Reasonable Price to Pay for 2006 4 Runner 4WD Sport

[dzitlow]

Thinking about buying a 2006 Toyota 4Runner 4WD Sport V-6. MSRP with compulsory "package A" (sunroof, spoiler, etc) is about $33,005 and, according to Edmunds, invoice is $29,363. Two questions: (1) what do you think is a reasonable negotiated price? (2) is the V8 option worth the extra cost?

 

[Bill42]

Well, I will tackle the V-8 question. Primarily, the V-8 will allow you to tow more. The V-6 will get maybe 1-2 mpg more than the V-8. It really comes down to you and what you want now and might want the 4Runner to do in the future.

Having had 4, 6, and 8 cylinder vehicles I really appreciate the ease of the V-8. Will I ever tow - probably not. Is the cost difference in mpg significant - not really.

But this V-8 has been is use for some time and is proven. In fact, this is the engine on the Land Cruiser, Sequoia, and the Tundra.

Now that the V-6 has been mated to a 5spd tranny and it has a good track record it wouldn't be a bad choice either.

For me, I figure if I am going to spend this much on a vehicle I might as well get it all. That included 4wd and V-8 - of course I love the XREAS and hood scoop!

 

[JungleJim]

Well, I will tackle the V-8 question. Primarily, the V-8 will allow you to tow more. The V-6 will get maybe 1-2 mpg more than the V-8. It really comes down to you and what you want now and might want the 4Runner to do in the future.

There is more of difference in mpg than 1 mpg. Especially on the highway. If gas mileage is important to you and you do a lot of highway driving, then you have to look how important the other reasons to get the V8 are to you (towing heavier loads, etc.).

V8's have their place, but only if you need them.

 

[Kanab]

There is more of difference in mpg than 1 mpg. Especially on the highway. If gas mileage is important to you and you do a lot of highway driving, then you have to look how important the other reasons to get the V8 are to you (towing heavier loads, etc.).

V8's have their place, but only if you need them.

I guess I just don't understand why you would buy a V6 when you can get the same V8 that they use in the Landcruiser and the Lexus LX470 and Gx470. Why don't they offer the V6 on the GX470? How come when you look at a BMW X5 that the difference in a similarly equiped V6 and V8 is big $$$. I think the V8 option in our 4runner is the best deal in the automotive industry. It wouldn't be if the 4.7 V8 wasn't one of the best engines you can buy. I am sure that the 4.0 V6 is a good engine but it isn't as good as the big BMW straight six and people pay big bucks to upgrade their X5 form the 6 to the 4.4 V8. If you look at the gas mileage comparison threads between the V6 and V8 on this formum, you will find that the difference is from 1-3 mpg depending on how you drive (they both run on regular 87 octane gas). It is your decision but look at this issue indepth, it's an important one. JMHO

 

[Mafster]

2006?! Is your dealership already taking pre-orders?

 

[Derek]

There is more of difference in mpg than 1 mpg. Especially on the highway. If gas mileage is important to you and you do a lot of highway driving, then you have to look how important the other reasons to get the V8 are to you (towing heavier loads, etc.).

V8's have their place, but only if you need them.

Actually, I have to disagree with you here. I owned an '04 SR5 V6 for a year and now I own an '05 SE V8 and my MPG between the two is VERY close. I think one of the reasons might be that the V8 doesn't have to work as hard, because it is very easy to keep it in the low rpm's and in turn save gas.

I was also concerned when shopping for a new 4Runner when it came to gas mileage, but when I compared the two, it only made sense to get the V8 because the price difference is minimal, plus the 4.7 has always been an excellent motor.

Yes, I would be happy with the V6, but I think if you have the choice and you don't mind paying just a little extra, the V8 is well worth it.

 

[Hot Rod]

I am buying from cars direct a 2005 v-8 4 wd with the same package w side airbags, carpet floor mats, for 31,037.00. You can probably get a better deal than this i just thought i would share what my deal was.

 

[Bill42]

Nice deal. I laugh watching the HUGE rebates the domestics are giving. Fair price up front for an outstanding vehicle = Priceless!

 

[boston_kevin]

I guess I just don't understand why you would buy a V6 when you can get the same V8 that they use in the Landcruiser and the Lexus LX470 and Gx470. Why don't they offer the V6 on the GX470? How come when you look at a BMW X5 that the difference in a similarly equiped V6 and V8 is big $$$.

The reason they don't offer the V6 on luxury cars is simple... Who wants an engine that is good on gas when you are paying 50k for a luxury vehicle... On a Land Cruiser, you need the extra torque to push the vehicle to its speed in a reasonable amount of time (plus Land Cruiser is the luxury Toyota). It's the same reason they don't make a fuel efficient sports car... That's not what you are paying for.

I have the V6, it's a great engine, and yea the MPG will be significantly different if you do a lot of highway driving. Getting 480+ miles per tank vs 400 miles per tank is significant (24 MPG vs 20 MPG). Around town, the difference is not as dramatic. If the price difference was less than $1000 and they had one in stock, I might have gone for the V8 just because it is nice to have that extra grunt power.

 

[OceanView]

Actually, I have to disagree with you here. I owned an '04 SR5 V6 for a year and now I own an '05 SE V8 and my MPG between the two is VERY close. I think one of the reasons might be that the V8 doesn't have to work as hard, because it is very easy to keep it in the low rpm's and in turn save gas.

I was also concerned when shopping for a new 4Runner when it came to gas mileage, but when I compared the two, it only made sense to get the V8 because the price difference is minimal, plus the 4.7 has always been an excellent motor.

Yes, I would be happy with the V6, but I think if you have the choice and you don't mind paying just a little extra, the V8 is well worth it.

Are you driving mostly city or highway?
Can you give me a ratio?

thanks

 

[OceanView]

I guess I just don't understand why you would buy a V6 when you can get the same V8 that they use in the Landcruiser and the Lexus LX470 and Gx470. Why don't they offer the V6 on the GX470? How come when you look at a BMW X5 that the difference in a similarly equiped V6 and V8 is big $$$. I think the V8 option in our 4runner is the best deal in the automotive industry. It wouldn't be if the 4.7 V8 wasn't one of the best engines you can buy. I am sure that the 4.0 V6 is a good engine but it isn't as good as the big BMW straight six and people pay big bucks to upgrade their X5 form the 6 to the 4.4 V8. If you look at the gas mileage comparison threads between the V6 and V8 on this formum, you will find that the difference is from 1-3 mpg depending on how you drive (they both run on regular 87 octane gas). It is your decision but look at this issue indepth, it's an important one. JMHO

I know the V8 is a great engine but what about the fact that it has a timing belt and the V6 has a timing chain?
Also the V6 is a non interferance engine from what I have read.

I think these two factors are important to consider if your planning on using the car for a long time.

 

[Sac State]

according to Edmunds, invoice is $29,363.

I would pay $ 29,863, plus tax, tag, license.

Here is about 50 Sports and SR5's for $ 28,500+.

'05 or '06 price will be the same.

http://www.carmax.com/dyn/searcheng...delLabel=4Runner&Price=5&PriceLabel=Any+Price

 

[Northof49]

I know the V8 is a great engine but what about the fact that it has a timing belt and the V6 has a timing chain?
Also the V6 is a non interferance engine from what I have read.

I think these two factors are important to consider if your planning on using the car for a long time.

They are both non-interference IIRC. Of course, if you are buying a V6 because it has a timing chain you think will never break, who cares if it's an inference engine?? Many of the most reliable vehicles on the planet (such as Corollas) run timing belts, and other equally reliable vehicles (many Hondas, for example) run timing belts WITH interference engines. As long as you do the maintenence, there is NO reason a belt is less reliable than a chain PERIOD. Please stop trying to scare people for no good reason, both motors are reliable in the long term, and through the 1.7 million V6/V8 debates and speculation on this board, no one has ever proved different.

Bottom line is, the V8 is a smoother, more powerful (hp and torque), better sounding motor. It drives with a bit less effort, is torquier for off-roading and tows better. If you don't see any extra benefit in that, or if you prefer a 4wd system with a 2wd mode, buy the V6 and save your self a little money on purchase and 1-3 more miles per gallon. That's it.

If you're looking for my personal opinion, as someone mentioned above, considering what other manufacturers charge for an engine upgrade such as this....I think the small V6 ---> V8 difference is a hell of a deal

 

[OceanView]

They are both non-interference IIRC. Of course, if you are buying a V6 because it has a timing chain you think will never break, who cares if it's an inference engine?? Many of the most reliable vehicles on the planet (such as Corollas) run timing belts, and other equally reliable vehicles (many Hondas, for example) run timing belts WITH interference engines. As long as you do the maintenence, there is NO reason a belt is less reliable than a chain PERIOD. Please stop trying to scare people for no good reason, both motors are reliable in the long term, and through the 1.7 million V6/V8 debates and speculation on this board, no one has ever proved different.

Bottom line is, the V8 is a smoother, more powerful (hp and torque), better sounding motor. It drives with a bit less effort, is torquier for off-roading and tows better. If you don't see any extra benefit in that, or if you prefer a 4wd system with a 2wd mode, buy the V6 and save your self a little money on purchase and 1-3 more miles per gallon. That's it.

If you're looking for my personal opinion, as someone mentioned above, considering what other manufacturers charge for an engine upgrade such as this....I think the small V6 ---> V8 difference is a hell of a deal

In the end, it really is up to each individual to make their own choices. Everyone one has different criteria(s) in what they want from a vehicle.
I am not trying to steer anyone in one direction or another.
I am just a 4Runner fan just like everyone else on this board.

Having said that, I still think the V6 is better.

 

[Kanab]

I know the V8 is a great engine but what about the fact that it has a timing belt and the V6 has a timing chain?
Also the V6 is a non interferance engine from what I have read.

I think these two factors are important to consider if your planning on using the car for a long time.

I think the cost to maintain both engines is very close to the same. The V6 needs a tune-up with new plugs every 30K miles the V8 has 120K interval on the plug's. The V8 has the timing belt change at 90K mile interval. If all work was done at the dealer I think over 100K mile interval you would spend about the same $$$. I'm sure the V6 is going to be a great engine. The V8 already has the history behind it proving it is a great engine. I just couldn't pass it up. If I was buying a BMW and I could buy their great 6 cylinder or for a little over $1000 more I could buy their great 4.4 V8, I would buy the V8. I think a lot of people would buy the 6. I guess it is good we have the choice. I just think a lot of buyers don't realize what a bullet proof history the 4.7 V8 Toyota engine has and I try to educate them before they make that buying decision. :arrow:

 

[Sac State]

I had a 3.4 '02 Sport which was quick, but had a lot to be desired. I wanted the torque, power and added punch of a V8. Toyota offered it, I jumped. Easy decision for me.

V8 is the same as Toyota puts in the Lexus (both GX and LX), Land Crusier, Sequoia and Tundra. Plus, I wanted full time AWD, another easy decision for me.

Good luck in your decision, I don't think you will be disappointed either choice you make.

 

[Northof49]

In the end, it really is up to each individual to make their own choices. Everyone one has different criteria(s) in what they want from a vehicle.
I am not trying to steer anyone in one direction or another.
I am just a 4Runner fan just like everyone else on this board.

Having said that, I still think the V6 is better.

You just contradicted yourself!! The V6 is not "better" (terrible word). It may be more suited to YOUR specific needs/preferences, that's why it's up to everyone to pick their own combo, but that in no way makes it a "better" motor

 

[eorange]

I wanted the upgraded JBL audio, and all 4Runners in this area include the V8 in that package. So I got the V8 because of that reason, but now I'm glad I did. The power is nice, the engine is smooth, and the growl is satisfying!

I seem to fill up the V8 as much as I did with my 4.0L V6 Explorer, so the gas difference seems negligible.


Erik