for V6 over V8?

 

[aha2988]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/118603-eternal-question-v6-vs-v8.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/57517-performance-v6-vs-v8.html

two lengthy threads you can gather info and personal opinions from, not trying to brush off your question but as you read into the first thread you'll realize this is a subject that gets beatin to death when it comes up.

main thing to consider is V6 has 2wd option in the 4x4 models and and timing chain and the v8 has no 2wd option in the 4x4 models and has a timing belt (requires replacing every 100,000)

some will disagree but there is little to no difference in gas consumption.

in 2006 the body style changed a little

best thing you can do is go drive them and see what you like and don't like.

 

[Pitbull410]

Thanks for the response, I'll read into the 2 two links you provided. Understandable this is probably an annoying topic to the forum regulars, lol

 

[MikeInNH]

The differences between models don't matter that much to me. When I buy a new vehicle I know what features/options I want. Then I buy accordingly. For ME..the SR5 had ALL the features I need/want. I personally don't like Leather seats...so the limited edition is not one I'd look at. I was looking for a SUV that could tow my pop-up...4wd....power windows and cloth seats. That's about it. Not too many other features I needed. I miss the heated mirrors my Pathfinder had...so I may look at that option for my next SUV. And now that I've owned the 4runner for a few years....I really like the rear window in the 4runner over the rear window in the Pathfinder.

 

[sonerick]

Sounds like the SR5 didn't have all the options you wanted, since you did not get heated mirrors. Sport Editions have heated mirrors.

 

[gaterose]

Sounds like the SR5 didn't have all the options you wanted, since you did not get heated mirrors. Sport Editions have heated mirrors.

As does my Limited.

Limited also gives you automatic headlights, JBL sound system (also avail in other models), 6 way heated driver's seat (2 way passenger), "granite" or "black wood" interior treatment, dual climate control (separate for driver & passenger), 18" wheels ('06+), self dimming/compass rearview, color matched grille, door handles, mirrors, & hatch trim, and maybe a few other items that are also available on other trim levels.

Sport gives you hood scoop, larger brakes, different wheels, tubular steps & rack ('06+), XREAS (which really does not limit your lift options, most lifts will work with either system), 'smoked' chrome, and probably some other things that are available on other levels.

 

[Pitbull410]

Thanks for all the info everyone, been a great help

 

[MikeInNH]

Sounds like the SR5 didn't have all the options you wanted, since you did not get heated mirrors. Sport Editions have heated mirrors.

I really didn't miss it I needed it. It's NOT a deal breaker. And if I really wanted it there are aftermarket alternatives. I'd have to weigh the options that come with a upgraded option and the options I need/want. Compare it to the price I'm willing to pay for it.

Here's an example. My 1990 pathfinder I had to upgrade to the SE model with an Automatic to get intermittent wipers (yea that was one weird combination of options). I didn't want to spend an extra $4000 for an automatic and sunroof I didn't want just to get intermittent wipers which I did want. Luckily I found out I could install intermittent wipers for $60.

 

[sonerick]

As does my Limited.

Limited also gives you automatic headlights, JBL sound system (also avail in other models), 6 way heated driver's seat (2 way passenger), "granite" or "black wood" interior treatment, dual climate control (separate for driver & passenger), 18" wheels ('06+), self dimming/compass rearview, color matched grille, door handles, mirrors, & hatch trim, and maybe a few other items that are also available on other trim levels.

Sport gives you hood scoop, larger brakes, different wheels, tubular steps & rack ('06+), XREAS (which really does not limit your lift options, most lifts will work with either system), 'smoked' chrome, and probably some other things that are available on other levels.

FWIW, the SE also comes with the color-matched grille, door handles, mirror, & hatch trim.

I really didn't miss it I needed it. It's NOT a deal breaker. And if I really wanted it there are aftermarket alternatives. I'd have to weigh the options that come with a upgraded option and the options I need/want. Compare it to the price I'm willing to pay for it.

Here's an example. My 1990 pathfinder I had to upgrade to the SE model with an Automatic to get intermittent wipers (yea that was one weird combination of options). I didn't want to spend an extra $4000 for an automatic and sunroof I didn't want just to get intermittent wipers which I did want. Luckily I found out I could install intermittent wipers for $60.

Good point, I bet you could swap in SE or Limited mirrors if you wanted the heated ones. Along those same lines, my SE did not come with an auto-dimming rear view mirror or garage door openers (which my previous car had and I missed), so I installed an auto-dimming rear view mirror with built in garage door openers and compass.

 

[Smobien]

Did you have to run the wires or were they already in place under the head liner? Where did you get the mirror from? OEM?

 

[sonerick]

I got the mirror from a seller on ebay. It is a Gentex brand with an amber compass display that matches the dash lights nicely. The seller included install instructions and all of the necessary install components, including wiring harness, cover, and wire taps.

Although I had to run the wiring myself, install was relatively easy. The included wire harness has 3 wires: ground, constant power, and ignition-switched power. I chose to tap into the sunroof wiring, which happened to have all three of the wires I needed. It took maybe 20 minutes total. It might take a little bit longer if you do not have a sunroof.

To the OP, sorry to get off topic, good luck with your search!

 

[Pitbull410]

Ended up picking up a 07/V6/SE 2 days ago with only 50k miles in the dark charcoal color. The truck looks brand new inside and out, Fiance and I couldn't be happier! After my research and with the help of everyone on here I decided that V8 vs V6 would not make a difference to me.