im looking to buy my first 4runner and idk if i should get a v6 or v8..im not going to be going on trails or nothing i just need something more reliable. i travel alot so im on the interstate quite abit..what would somebody recommend..im looking for what would give me the best gas mileage for the power...also what transmission should i get?? 4 or 5 speed? :uzi::lasercannon:
v6 or v8
- Thread starter lmoody003
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2003Can4runner
New member
What years have you been looking at? 2005+ VVTI was added to the V8, and the 5 speed was added to the V6. You can only get the V8 with the 5speed for all years. They are both very reliable. If given the choice, get the 5speed for the better mileage with the V6.
Do you plan on towing? V8 would be beneficial for that. The V6 does get a bit better mileage, but not THAT much. Towing or not, I'd choose the V8 for the sound and smoothness.
One other thing to consider is the V8 has a timing belt that needs replacing, while the V6 has a timing chain.
Some might argue that the V8 is a little more reliable having been in Lexus' for years. But, that's not to say the V6 isn't reliable. In fact it seems to be very reliable.
So all in all, they are both great motors and you won't have to worry about them. If your towing, V8. If not, just find a 4runner that looks to be a good deal whether its a V6 or V8.
Do you plan on towing? V8 would be beneficial for that. The V6 does get a bit better mileage, but not THAT much. Towing or not, I'd choose the V8 for the sound and smoothness.
One other thing to consider is the V8 has a timing belt that needs replacing, while the V6 has a timing chain.
Some might argue that the V8 is a little more reliable having been in Lexus' for years. But, that's not to say the V6 isn't reliable. In fact it seems to be very reliable.
So all in all, they are both great motors and you won't have to worry about them. If your towing, V8. If not, just find a 4runner that looks to be a good deal whether its a V6 or V8.
chaz
New member
Nuke
New member
I currently tow a 17' bass boat with a 120HP engine on it. This is my 3rd T4R and the biggest V6 of the 3. I was pleasantly surprised with the towing ability of my V6. If I had found a V8 with the same equipment I may have bought that but I have no regrets.
From what I've heard, the V8 gets only 1-2 MPG less than the V6 (which is true of my 2 Mustangs; a V6 and V8). My T4R V6 can get about 24-25 MPG (hand calculated) if i can keep my speed at 60 MPH or below but who the heck can? At 65 MPH and above, my mileage rolls-off to about 19-20 MPG at a steady 70 MPH (again, hand calculated; the on-boards tend to be off about 2 MPG on average).
From what I've heard, the V8 gets only 1-2 MPG less than the V6 (which is true of my 2 Mustangs; a V6 and V8). My T4R V6 can get about 24-25 MPG (hand calculated) if i can keep my speed at 60 MPH or below but who the heck can? At 65 MPH and above, my mileage rolls-off to about 19-20 MPG at a steady 70 MPH (again, hand calculated; the on-boards tend to be off about 2 MPG on average).
Conspearasea
New member
I have one of each, and I really like both of them. I will tell you that you can feel a big difference between the V6 and V8 when it comes to the smooth drive-train and acceleration of the v8. The v8 is very nice , just a little less mpg. It will get up and go when you step on it....it's my wife's DD.
I kind of agree w/ the earlier statement, find a nice one you like and go w/ it. It doesn't sound as though you really need the v8, but the v8 is a very nice ride, slightly smoother than the v6. Both are very nice trucks overall and I would imagine either will suit you well.
I kind of agree w/ the earlier statement, find a nice one you like and go w/ it. It doesn't sound as though you really need the v8, but the v8 is a very nice ride, slightly smoother than the v6. Both are very nice trucks overall and I would imagine either will suit you well.
JB.
New member
MPG difference is 1 city, 2 hwy. Best mileage would be 2WD V6, 5sp ('05 or later). V6 has plenty of giddy up. V8 is very luxurious, needs a timing belt every 100k.
'05, '06 were the big upgrade years so you might want to try and swing one of those. (05 drive train, 06 styling, electrical).
V8 is quieter, more torquey, and more fun to drive. The V6 gets 2 mpg more and doesn't need a timing belt but is louder due to that. I drove several and had to have the V8 just for how I enjoyed driving it...and I don't really drive hard most of the time but the increased torque stood out as well as how quiet the motor is.
Plus, that is a pretty legendary 4.7L engine and I am all about legendary reliability.
Plus, that is a pretty legendary 4.7L engine and I am all about legendary reliability.
:nicethread:thank yall for the post..this really helped...this is an awsome forum and i love how everyone is active...i did not know about the vvti motors (im more of a chevy guy) but hear lately ive been hearing nothing but good about toyotas so i think im a changed man..im probally going to go with the v8 just because my silverado is a v8...thank you everyone again... :bigok:
diamondplate
New member
Like it was stated earlier with either engine you really cannot go wrong. Keep us posted on what you decide.
Nuke
New member
My current T4R is my 6th Toyota; an '08 with 30,000 miles.
Prior:
1. '81 Celica, sold with 178,000 miles in showroom condition
2. '88 Camry, sold with 215,000 miles in very good condition
3. '90 T4R, sold to a friend with 205,000 miles. 375,000 miles at last count
4. '97 Camry, son still driving it with 177,000 miles
5. '00 T4R, sold with 152,000 miles in mint condition
VERY LITTLE maintenance was done to those vehicles beyond normal PM. Get the picture?
Prior:
1. '81 Celica, sold with 178,000 miles in showroom condition
2. '88 Camry, sold with 215,000 miles in very good condition
3. '90 T4R, sold to a friend with 205,000 miles. 375,000 miles at last count
4. '97 Camry, son still driving it with 177,000 miles
5. '00 T4R, sold with 152,000 miles in mint condition
VERY LITTLE maintenance was done to those vehicles beyond normal PM. Get the picture?
TOYLUVA
New member
+ 1 :thumbsup:
chaz
New member
funny, all my life i never wanted a 4x4 that wasnt able to be in 2wd (lever or button) so i normally wouldnt even consider one that was always in FT 4WD, but i drove one at the dealer & for some reason i just had to have it. , maybe its just cause im older now. i think the toyota 4R FT 4WD is one of the best out there, not to mention the v8 too. but everyones right, either way u cant lose.
Ridger
New member
I'm in the same boat, a newbie trying to decide on a V6 or V8. I'm leaning toward a V8 for the extra towing ability. I currently own a 10' pop-trailer, but I want to get a small 19'-21' hybrid trailer.
Anyone here have any experience towing with the V6 and the V8. Especially the V6 as I'd be curious as to how well it towed for you.
Cheers!
Anyone here have any experience towing with the V6 and the V8. Especially the V6 as I'd be curious as to how well it towed for you.
Cheers!
I feel like this is one of those situations where the people with the 6's will say they love the sixes and the people with the 8s will say they love the 8's.
When I test drove the 6, it seemed strong, but also seemed to be working harder. I love just cruising with the V8 doing 65 at like 1900 RPM, it is just loafing along.
I doubt I'm going to tow much, but every so often when I want to make some Saudi rich I get on it hard and love that V8 exhaust note.
When I test drove the 6, it seemed strong, but also seemed to be working harder. I love just cruising with the V8 doing 65 at like 1900 RPM, it is just loafing along.
I doubt I'm going to tow much, but every so often when I want to make some Saudi rich I get on it hard and love that V8 exhaust note.
FourEyedWilly
New member
I can actually answer towing the same SeaRay 205 Sport with both a 2006 V6 T4R and my 2006 V8 T4R. The boat is 21 feet long and weighs about 4,800 including toys and gas. I had four people in each 4R at the time of the test.
Conditions were mostly flat, no wind so it was a good compare. From what my butt and ears could here and feel, the V6 did just fine but felt like it was really working hard. Once up and running it would maintain speed without issue but from a stop, you better not be in a hurry. Also, no tranny cooler. The V6 for me, is great and if it was the only option I would be content.
My V8 made towing the boat mear childs play. I could take off with authority, I could pass on the freeway, and maintaining speed took little to no effort. The engine did not sound like it was straining, but working just as it should. I would imagine for a long tow, the V6 would take a beating in comparison.
In a month or so I will be driving up to San Francisco to pick up my Jeep and tow it back to Vegas. When I do this I will report back. I will be trailering the Jeep as it's a church. 1969 CJ5, 8,000 original miles on the drivetrain and 40K on the body. My father and I swapped engines and transmissions in 1984 as we found a brand new drive train. It's mint and not built by Chrysler or AMC!!! Anyway, I'll let you all know how that goes when the time comes.
Conditions were mostly flat, no wind so it was a good compare. From what my butt and ears could here and feel, the V6 did just fine but felt like it was really working hard. Once up and running it would maintain speed without issue but from a stop, you better not be in a hurry. Also, no tranny cooler. The V6 for me, is great and if it was the only option I would be content.
My V8 made towing the boat mear childs play. I could take off with authority, I could pass on the freeway, and maintaining speed took little to no effort. The engine did not sound like it was straining, but working just as it should. I would imagine for a long tow, the V6 would take a beating in comparison.
In a month or so I will be driving up to San Francisco to pick up my Jeep and tow it back to Vegas. When I do this I will report back. I will be trailering the Jeep as it's a church. 1969 CJ5, 8,000 original miles on the drivetrain and 40K on the body. My father and I swapped engines and transmissions in 1984 as we found a brand new drive train. It's mint and not built by Chrysler or AMC!!! Anyway, I'll let you all know how that goes when the time comes.
SurfToy
Member
+2. Based on everything I've read on these forums, you'll be very happy with either one.
