V6 or v8 ?? Newbie question

[jvh22a]

I'm looking to buy a 4th Gen soon and wondering if I really need a v8?

I've never been off road before and don't want to buy the wrong model.

I'm looking to do some off roading soon and some road trips but won't be towing anything g bigger then a 2 motorcycle trailer.

As for off roading, nothing to extreme since I'm completely new to this.

Thanks for any help.

 

[S4TA]

I was debating the same thing as you about 3 months ago. Found a V8 and am very glad I did. I think I would of regretted the V6 a little. I was even thinking about getting a 5th gen, but now that I have the V8, I no longer want a 5th gen... too under powered. More of an emotional decision than practical. I love the sound of a V8 with a good exhaust and it is pretty quick, even when loaded down.

I previously had a turbo charge Subaru. I was sad to let it go and worried that the 4Runner would be boring to drive in comparison. The V8 with Borla exhaust definitely helped mitigate the loss of my Subaru.

 

[thecalm_7]

a few things to consider, especially being in SoCal.

~Fuel price; when fuel prices go up (eventually/unfortunately), will the V8 be practical for you. As is, my Gen 5 V6 averages 18.9 with mainly highway.

~find a few models to try. V6 2wd/v6 4wd & v8 2wd/v8 4wd. not the same at all, but when I bought my 03 S10, the i4 w/ auto was awful, i4 with 5spd was better, v6 auto was better, v6 5 speed felt even better. I would have been run over getting onto i95 in Richmond with the i4auto as there were some spots that had no acceleration lane. Its been a long time since I drove SoCal, give them both a feel. Difficult to find all these models, but I like my research, bought a few bad combinations before and regretted it.

~ Will you be towing/hauling?

~ Dont know about your insurance, but check the rates on both motors. When I lived in VA, I was going to buy a 1500 series and called for quotes and all the motors had quite varying rates of payment.

 

[jvh22a]

I don't mind the gas or the insurance.
My main concern is that I get the right motor for what I need to do.

For towing I'm probably only going to tow a dual motorcycle trailer. I don't think I would towing anything else.

Main goal is if I do go off-road, like climbs, rock course,etc.. will the v6 be enough?
I'm coming from turbocharged 2 door cars, so I know nothing about off-road stuff. The most I've been out into the mountains and desert was to shooting ranges. So I don't go to far in.

2 4runners I'm looking at is a 2007 sport v6 4wd. Or a 2005 sr5 v8 4wd. Both have about 180,xxx miles.

Thanks.

 

[S4TA]

The 05 has the newer V8 but not the newer styling. Obviously from my signature, you know my vote.

Honestly though, I was very torn before buying mine. I don't tow too often, but it's nice to know the power is there when you need.

 

[thecalm_7]

2x motorcycle trailer shouldnt be a problem, a coworker used to do 2x jet skis easily. I pulled a pontoon with mine today 10 miles, mean ramp into the water too.

I'm also coming from turbo cars. WRX Cosworth build & Countryman S ALL4.

 

[Inv4drZm]

You wont notice any difference while offroading, in fact the heavier-engined V8 would only hurt you if anything. Just my opinion: if you have to ask yourself which one, you'll likely be happy with either. For me, I didn't even think about getting the V6. As long as you get a 4wd model, either will be fine for your needs.

 

[jvh22a]

Last question, is the trans the same between v6 and v8?

I've read that 2006+ v6 has the 5sp trans. Does that also apply to 2006+ v8? Basically if I get a v8 which year is better (engine wise.). I don't really care about exterior cause I like both old and new. And this is just for 4wd models.
Thanks.

 

[S4TA]

Last question, is the trans the same between v6 and v8?



I've read that 2006+ v6 has the 5sp trans. Does that also apply to 2006+ v8? Basically if I get a v8 which year is better (engine wise.). I don't really care about exterior cause I like both old and new. And this is just for 4wd models.

Thanks.

I believe the V8 was the same from 05+. They changed the engine 1 year before the style change. More hp and torque.

 

[jvh22a]

for those that have driven both, does it really matter between the trans?

found a nice 2004 v8 and another is a 2005 v8(less miles) for about 2.5k more.

 

[KPZVR4]

I would ask you how long you want to keep it for. The timing chain is virtually eternal and the belt needs to be changed. The v6 is legendary and the v8 is not. More power and more torque, but I think the v6 is a better engine and has been around longer.

 

[WMU53]

V6 - 4.0 l -2007 2006

I tow two Can Am 800 XTP quads on a 550 pound trailer with the V6. Total weight 2300 lbs. When I am faced with a long steep incline I run the tach in overdrive up to 2400 RPM being approximately 130 KM/hr. No down shiffting occurs and a steady pull.

On the back trail dragging the same trailer. Dragging, because trailer did not have mud chucking tires, for 27 kilometers and the engine was not strained while locked in low. Issue was I did not have mud tires bolted on the 2006 but mother nature decided to rain all the night forcing the 27 K drive through, not on, gumbo.

Burn premium as the compression is 10/1.

The V6 has cooling around the entire cylinder thus not hot spots. The V8 has a nasty front seal leak.

 

[WMU53]

V6 - 4.0 l -2007 2006

I tow two Can Am 800 XTP quads on a 550 pound trailer with the V6. Total weight 2300 lbs. When I am faced with a long steep incline I run the tach in overdrive up to 2400 RPM being approximately 130 KM/hr. No down shiffting occurs and a steady pull.

On the back trail dragging the same trailer. Dragging, because trailer did not have mud chucking tires, for 27 kilometers and the engine was not strained while locked in low. Issue was I did not have mud tires bolted on the 2006 but mother nature decided to rain all the night forcing the 27 K drive through, not on, gumbo.

Burn premium as the compression is 10/1.

The V6 has cooling around the entire cylinder thus no hot spots. The V8 has a nasty front seal leak.

 

[jvh22a]

Thanks for the tips. I have more v6 06+ to choose from then v8.
This helps me narrow down my search.

Also I'm in California and found a good looking v6 in another state. Would there be a problem with transferring at dmv?

 

[S4TA]

Definitely less v8s but worth the wait.

Yes you have to change the timing belt, but that is a small price to pay to play.

I also have a 2010 sienna. The v6 feels nice but slow compared to my v8 runner. The sienna has same hp but is lighter and lower than v6 runner.

It is all relative though. You won't ever feel that sluggish feeling if you never drive the v6 right after driving the v8 like I do on a daily basis.