Should I get a v6 or v8

[Gavino18]

I think it just comes down to what you will be using your truck for most. If you don't haul much and are more concerned with mpg, the v6 would be a better option. Otherwise go with the v8. I have the v8 and love it. Tons of torque and power. Merging sometimes you hit the floor with the pedal and forget how much juice she has! I get around 17-19 city/ 20-21 highway.

And what HO said, if you live in high elevation go with the V8. Thing doesn't break a sweat going through passes.

 

[mizak82]

I personally wouldn't want to buy a truck that towed a lot. And I think the headers seem to be an issue in A LOT of V8s.

But I do like the idea of more torque in the lower Rpms. I rarely ever go over 3k.


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[Keros]

The V8 sounds great until the headers crack, which they are prone to doing. Then it's BIG $$$$ to fix. It's unlikely your average guy could replace them for less than a thousand bucks.

Pound for pound, I'd take the V8 any day of the week and twice on sundays because I think it's cool. But it really comes down to the fact that they do have a couple of different problems between the two motors. I think, and someone confirm here please, the V6 has BHG (blown headgasket), it's rare but has happened to a couple of people.

The V8 has the cracked header problems and the AIP (air injection pump) that likes to crap the sheets occasionally.

Weighing in the timing belt maintenance cost difference and the potential for expensive repairs, the V8 will probably cost more to own. Then again, the one you buy may never have any of those issues. It's a bit of a gamble.

I would suggest that if you like V8s, get the V8. If you don't care, buy the V6 or the V8, which ever you find a nice version that's reasonably priced first.

If you're budget conscious and a solid V6 comes along, don't hesitate to pick it up.

Hope that helps somewhat.

I should point out that the year and trim you buy may be just as or slightly more important than which motor.

*reaches for flame retardant suit*

 

[28.]

I have a 2016 V6 Trail and an 04 V8 Sport AWD.. And believe it or not, my V8 still drives smoother as far as powertrain goes. Nothing wrong with V6, cept that it does feel like a V6. And you're reminded of it every time you pass. Oh and my V8 has 214,000+ miles on it and still drives great. Had timing belt done at 159,000 and replaced front wheel bearings and brakes at 190,000. Do synthetic (castrol gtx) once a year with Wix filters..

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[V8PoWer]

V8 is the reason why I got rid of my 5th gen and revert back to 4th gen. I've never driven a 4th gen v6 but in the 5th, oh my, it was a slug. Had to press on the gas more just to have a decent acceleration. End up using more gas in the process.

 

[ray k]

V8 is the reason why I got rid of my 5th gen and revert back to 4th gen. I've never driven a 4th gen v6 but in the 5th, oh my, it was a slug. Had to press on the gas more just to have a decent acceleration. End up using more gas in the process.

I have both a 5th gen and a 4th gen. Both are V6's. My 16 has 12k miles, 07 has 114k and yeah the 07 will run circles around the new one...very disappointing. I'm not sure why, the 5th gen only weighs I think 400 lbs more. That's why I've had my '16 almost 2 years and such low mileage. I much prefer the power and handling of my old, abused 4th gen. I've never driven the V8 but love the 06-09 V6. And about the HG issue, Toyota resolved that in 06 so it mainly effects the 03-05.

 

[HOJeepster]

I personally wouldn't want to buy a truck that towed a lot. And I think the headers seem to be an issue in A LOT of V8s.

But I do like the idea of more torque in the lower Rpms. I rarely ever go over 3k.


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Very good point regarding the headers. Luckily there is an aftermarket option with the Doug Thorleys, which I installed at 175k, but it was a $2k job. $675 for parts and $1500 for labor.

 

[Civiceg94]

How do you like the 255? On the note of power, he is coming from a 3rd gen which either the 4th gen v6 or v8 will be a huge difference in power. I would compare my 3rd gen stock to my 4th gen with lift and tires about the same as acceleration goes.

It still feels almost the same maybe slightly more acceleration. With no extra weight in the 4runner it feels fine nothing to exciting. With three people in the jeep and my motorcycle on my hitch which weights maybe 260 wet. I dont like how the power feels any hill at 70 mph it will easily go back down to 60 if you dont start dropping gears. I hate putting it into 4th manually. I chose the automatic life. I dont know how these people that say it drives good and dont feel much of a difference and get 16 mpg lol with full metal bumper skids sliders roof rack tents and all. They must be drafting behind someone.

 

[mmt]

I love my V8 and would not want the v6 but I agree they are not for everyone. As many have mentioned there is Timing belt expense every 90K miles and as a few have mentioned, the very expensive exhaust manifold expense. It's not IF they will crack but WHEN. The oem style has never been upgraded to a less crack prone design so replacements will eventually crack too. The only reliable fix is headers. All routes are $$$.

 

[28.]

I love my V8 and would not want the v6 but I agree they are not for everyone. As many have mentioned there is Timing belt expense every 90K miles and as a few have mentioned, the very expensive exhaust manifold expense. It's not IF they will crack but WHEN. The oem style has never been upgraded to a less crack prone design so replacements will eventually crack too. The only reliable fix is headers. All routes are $$$.

Is this really that common? Mine has high miles and no cracks yet.. [emoji52] (knocking on wood).

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[mmt]

Is this really that common? Mine has high miles and no cracks yet.. [emoji52] (knocking on wood).

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Yes it is. Seems most people report it happening around 100K miles, give or take.

 

[nevada]

Is this really that common? Mine has high miles and no cracks yet.. [emoji52] (knocking on wood).

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it seems to be. likely yours is cracked too.

stand near the engine, with the hood open, and have someone else start it. do you hear a faint tick tick for a few seconds? that's the crack. its stops ticking after a few seconds, once it gets some heat in it, the crack seals shut.

apparently they do get worse, but mine has been the faint tick for several years now. I don't notice it getting any worse.

 

[v84RNR]

Same boat..decided on V8

I was on the same boat, as many of the owners have said before here were my notes when i decided. 4wd was a must.

V6 4WD:
Pro:
-slightly better MPG
-2WD Option = burnouts jk (This was a hard one to not have) more fun for offroading
-more available than the v8s

Con:
-slightly less torque
-lower tow capacity (5000lb vs 7200lbs)

V8 4WD:
Pro:
-POWER, most of the time my RPMSs are below 3k
-Harder to find..the ONLY v8 4runners
-V8 Sound lol
-2005+ got the VVTI

Con:
-Full Time 4WD

FJ Cruiser was also on my list:
Pro:
-Easily more capable for offroad compared to the V6 4runner


Con:
-No Sunroof Option
-No Power Rear Window Option
-Access cab style doors
-Only 2 Power Windows (unless you mod the half doors)

 

[Jagerzel]

Just test drive both and pass some people and see what you like better. timing belt changes on the v8 are easy if you have any mechanic skills.

 

[rcebowl]

I actually wrote a breakdown for the v6 vs v8 debate.

I tried to have as many FACTS and less opinions..

That said.. i sold my v6 and searched for a v8 ended with a GX470. Couldn't be happier.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...ak-down-v6-vs-v8-info-center.html#post2667904

 

[super.secret]

V8, otherwise, you would be 2 cylinders short of a good time.
I have a 2005 V8 Sport. VVT-i knows how to party.

 

[mmt]

it seems to be. likely yours is cracked too.

stand near the engine, with the hood open, and have someone else start it. do you hear a faint tick tick for a few seconds? that's the crack. its stops ticking after a few seconds, once it gets some heat in it, the crack seals shut.

apparently they do get worse, but mine has been the faint tick for several years now. I don't notice it getting any worse.

Mine was "tolerable" for about 2 years then over the course of 6 months it went from tolerable to sounding like a 2 cylinder tractor all the time.

 

[Keros]

Mine was "tolerable" for about 2 years then over the course of 6 months it went from tolerable to sounding like a 2 cylinder tractor all the time.

When my headers first cracked it sounded like open combustion. Any wall or barrier reflected the awful sound back at me. It got better after a while, and now sounds like a kindergarten class all clapping their hands together.

Not exactly ideal, but the repair bill will be substantial.