Questions about a new 4runner purchase.

[Joe Jr]

I would like to order a new 2008 4runner and have some concerns and questions. Hopefully some of you will be able to answer a few questions. I want to order a Sport Edition without a sunroof. I am 6-3" and I just don't fit.

1. Have any of you done a custom order and how long did it take?

2. What kind of deal can be expected on a custom order?

3. There is always the question of the V6 vs. V8. I would love the power of the V8 but the renowned clunk bothers me. Has this been fixed in the 2007 models? I'm sure if it hasn't been fixed by now it won't be fixed by 2008.

4. Those of you with a V6 are there any regrets?

5. I now there are a few differences between the two engine choices (V8 has full time AWD and a standard tow package) what else am I missing.

6. Any recommendations on what options you really like?

Thanks, I will have more.

Joe

 

[<<<<]

I had not custom order mine, but I'm sure you won't have any problems. Expect to pay between 28 to 36 grand depending on the model. You might get a good deal at this time as the prices on the gas rising. The clunk you describing has to do with a drive shaft and not the engine, therefore V6 or V8 would not make the difference with that issue. The clunk is easily fixed width greasing the prop shaft frequently. I purchased V6 and pretty happy with its performance. But, do not think you'll get great gas mileage by buying V6, 16 to 19 MPG is common even for V6. I would definitely get four wheel drive regardless of the engine choice. All models are great in the own way. And your choice is usually limited only by your money. Good luck.

 

[juneau92]

5. I now there are a few differences between the two engine choices (V8 has full time AWD and a standard tow package) what else am I missing.

V6 has ability to run in 2wd, V8 does not have this ability.

V8 has frame mounted hitch, oil cooler, transmission cooler, heavier duty radiator, heavier duty alternator, quieter and deeper sound, more horsepower and torque. V6 does not.

V8 and what comes with it available only at a premium cost.

Those are the differences I can think of between the V6 and V8 engines. Both great engines! Hope this helps. Happy 4th!!

edit: Oh ya! Of course! V6 better gas milage! How did I miss that!? :bash: Major plus these days!

 

[spud72]

I would like to order a new 2008 4runner and have some concerns and questions. Hopefully some of you will be able to answer a few questions. I want to order a Sport Edition without a sunroof. I am 6-3" and I just don't fit.

1. Have any of you done a custom order and how long did it take?

Mine took approx 2-1/2 months IIRC.

2. What kind of deal can be expected on a custom order?

Can't speak for that. Being I'm in Canada and Toyota really doesn't negotiate here.. but I did get the same discount off MSRP whether I ordered it or bought it off the lot. I do know that much, but I am friends with my salesperson and the sales manager.

3. There is always the question of the V6 vs. V8. I would love the power of the V8 but the renowned clunk bothers me. Has this been fixed in the 2007 models? I'm sure if it hasn't been fixed by now it won't be fixed by 2008.

Can't comment on that, but I did not know it was unique to V8s.

4. Those of you with a V6 are there any regrets?

Absolutely, positively, none.

5. I now there are a few differences between the two engine choices (V8 has full time AWD and a standard tow package) what else am I missing.

That's the nuts of it. What you really have to figure out in your mind is if it is worth paying the premium for a V8. I had an open mind when I ordered mine in the spring. I'll tell you the thought process I went through.

I test drove both. I spent a fair amount of time in each as I didn't know which way I'd go. I actually spent more time in the V8 as one of the salesman had it as their personal "demo". I went with ordering a V6. Here is why:

1) The fuel economy. I did some research and there was a consensus it was a bit better on the gas. I can confirm that I get 18MPG in town, and I get around 23 on the highway. This is hand calculated and repeatable, and has been slowly increasing as it is breaking in. For a good sized SUV, that's actually pretty darn good IMHO. Better than some cars!

2) 2WD option in the transfer case, with all the of full time 4WD if you want it. I think this helps with the MPG.

3) It was a few thousand cheaper to buy.

4) Of course, the V8 is the power king, but by god, that V6 is a torquey bugger. It is not a wimp by any stretch and capable of towing a decent load in its own right. Passing power is not an issue nor is accelerating even up big hills on the highway.

The only reason I would personally go for a V8 is if I bought it knowing I was going to do a lot of towing of heavy loads with it, which I am not. But, if you are buying a 5000+lb trailer and towing it across the country often - you'd probably be happier with the V8 just in the same way most people with pickups are happier with a big turbo-diesel over a big gas engine for towing.

6. Any recommendations on what options you really like?

Sit in a sunroof equipped one before you decide against it if you haven't yet. I am about 6'1" and my height is all in my torso (30' inseam), and I don't have even the slightest issue with headroom.

Really though, you can't go wrong with either. Drive both. A lot.

 

[Uneek]

1. Yes, order was put in early November, arrived at port in early February. Three months total time, two months after finding out Toyota accepted the order.

2. This depends on the dealer. Some dealers will not deal on a special order because they're not able to move what's already on their lot and the special eats up one of their allocation spots until it's fulfilled. I got mine at invoice FWIW.

3. If you're referring to the axle clunk, I believe both powertrains can exhibit this issue.

4. Nope. For what I do and where I go, the V6 is adequate.

5. Not to start a V6 vs. V8 debate, plenty of those threads here, but the V6 has a timing chain and an easy to access oil filter. The V8 is a proven powerplant though, there are a handful of these engines that have over half million miles on them without major overhaul. Can't go wrong with either, you will need to drive both and decide for yourself.

6. Navigation, a luxury item, but having Bluetooth and backup camera made it an easy choice for me.
-Side and curtain airbags, safety item, go for it.
-Rear spoiler, personal opinion, I say the 4R looks naked without it--get it.

 

[Mantis]

I tow a bassboat with my '06 V6 and I can't even tell it's behind me. The V6 has plenty of power for what I use it for. I average about 20 MPH combined city / highway.

 

[p nut]

Joe Jr. Do you tow at all? If so, it might be more beneficial for you to get a V8 if you tow a lot. At our elevation and with all of the mountain passes, it helps to have a V8. If not, no question at all--get the V6.

I was shopping around for a Toyota Tacoma, and the best price AND customer service I got was from Menlove Toyota in Bountiful. Give the internet dept a call and talk to a guy named Bill. Interesting character (but very friendly), but he's the most knowledgeable. I've spoken to regular salesman there, but was not impressed. If you can't get a hold of Bill, anyone in the Internet Department can help you. They don't get paid commission, but they all get paid based on volume.

 

[dingo]

I know this won't help but just to answer your questions:

1. Never custom ordered but wish I did. I didn't because I've read many threads on the BS the dealers give one about it. Stories of wrong things installed and gross errors (like wrong color entirely) kept me at bay about it. I guess the trick is finding a good and willing dealer WITH a reliable sales person. I would have loved a NAV and rear DVD entertainment system in my SE for the kids, but it was way out of my budget and I am the impatient type. I wanted my Sport the second I first laid my eyes on it. It was sitting there fresh off the truck with only 2 miles on the odometer. The deal was also too good to pass up at the time and in the color I was looking forever for. MINE.

2. From what I've read from others who custom ordered, you will pay a little higher but can always deal down. I don't think anyone ever pays full msrp on a custom. Not sure though.

3. Clunk is universal. Again, grease gun does wonders. I just have to get my ass and do it once in a while. It's even easier than an oil change. No excuse NOT to do it yourself. Of all the dealers I go to they NEVER do this for you but should. Less hassle and more peace of mind as a DIY.

4. No regrets having a V6. Fits my needs well. Love the fact that it's a timing chain and can't beat the oil filter location (yes, minor points but I appreciate the design just the same). I've driven the V8 on test drives and it is enviously smooth and powerful, but more than I really need.

5. The great thing about the V8 is you don't have to think twice about 4WD since it's already permanent. The V8 already comes with a transmission cooler as standard equipment too (the V6 does not). Don't have to worry about adding one down the line. If you tow plenty, V8 is the way to go.

6. Options I love having:
- RSCA-curtain airbags although airbags in general scare the living crap out of me. Think about it, literally a small controlled explosion which happens inches away from your head. My head almost touches the headliner and hopefully I will never find out how things things inflate so close to my skull. But I'm glad they're there to save me (if they don't blow out my skull first).

- Sunroof-never really used one in my past vehicles but now that I have one I find myself using it more and more. Hope it doesn't break (a known issue, there's a TSB about it).

- Rear spoiler-makes the 4runners ass look even more beefy and complete. The LED stop light in the center of it compliments the LED tail lights too. I agree with everyone else that it looks butt neked without one. Whatever you like though, your truck.

- Standard HU stereo-I'm not really a die-hard audiophile so the stock base HU is fine with me. Another reason is because I get to have those nifty D-Pillar convex blind spot mirrors. I actually use them to check if anyone is on my rear quarter before changing lanes (also look back turning my head of course). If you upgrade to more speakers then the mirrors are replaced with just that - more speakers. They also are replaced with seat belt stirrups for the 3rd row seating option. But since your getting an SE you won't have to worry about that anyway since they don't ever come with 3rd row seats.

Options I wish I had:

- NAV, rear DVD, backup camera, bluetooth, double decker cargo. Reality dictates I need to pay my bills and eat instead. I'll live and deal...

As for not having a NAV, we recently bought a Garmin Nuvi 350. Worth every penny and is great. Portable too so we can transfer it from either 4runner. Be great to have it fully integrated from day one though. I so hate visible wires, eh but what can you do.

Rear DVD, again, full integration would be great but those portable units are fine. Plus you can always take them out of the vehicle and use them in a hotel room. Great if you have kids.

Backup camera, I guess I can always turn my head back. Just hope there isn't a dog back there or something.

Bluetooth, already have one of those BORG thingies in my ear so not an issue.

DD cargo, I hear people don't use this much but it's something I can see myself using a lot. I've got stuff in the back and man do I need the organizational space.

I'm thinking of getting the ash tray with the additional dc outlet. I don't smoke but having 2 rather than 1 seems like a good thing. I've read that the install is quite easy too.

Options I wish I never bought:

- 3rd row seating- never use it on our SR5 but I have to admit it's great when you need them. 90% of the time I never use them and they just take up valuable cargo space. Fold them up and they obstruct the rearmost windows (well, just the right side really, the left you can't really directly look out of anyway regardless). Plus it adds 50 lbs. of dead weight in the back when unused. I just remove them entirely most of the time now. Another big pisser is that you don't get a rear cargo/tonneau cover with this configuration. You can add one later but they are pricey just for a cargo shutter/cover. Plus you also need to order and install the end hooks on the D-pillar since they are non-existent (just blank panels that cover the install points).

 

[Northof49]

Joe Jr. Do you tow at all? If so, it might be more beneficial for you to get a V8 if you tow a lot. At our elevation and with all of the mountain passes, it helps to have a V8. If not, no question at all--get the V6.

No question at all eh.....do we REALLY need to do this again? LOL

Drive a V6 and V8 model and decide for yourself....there are differences and advantages. That's all I'm saying this time.....I swear....for real

 

[Uneek]

5. The great thing about the V8 is you don't have to think twice about 4WD since it's already permanent. The V8 already comes with a transmission cooler as standard equipment too (the V6 does not). Don't have to worry about adding one down the line. If you tow plenty, V8 is the way to go.

I think the V6 has the transmission cooler as well, it's just internal on the radiator. The V8 has an external/auxiliary cooler in addtion to the internal one.

 

[wazzuFreddo]

I'm 6'2" and I thought it would be an issue but it isn't. Once I get the seat adjusted I have way more room than I did in my old Subaru with the moonroof :bouncy:

 

[snap315]

I preference ordered mine and it took just over 3 months to arrive (estimated time is usually up to 4 months).

I ordered a 4x4 V8 Limited with most options except for the rear air leveling.

Has others have said, the V8 is quieter (a HUGE plus IMHO) and has more torque. The difference in gas mileage is about 2 to 3 miles per gallon.

The best way to decide is to DRIVE THEM BOTH.



And you should be able to work a good deal also. I got mine for $500 over invoice, + I was able to take advantage of the rebate offered at the time of delivery ($2500 off!) :awais:

 

[keylay31]

I would like to order a new 2008 4runner and have some concerns and questions. Hopefully some of you will be able to answer a few questions. I want to order a Sport Edition without a sunroof. I am 6-3" and I just don't fit.

1. Have any of you done a custom order and how long did it take?

2. What kind of deal can be expected on a custom order?

3. There is always the question of the V6 vs. V8. I would love the power of the V8 but the renowned clunk bothers me. Has this been fixed in the 2007 models? I'm sure if it hasn't been fixed by now it won't be fixed by 2008.

4. Those of you with a V6 are there any regrets?

5. I now there are a few differences between the two engine choices (V8 has full time AWD and a standard tow package) what else am I missing.

6. Any recommendations on what options you really like?

Thanks, I will have more.

Joe

1. I was told 3 months by the dealer. And that was IF Toyota was willing to produce the options that I wanted. Decided to go with a close match in a different state that the dealer brought in for me.

2. I don't think anything special, other than not having to pay for something you don't want. I got mine for $150 above invoice, before the $1000 Manufacturer rebate.

3. no clue

4. Not yet! If I towed it MIGHT be a different story. maybe...

5. see above.

6. I REALLY wanted side airbags. I like having a AC plug. Lack of a rear spoiler! This isn't a minivan people!