The Eternal Question: V6 vs V8....

[Martinjmpr]

Hi, Folks. I posted my "goodbye" over on the 3rd gen sub-board yesterday after I sold my 99 SR5 and now the search is on for a 4th gen.

If the 4th gen board is anything like the 3rd gen, there are certain questions that seem to come up at least every couple of days. On the 3rd gen boards the two biggest questions are "why doesn't my gas gauge read correctly?" and "What can I do to improve my MPG?"

If I was a guessing man, I'd say the V6/V8 debate is a big one on the 4th gen board. And for good reason. I'm going through that internal debate myself.

I should probably explain that the whole reason I got rid of my 3rd gen (which I loved - certainly one of the best vehicles I ever owned) is that in January my wife and I got a little Teardrop trailer for camping. She doesn't like sleeping on the ground - neither do I, for that matter (23 years in the Army - been there, done that...) and the inside of the 4runner was just too cramped for us.

Here she is (behind my '99 to show you the size.) She's a homebuilt that we call "Bubbles" (because of the round, porthole-style windows):

Now, there are Teardrops out there that are very lightweight. However, "Bubbles" is not one of them. She's a heavy beast and (though I haven't weighed her yet) probably weighs around 1200lb with a pretty heavy tongue weight (due to the axle being so far back.)

On short trips she was fine but back at the beginning of June, Liz and I took a 3,000 mile trip to Oregon, and it was on that trip that the limitations of the 3.4 really showed. Bottom line, in heavy headwinds and on steep hills, the 3rd gen really struggled. So between that and the fact that the 4runner was getting up in age (13 years and 150,000 miles) I decided to make the jump to a 4th gen.

So now that my '99 is gone, the shopping starts in earnest and I'm finding myself in the V6/V8 dilemma.

I guess at first thought, pulling a trailer would favor the V8. Though I haven't driven a V8 yet (drove a couple of V6s, though) I've heard they're awesome and have gobs of power and torque.

However, having said that, the V6's I drove seemed pretty darn powerful compared to my anemic little 3.4.

The two biggest marks against the V8 would be: MPG, and Timing belt. Full time 4wd is also a bit of an annoyance - I'd prefer something I can switch off (although I LOVE the idea of the multi-mode - I've never had that before as my 99 was an SR5 with conventional 4wd.)

So my questions for the group would be divided into two directions, one for the V8 owners and one for the V6'ers:

V8 owners: Besides the T-belt (which my local independent shop will do for ~$535 or $1050 for the full water pump, pulleys, tensioners, etc) are there any other maintenance requirements that are unique to the V8?

Do the V8's typically come "up-optioned", i.e. with more "goodies" than the V6?

What kind of "real world" MPG are V8 owner's getting? My 99 was getting around 17-18 in the city and 19-20 on the highway (except when I was pulling the trailer - then it was 15 average or as low as 11-12 going into heavy headwinds!) And I'm referring to hand-calculated MPG here - I know the gauge on the dashboard is inaccurate (I use a Scangauge and calibrate it, and I check it's calibration with a GPS and my hand-checks.)

Finally, any V8 owner's out there wish you'd gone with a V6? If so, why?

For the V6 owners: Any of you pull a trailer for long distances? What kind of trailer and for how long?

Any maintenance issues on the 2005+ V6? It has no T-belt, does the chain ever need to be replaced?

What kind of real world MPG are you getting? Again, hand-calculated or using a properly calibrated Scangauge or similar because the factory gauge is not a reliable measure.

Finally, how many of you V6'ers wish you'd gotten the 8?

And for those who wonder about my MPG questions, it's not because I'm looking for a high-mileage vehicle (I have one of those. Actually, I have two, my Mazda Protege and my Triumph Motorcycle) my real concern is range. I like to go on long trips into the desert and my single biggest gripe about my 3rd gen was the poor MPG combined with the too-small gas tank (18.5 gallons.) One of the things I'm really looking forward to on the 4th gen is the 23 gallon tank!

Anyway, thanks in advance for your responses, I'll probably start spending a lot more time over here!

 

[combatmedic]

I feel its a decision only you can make yourself, it comes down to this easy question... If you buy the V6 are you going to be wishing you bought the V8 everyday you drive? If so snatch up the V8...

On the other hand, if you purchase the V8, are you going to be doing alot of city driving and *****ing about gas mileage? Although I doubt their differences arent that vast.

After being used to the 3.4 I think you'll find the newer v6 an upgrade...

Just my 2cents, good luck.

 

[samslmmr]

I bought a v8 and love it. I tow a boat, go off roading, and use it as my daily driver.

Normal mileage is around 15/19. If I try really hard I can get close to 20 on the highway. I had my belt done and it ran around 800 from the dealership.

 

[jimithing]

You're probably going to get flamed by some for not doing some better searching. You at least have a well thought out post with some initial research done so I'll answer some of your questions.

If you want to see real world gas mileage go to:

Fuelly | Share and Compare Your MPG

I calculated it earlier this month and as of 6/11/2012 there were 609,171 miles tracked on the V6 with an avg mpg of 17.76. And there were 293,999 miles tracked on the V8 with an avg mpg of 15.69. Now, this doesn't allow you to know how well maintained all these vehicles are or how aggressively they're driven. But hopefully over a large sample size those things even themselves out between the two engines.

Each engine has a potentially costly flaw. The V8's are known to have cracked headers. There are currently no aftermarket options so you've got to go through Toyota. Cost to repair is in the $2000+ range. This seems to be most common in cold states - not sure if it's due to the salt or the constant extreme temperature changes in the winter. The V6 has a few cases of blown head gaskets. Not anything at all like the 3rd gen V6. I'd say there are maybe 10 legit cases reported on here and my opinion is that most of those are due to the engine over heating and warping the aluminum block.

I drove the V8 before I bought my V6 and it's definitely a good engine but the V6 is more than adequate for my needs. It's a very strong V6 compared to the 3.4. Basically between the two I wouldn't let the engine be the deciding factor. I made a list of must haves and everything you put on that list makes finding your 4Runner harder. So my list was something like 2006+, less then 75k miles, 4wd, sport edition without leather and then either shadow mica or galactic grey mica.

I don't regret having bought the V6. But had I bought the V8 I would have been fine with that too. I've towed things occasionally with my V6 and it did great.

 

[aha2988]

This is the thread that never ends.
Yes, it goes on and on my friends.
martinjmpr started posting it not knowing what it was,
And we'll continue posting it forever just because...
This is the thread that never ends.
Yes, it goes on and on my friends....

haha I love my V8 only reason i could appriciate a V6 is for its 2wd abilities. 4wd V8's are full time all wheel drive so its hard to spin the ass around for fun at times.

V8 pulls trailors great, gas mileage stock you'll see 18 average all around. stop an go is closer to 14-15 and highway you'll see 22-23. as long as the engine is in good shape an well maintained. i changed my timing belt myself for 300 bucks including waterpump and all pullys tensioners.. I can't say i would ever trade it for a V6 I can't say much negative there both 4runners so your heading in the perfect direction.

 

[superman3043]

Yeah, you're really opening up a can of worms that has been beat to death. If only Clockwork was here to steer him in the right direction... haha J/K.

Real world MPG's from my V8 when it was stock ~ 18 mpg. Currently ~ 15-16.
That equates to about 360 miles on a tank then and about 300 or so now. You'll never pump 23 gallons in it. I've been able to squeeze around 20 max, but then again, I've never tried to run it dry.

Maintenance... Timing belt, yes.

If you tow a lot, you're gonna appreciate the V8, bottom line. Not the V6 can't do it.

Both power-plants could be outfitted or optioned equally so you'll find V8 and V6's in all trims.

So for me as a V8 owner, I could NEVER have a V6 so no, I don't wish I'd have bought one. If I wanted a 1GR, I would have bought a 1GR. I LOVE my 2UZ!

Hope that helps. Good luck in your search and welcome to 4th gens!

 

[JDSupreme]

I feel more than comfortable towing my 1600lb boat/trailer with the V6 at pretty much any distance. It pulls it very well.

I get around 17mpg and I live in a very hilly area with all stop and go driving for the most part.

Good luck in your search!

 

[Martinjmpr]

Basically between the two I wouldn't let the engine be the deciding factor. I made a list of must haves and everything you put on that list makes finding your 4Runner harder. So my list was something like 2006+, less then 75k miles, 4wd, sport edition without leather and then either shadow mica or galactic grey mica.

Thanks, that's pretty much the way I'm thinking now. My "list" would be 2005 or up (get better interest through my bank that way), under 100k, 4wd, not a Sport or Ltd (don't like leather and don't want XREAS since I'm planning to lift it), no sunroof (concern about leaks) and no black trucks (though dark gray is OK.) I'd love to find one in maroon/red but they seem rare. Most common colors seem to be gray, silver, blue, white, and gold in that order.

Don't get me on my soapbox about vehicle colors though. :rant: Why, oh why, does Toyota only insist on importing 4runners with the most bland, boring colors? The 3rd gens came in some awesome colors! Still, color is not a deal breaker except for black.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

I test drove a few v6's and thought they had great power ( coming from a 2003 Highlander 4 cylinder) but test drove a V8... And I knew I was going for the V8. Never ending torque, good, no amazing sound, 5 speed transmission in 03-04 (V6 got a 5 speed in 05)

I can't say much about the 4WD, since I'm a 2WD.

Mine is a early 03 so its a super base model. Most of the V8's I saw of tested had the same if not less options, other than the engine.

Why I wish I would have gotten aa V6?
No timing belt, and MPG. Other than that? Wouldn't trade my V8 for anything.

 

[MikeInNH]

I have a V6 and a pop-up trailer fully loaded is about 2800lbs. I have no problem what-so-ever towing with my V6. It has MORE then enough power. I've gone on 2000 mile camping trips with it....gone up mountain roads. The V6 doesn't have a problem with 2800lbs.

Now if I had a bigger trailer that weighed about 5000lbs I might check out the V8. But I'm more then happy with my V6.

 

[Martinjmpr]

What's funny is when I started shopping a few weeks ago, I wanted a V6 and everything I found in my price range was a V8. Then I changed my mind to start looking for a V8 and everything I found was a V6! I think I'll just set my price range and options and not worry about the engine.

 

[hyperthread]

When I was shopping for a 4Runner, I had a chance to test drive 2005 V6 Sr5 and 2004 V8 limited.

I fell in love with the sound of the V8 and the pull. My wife was asking me where would we be needing that V8. I don't tow anything. Right now, she is pretty in-love with our truck.

 

[calikev]

When I bought my V8 this year I only researched 1 major thing about V6 vs V8...RELIABILITY!

I would say the list would be 3 things now based on me owning a V8

!---RELIABILITY
2---PERFORMANCE OPTIONS--Can I do anything I want to do now and forever with this truck?
3---Show me 1 single person, just 1 that has a V8 and said anywhere on any site anytime ever..."Damn shoulda got a V6". I have never seen this posted or stated anywhere. Whole lotta people say "Damn shoulda got a V8" though.

Forget about gas. It's like becoming obsessed with flushing the toilet and screaming at your kids saying that's another 2 cents down the drain kids.


Good Luck in your quest! Hope you get the force like I did. I regret nothing about my truck

 

[jimithing]

If you use the average mileage that I posted above this is what you get per year.

V6 @ 15k miles/year - Fuel cost of 2651.18
V8 @ 15k miles/year - Fuel cost of 3000.96
V6 @ 20k miles/year - Fuel cost of 3534.91
V8 @ 20k miles/year - Fuel cost of 4001.28

That's based on the price of $3.139/gallon for regular 87 octane. So you're looking at a $500 per year difference if you drive 20k miles a year based on current gas prices. And divide out the cost of a timing belt replacement every 5 years (on average) and you can decide if the V8 is a deal breaker based on annual cost difference. It wasn't to me - the one I found just happened to be a V6. As I said before I would have been fine with either engine.

 

[Synister]

I average just under 17 around town and around 18 or 19 hwy with my V6. I hauled 3000 lbs in a box trailer from NC to SoCal with a brutal headwind the whole way. V6 struggled a bit but was content with 60mph. MPG on that trip was 11. Overall the V6 is great but if they offered the TE with the V8 I would have gotten that.

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

I've made my choice, glad I went with the V6.

 

[zimdba]

......no sunroof (concern about leaks) and no black trucks (though dark gray is OK.) I'd love to find one in maroon/red but they seem rare. Most common colors seem to be gray, silver, blue, white, and gold in that order.

Don't get me on my soapbox about vehicle colors though. :rant: Why, oh why, does Toyota only insist on importing 4runners with the most bland, boring colors? The 3rd gens came in some awesome colors! Still, color is not a deal breaker except for black.

I've never thought twice about my sunroof leaking. I'm only maybe 20 miles from you and my sunroof gasket still feels great. I garage every night (I'm home) however. It rattles like a sum*****, however. THAT would be the reason I'd avoid it.

Toyota is a bland, boring company. The color choices are one example of that. You think you'd ever see a Corolla in the same color palatte as the Camaro? Think again. Another example: you want to fall asleep while driving due to sheer boredom? Get a Camry. My .02.

 

[M1911]

V8 pulls trailors great, gas mileage stock you'll see 18 average all around. stop an go is closer to 14-15 and highway you'll see 22-23.

I get 14-15 stop and go on my '03 4WD V8 Limited. 22-23? No way. Maybe if you pushed it off a cliff. I get 17-18 on the highway doing 65-70. I lose about 1 mpg in the winter, due to winter gas and snow tires.

And, btw, the computer in the dash is about 1-2 mpg optimistic. My fuel economy numbers come from dividing miles traveled by gallons pumped.

While I love the quite power and torque of the V8, fillups at $3.50 a gallon are getting old.

 

[aha2988]

I get 14-15 stop and go on my '03 4WD V8 Limited. 22-23? No way. Maybe if you pushed it off a cliff. I get 17-18 on the highway doing 65-70. I lose about 1 mpg in the winter, due to winter gas and snow tires.

And, btw, the computer in the dash is about 1-2 mpg optimistic. My fuel economy numbers come from dividing miles traveled by gallons pumped.

While I love the quite power and torque of the V8, fillups at $3.50 a gallon are getting old.

lol, ok here's the math of my statement ( stop and go= 14-15 hwy = 22-23)
add together 14+15+22+23= 74...... 74/4 (hang on dont let me get ahead of you this is how you average a series of numbers together add the numbers then divide by the number of measurements being averaged) anyways 74/4 eqauls 18.5

so as i stated the V8 stock over all gets an average of 18 mpg's 14-15mpg's stop and go 22-23mpg's highway. obviously this is going to depend on driving style, speed, aceleration, tailgating a semi, or driving in the wide open wind, driving in the mountains, driving in texas, driving in new york, driving in africa, driving in the ocean, new spark plugs, really old spark plugs, large driver, petite driver, fully loaded, running with no cargo or passengers...... do you know how many factors dictate gas i mean everyones going to have different experiences. as stated by most of the other V8 guys in all the other threads about this if I was worried about gas mileage i would've bought something more practical for that purpose; however, to get everything i wanted out of this size truck i wanted a V8 or a deisel, and they dont have a deisel 4runner in america for my budget yet so i chose the V8


This is the thread that never ends.
Yes, it goes on and on my friends.
martinjmpr started posting it not knowing what it was,
And we'll continue posting it forever just because...
This is the thread that never ends.
Yes, it goes on and on my friends....
martinjmpr started posting it not knowing what it was,
And we'll continue posting it forever just because...
This is the thread that never ends!!!

 

[NJshadow93]

I was searching a year ago. I wanted a 4Runner because I have always liked 4Runners, Toyota in general actually. I was searching for 1st gen 3.4 Tacomas, 3rd gen 4Runners and 4th gen 4Runners. The 3.4 in the Tacoma was a dog, so I passed on the 3rd gens also. I drove an '03 V8 4x4 SE, which was actually running poorly because of numerous problems, it needed a tune up, dirty air filter, etc. The next 4th gen I test drove was the one I ended up getting, which was the '03 V8 4x4 SR5. When I stepped on the gas, this thing WENT and I fell in love with the engine I had heard so much about (reliability, power, etc.) Later that day, I decided to test drive a V6. It was an '04 SR5 with leather. It pulled pretty well, but did not compare to the V8 at all. I knew I would have been constantly regretting it had I got with the V6. Today, I am happily driving my V8. I don't tow, I go off road occasionally (lack of locations in my area and lack of time preventing me from going more), and this thing sounds great and feels solid. It has great passing power, and can even win some friendly street races (as long as you stay in a straight line, lol). As others have said, it is your decision ultimately, drive both, I'm sure you will choose the V8; but if not, you will still get a great V6 engine also. MPG wise, I average 17 mixed. On a highway trip I cruised at about 70 getting 20 mpg. Good luck!