V6 or V8

Utopia

Utopia

New member
While searching for my perfect ride I have come across both. I know the v6 uses the timing chain versus the belt in the V8. And then I read a post the other day about an air system the v8 uses that if it breaks is ungodly expensive. (?).
So should I just rule out a V8? I am not pulling anything nor care about gas mileage or power.
 
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I have had V8s and 4wds but found i really did not need them,today i have a V6 and just rear wheel drive. Less weight and less problems to worry about.
 
Depends on what you intend to do and what kind of weather you have. I've got a two bike trailer to pull a pair of street bikes, the v8 handles that laughing. And I'll keep my 4wd in Wisconsin thanks much.
 
V6 - timing chain, but head gasket issues in models before 2006 production

V8 - timing belt, secondary air injection pump issue (a member here makes a $40 bypass for it that's easy to install as preventative maintenance), and has cracked manifold issue (which is more of an annoyance than anything)

On paper they seem to have very similar power, but in the real world the v8 noticeably beats out the v6.

However the v6 does get slightly better fuel economy - to me though it was a negligible difference.

The v8 is also becoming legendary as a Tundra with the same engine just went 1 million miles.
 
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Well having driven both, id go v8, currently own one, it has power for days and torque out the wazoo....
Mileage is about 15_17 in mine, but I've got bigger tires than stock and roof rack, no valance underneath.. if you just want a daily driver either will preform great. Like another member said head gaskets on earlier v6 will be a problem not if but when it happens, v8 have exhaust problems like manifolds, and axle seals going.
 
I really don't like replying to these threads because it's really a matter of opinion. I had to chime in this time to point out the thing that nobody ever mentions.

As good of an engine as the V8 is, it may not be worth the additional cost to find a good one. Around here, they sell for a high premium compared to the V6 models. If it were an extra $1k that would be no big deal but they go for $3k+ more than a comparable V6 and for that price it's just not worth the upgrade to me.

Bottom line, don't choose now. Keep an open mind and grab the best overall vehicle that meets your needs.
 
tysauce said:
V6 - timing chain, but head gasket issues in models before 2006 production

V8 - timing belt, secondary air injection pump issue (a member here makes a $40 bypass for it that's easy to install as preventative maintenance), and has cracked manifold issue (which is more of an annoyance than anything)

On paper they seem to have very similar power, but in the real world the v8 noticeably beats out the v6.

However the v6 does get slightly better fuel economy - to me though it was a negligible difference.

The v8 is also becoming legendary as a Tundra with the same engine just went 1 million miles.
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All true except I think the last statement is, well, b.s. I think that was proven to be a marketing ploy and is a sham. Not that the motor couldn't go that far, but someone did the math and found that the person would have to have driven 300 miles per day, every day, for over nine years with no break. Impossible.
 
You have to determine what is best for you. It would be hard to go wrong with either if you buy one that has been well cared for. That said, the 2UZ in my Land Cruiser had 280,000 virtually trouble free miles on it when I decided to sell it so I was definitely going 2UZ in my 4Runner. I got another V8 and better gas mileage!
 
unevolved said:
V8 all day. The 2UZ-FE is God's engine.
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Since I finally picked up my v8, I will say that north of the border, the v6's are far more rare than the v8's, and command a healthy premium.

With the USD : CND where it stands, it may be worthwhile to look up here.
I will not build a wall to keep you fella's out.
 
I had an 07 Tacoma with the V6 and now have an 07 4runner with the V8. The V8 is much smoother and quieter with nice torque for hills. I just did the timing belt, and while it's costly, it's now set for another 100k. That said, you may not need the extra torque in Iowa, whereas it's nice here in CO when driving up the mountains. It also helps mitigate any power loss from larger tires.
 
Can someone explain the secondary air injection pump? Is this something I need to replace to prevent future problems? The timing belt I get. But the injection pump is worrisome to me for some reason
 
Utopia said:
Can someone explain the secondary air injection pump? Is this something I need to replace to prevent future problems? The timing belt I get. But the injection pump is worrisome to me for some reason
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You are bugging out man, putting way too much thought into this.

Both the V6 and V8 are great engines - both contribute to the reputation we know the 4Runners carry as being incredibly reliable.

If you search thru the forums, you'll see both engines have their particular "issues", but at the end of the day both are fantastic motors.

I prefer the V8 and drive one myself. Drive both... In the end, I think you'll be happy with whatever motor you get.
 
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Utopia said:
I just want to make the right choice and would prefer the lesser of the two maintenance wise.
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If I remember correctly, the secondary air pump issues really only arise if it's dunked under water regularly. It's not an incredibly common issue.

That being said, they are definitely more expensive, but it's for a reason. After constantly dicking around with old BMWs, I decided I was going to fork over the cash for a low-mileage V8. Found a Sport Edition V8 with 53,000 miles, put down a deposit that day, and drove 9 hours to get it the next morning.

Best vehicular purchase I've ever made.
 
I have found an 06 sport. I kind if wanted a v6 but was open to a v8. It's got 100k on it and they are inspecting and cleaning it now. Going to take a look at it. I have been looking for MONTHS for the right one. This,honestly, is the first used car I have ever bought so I am just trying to make the right decision.
 
tysauce said:
V6 - timing chain, but head gasket issues in models before 2006 production

V8 - timing belt, secondary air injection pump issue (a member here makes a $40 bypass for it that's easy to install as preventative maintenance), and has cracked manifold issue (which is more of an annoyance than anything)

On paper they seem to have very similar power, but in the real world the v8 noticeably beats out the v6.

However the v6 does get slightly better fuel economy - to me though it was a negligible difference.

The v8 is also becoming legendary as a Tundra with the same engine just went 1 million miles.
Click to expand...
I didnt know about the air injection pump issue. Link to bypass?
 
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