V6 or V8

GatorGreg said:
Judging from the vids I found below the 4.0 does 0-60 in about 8.0 seconds and the V8 is about 7 seconds. So the 4.0 is a bit slower than the 4.7 (and doesn't sound as good either) BUT it's still about twice as fast as your 1st gen AND gets better mpg in the process according to EPA :) (17city/21hwy for '05 4WD V6 v. 15city/18hwy for the '89 4WD V6 auto - note both are the original window sticker mpg figures, not the current figures that have been lowered by EPA for both).

The 4.0 has 245hp @5200 rpm compared to the '89 3.0's 150hp @ 4800 rpm and the 4.0 has 282 lb-ft of torque @3400 rpm compared to your 3.0's 180 lb-ft @3400 rpm so the 4.0 will feel like a rocket ship in comparison :) (hp and torque figures are again both the older ratings).

2003 4.0 V6


2006 4.0 V6


2003 4.7 V8
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Thanks, some useful info there. There are a few V8's around here Ive been looking at, but I wont be turning down a good v6 at a great deal. Oddly enough the V8's are actually cheaper than the V6's in my AO. Fuel consumption I presume.
 
BioHAzard050 said:
Thanks, some useful info there. There are a few V8's around here Ive been looking at, but I wont be turning down a good v6 at a great deal. Oddly enough the V8's are actually cheaper than the V6's in my AO. Fuel consumption I presume.
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Fuel was only 1 or 2 mpg. Not a factor.
 
Better to have, and not need...

You mentioned "a perfect ride"... for you. Its difficult for others to know what your requirements are, 4runner wise. I suggest that you write down what those are...

Overall look/cosmetic
Cost
Mileage
Color
Etc...

For me, for example, power was my number 1 priority as I needed it to tow my boat on the weekend. Next to the line was cosmetic, good shape and rust free... And since I have to keep her for a while, I have to like both the inside and outside - so color was my next requirement.

In short, V8 was my pick and I couldn't be happier.

Don't rush, ask your heart what its telling you. Doing so you will not regret.

..."Better to have, and not need, than to need, and not have."... Someone said it.

Cheers!
 
I agree with other folks comparing the 4th Gen and 1st Gen motors. When I was looking for a 4th Gen I drove both v6s and v8s and honestly, though I could tell the difference in acceleration getting on the freeway, they didn't seem all that much different to me. Both, however, had gobs more power than the I4 in my old '86 - even after headers and TRD cam.

In short, I think folks are making too much of the v6 vs v8 thing. They're more similar than different.
 
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V6 vs V8

I'll throw in my $0.02 :deadhorse:

I wanted a V8 but ultimately found a 08' V6 Runner in great shape and price so I went that route(bought feb/2016--$14k--114k). Lots of variables to consider. If towing capacity is high up on your list of wants/needs go the V8 route, maybe even expand your search to encompass the GX470. Both engines are solid, each with it's own big maintenance items and quirks.
I wasn't fortunate enough to find a V8 runner (w/ right condition/price) in the timeframe necessary to replace my daily driver :(
 
jfry008 said:
I'll throw in my $0.02 :deadhorse:

I wanted a V8 but ultimately found a 08' V6 Runner in great shape and price so I went that route(bought feb/2016--$14k--114k). Lots of variables to consider. If towing capacity is high up on your list of wants/needs go the V8 route, maybe even expand your search to encompass the GX470. Both engines are solid, each with it's own big maintenance items and quirks.
I wasn't fortunate enough to find a V8 runner (w/ right condition/price) in the timeframe necessary to replace my daily driver :(
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Thankfully, I have time to work with. My 1st gen just clocked 291k but is not going to die immediately (300k is my do it now point) so I have time to wheel and deal on the ones im looking at. 10k for a 2005+ v8 (really want the VVTI update for the extra HP)is my maximum target. 9k if the timing belt needs done. The couple I have been looking at are around 11-12k for 130k miles. However, If I stumble upon a clean pre VVTI v8 or a V6 for around 8k, I might jump on that as well.
 
You're in a good situation since you don't NEED a new Runner right now. You can shop around and be as picky as you want. I almost bought a reddish 06' 4wd limited V6 in Raleigh but I waited it out and found the 08'. Small dealerships want a small fortune for Runners..I found better luck on Craigslist
 
if you are buying a used 4runner.. more V8s will be available around 80k miles than the V6s.. people go in to get their vehicle serviced and are told that need their timing belt done.. The people elect to sell or trade them in, instead of paying for the most expensive maintenance item on the SUV.. But usually not for sale at a discount, being a 1500 dollar service is due.. Your paying the same basically for a V6 and it doesn't need the service...

That should be the first and foremost consideration, is the V8 basically worth 1500 more dollars than the V6?

the non VVT V8 vs the 5 speed V6, the answer should be absolutely not.. That V6 is a superior set up decisively....

the VVT V8 vs the 4 speed V6, I'd def take the V8...

the VVT V8 vs the 5 speed V6... that is the real debate...




The 5 speed V6 is the best set up IMO if you don't tow and carry a big stick....
 
mizak82 said:
if you are buying a used 4runner.. more V8s will be available around 80k miles than the V6s.. people go in to get their vehicle serviced and are told that need their timing belt done.. The people elect to sell or trade them in, instead of paying for the most expensive maintenance item on the SUV.. But usually not for sale at a discount, being a 1500 dollar service is due.. Your paying the same basically for a V6 and it doesn't need the service...

That should be the first and foremost consideration, is the V8 basically worth 1500 more dollars than the V6?

the non VVT V8 vs the 5 speed V6, the answer should be absolutely not.. That V6 is a superior set up decisively....

the VVT V8 vs the 4 speed V6, I'd def take the V8...

the VVT V8 vs the 5 speed V6... that is the real debate...




The 5 speed V6 is the best set up IMO if you don't tow and carry a big stick....
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The V8 does better from an "out of the box" perspective in terms of work than the V6 does if you plan to heavily modify your vehicle. The V6 will need to pull harder and feel like it's working harder than the V8 once you start loading the vehicle up in weight.

HP means little to nothing in the Truck/SUV world, there's a noticeable difference in torque band between the V6 and V8.
 
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Not sure where you came up with $1500 service. My Toyota dealer quoted me $750 for my timing belt with a new water pump.
 
Utopia said:
Not sure where you came up with $1500 service. My Toyota dealer quoted me $750 for my timing belt with a new water pump.
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I should mention that I work at a major parts chain and can get a discount on the components (20%) and I have a mechanic who's cheap on labor. I figure $500 on the low end for me. I aint telling the dealership/seller that though. If the timing belt needs done Ill chop 1k off my offer right there.
 
Utopia said:
Not sure where you came up with $1500 service. My Toyota dealer quoted me $750 for my timing belt with a new water pump.
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I was quote $1100 at toyota and $1600 at lexus for t-belt and water pump. Just an FYI.

My local independant moonlighting lexus tech did it for $750 though.
 
I just paid $784 at the Toyota dealer for the timing belt replacement and new water pump. I did not need a new serpentine belt as it was just replaced.
 
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