Upgrade to a 2006 V8 Sport?

[DaveInDenver]

2006, Sport, V8, auto 4x4, 200K for $10K
Short version : What's the reputation of the 2006 Sport V8 when at 200K miles?

I like the Sport V8 2006 (and up) because...
- Better 4.7 than early 4G's
- Towing of 7t rather than just 5t.
- Sport has towing suspension, hitch and wired for 7-way.

I like my 2002 SR5 a LOT. But I tow sometimes and the '02 will not pull my 4,500+lbs trailer (yes I use a WDH) in the Colorado mountains (other than than a 2nd or even 1st gear slog) so I have to stay in the flats or rent a F250'ish tow vehicle.


I've found several post that touch on different aspects of '06 Sport but it's hard to collect a good list... could not find targeted post on this model. Could I get a summary from someone or a link to a thread or two please. What's the reputation of the 2006 Sport V8 when at 200K miles?

What are the common got'ya's, wish-I'd-known-that, etc. I seen some talk about t-belts, head gaskets and exhaust mani's,...

Thx!

 

[mcaninch35]

Biggest things that I looked for when purchasing (pick up my 06 limited tomorrow!). Not in any particular order:

Frame rust
Cracked exhaust manifolds
Air injection system issues (I have a slyfox bypass on the way for mine already
Last time the timing belt and water pump were changed. Yours should have last been done around 180K, check for a sticker around the airbox if seller doesn't have records
4WD actuator- make sure it goes into 4lo. May have issues if PO didn't use 4lo often

Otherwise, from what I've found, just all the normal used car stuff!

 

[grave]

Yes. Of course you should upgrade.

HG was only an issue for ’03-05 and early ‘06 V6 models. Replace your TB/WP every 90-100K. If you don’t have service record of it being done recently, at 200K you should get it done. I don’t think ‘06 was as different as you think.

 

[Piggity]

FYI, a V6 will tow that weight. I use my V6 for towing a 4200lb travel trailer, keep it in 4th on the highway and you're good. The extra torque would be nice, but it's not necessary unless you're over 5000lbs or needing to tow in the Rockies.

I've upgraded the warming/cooling lines to the radiator with an ATF cooler run straight from the ATF hardlines off the transmission. I've bought a rusty POS OEM V8 hitch that needs a good sandblast then paint, this will be a nice peace of mind upgrade when using a weight distributing hitch on a TT.

 

[MikeinNH67]

FYI, a V6 will tow that weight. I use my V6 for towing a 4200lb travel trailer, keep it in 4th on the highway and you're good. The extra torque would be nice, but it's not necessary unless you're over 5000lbs or needing to tow in the Rockies.

He's currently towing with a Gen 3 though. Gen 4 is a bigger motor on the V6. V8 of course is gonna tow better. Also have more gears in the tranny which also helps.

Frame rust and timing belt would be the biggest thing to check IMO. There are other issues like sticking calipers but in the big scheme of things those are easy to fix. Both of these engines if maintained properly will do over 300k. You'll love a Gen4 assuming the ergo's fit you well.

 

[Piggity]

2005 and up V6's came standard with the 5spd autos. 5th is overdrive, so keeping it in 4th keeps the revs higher and less heat in the transmission.

 

[royal T4R]

My 04 V8 came standard with:
5 speed auto
Tow package with 7 pin connector


The 2006+ 4.7 added VVTi but they also changed the way they test torque and hp. On paper the 06+ 4.7 makes more power but in reality they are both similar.

The 06+ models are objectively better looking and most will come with side curtain air bags.

 

[TejasRunner01]

Hey I just upgraded from a 97 v6 4wd to an 08 v8 4wd limited. I had a very hard time choosing but now that I've had more seat time in the 4th gen I LOVE IT. You will not be disappointed with the switch if the one you are looking at is sorted. It is night and day better as a daily driver.

Sent from my Mi MIX 2S using Tapatalk

 

[Jayson44]

Dave, get the v8. you'll like it much better here in CO. i70 is a breeze in my 05 v8, and I've got 35s on it.

J.

 

[bebop]

Hi Dave!!

I have one for sale in Texas if you’re having a hard time finding what you want in CO. Mine has a bunch of goodies too!!

I’d check for the secondary air bypass, this is a pretty common occurrence with the 4.7. Hewitt technology has a bypass for it.

That is the only issue to date with my 2006. I just bought a 2020 so the 06 is starting to collect dust!

Cheers!!

 

[Joex481]

My 2004 is at 244k.

Over 200k, things to definitely look at:

Water pump and timing belt - people will get rid their cars cause they need this $1000 service. Dealers are probably going to avoid doing it, since it's something you don't see.

Front suspension - if suspension is stock it will be very worn and you'll feel it. Check ball joints. Bushings, squeaks, etc.

Manifolds - they do crack. Mine are slightly cracked, doesn't bother me.

Towing - amazing. You mostly notice the weight because of the coil springs. The engine hardly complains. My 94 has a harder time getting to 70 without a trailer behind it, lol. I'm putting airbags in to see if that will make improvements. I towed a 92 on a U-Haul trailer 300 miles at 70 - transmission temps stayed pretty level, 50 degree weather. I've towed around 3k lbs through the Smokies, wasn't easy on it, though, and the transmission did get a little warm that time. When you tow a car dolly you hardly even feel the additional load.

Brakes - front calipers go bad. I've learned that it's just something I'm going to have to deal with. I've gone through several sets through 130k miles of ownership.

Motor differences - 2005+ got the VVTi (then you need to watch for secondary air injection issues). 2006 has the same motor as 2005, the HP/torque calculation methods were changed but nothing on the motor did.

 

[nlau87]

Might not be the best time to buy since prices have shot up lately, but 10K isn't too shabby especially if it's in good condition. But if you have the funds, than I say go for it!

 

[Fern]

My 04 V8 came standard with:
5 speed auto
Tow package with 7 pin connector


The 2006+ 4.7 added VVTi but they also changed the way they test torque and hp. On paper the 06+ 4.7 makes more power but in reality they are both similar.

The 06+ models are objectively better looking and most will come with side curtain air bags.

2005 they changed to VVTI. 2006 they changed the front end. The difference is 2 mpg between the V8 and V6. Get the V8. It's a no brainer. The V8 pulls HARD.