V6 performance in the mountains?

[RonMAIDEN]

Just talked to a friend who had an '04 V8 and just bought an '07 V6 and he lives up near Glenwood Springs and he says he likes the V6 since he can run the lowest grade (85) at altitude with no performance loss but the V8 still seemed to need 91 to run as good as the V6 and he's getting about 3 more mpgs over the V8.

 

[4runDiZZLe]

Guys,

For V6 owners that live in the mountains, are you happy with it's performance given the steep gradients?

I have a friend that is sold on the 4Runner but wants to get the V6 to save money upfront and on gas costs. However, he is concerned that the V6 will not be able to handle driving in the mountains - for example, passing trucks and slow moving traffic on steep 2 lane roads.

After having driven the V6 (not in the mountains though) I think it would be just fine but I wanted your opinions on this. V8 owners jump in also.

Thx!

i say tell your friend to get the v6!!! if he is concerned about upfront costs! first of all the v8 will cost a LITTLE more compared to the v6 and the DECREASED MPG...

but i think if cost is real concern for him don't forget about the fact that the V8 has a timing belt that will need to be replaced at some point... where as the V6 DOES NOT because it has a timing chain... HOPE I HELPED...

btw... i miss the snow... *this past season was such an epic season!!! mammoth is still open till jun 1st... anyone down for a road trip/meet in mammoth? lol?

 

[2003-4x4runner]

V6 all the way!!!

If your friend is not towing heavy equipment, then he should get the V6. My 2003 V6 runs great in the mountains. I have family near Yosemite (5000 ft), I also have driven up to Lake Tahoe, Death Valley, Mt Whitney up and down the coast of CA. The V6 has more then enough horse power. If your friend is still undecided, then have him compare the maintenance on the V6 and V8. (timing chain vs. timing belt, oil filter location, spark plugs)

 

[Neversummer]

Thanks for those last few posts guys. I would have responded individually but I can't seem to find the "multi-quote" button.

That was all great info for me to pass on to him. It appears he should be fine with the V6.

 

[colorado]

One more vote for the V6. I drive my '07 V6 between Denver, Evergreen, and Silverthorne regularly and have never felt underpowered. For my purposes, would only consider the V8 if regularly doing heavy towing.

BTW, when getting ready to buy (Nov. 07), once the Denver area dealers knew we were serious, they didn't balk one bit about test driving "up the hill." I took each vehicle west at least as far as Lookout Mountain/Genesee. That should answer anybody's concerns about power.

 

[Neversummer]

One more vote for the V6. I drive my '07 V6 between Denver, Evergreen, and Silverthorne regularly and have never felt underpowered. For my purposes, would only consider the V8 if regularly doing heavy towing.

BTW, when getting ready to buy (Nov. 07), once the Denver area dealers knew we were serious, they didn't balk one bit about test driving "up the hill." I took each vehicle west at least as far as Lookout Mountain/Genesee. That should answer anybody's concerns about power.

Thanks man that is great info as I'm in Conifer and he is in Golden.