v6 Reliability?

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I'd like some input on a vehicle I'm considering buying. I really want a 4th gen (will be my daily driver with very light off road). I found a 03 with the v8, but it's 13k and more than I have to spend. I've found a 03 v6 4x4 with 125k miles for sale, dealer is asking $11500, which is more in my price range. I really don't tow much, so I think the v6 would have plenty of power. I've read numerous posts I've found through searching that say the v8 and it's tranny setup are superior in reliability. Are there any real problems with the v6 and tranny it's paired with? With regular maintenance such as oil changes and tune ups, should there be any reason I won't get 200k plus miles out of one? Thanks!!!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

With regular fluid changes for the engine & driveline components a V6 T4R will serve you well. Between this board and another one I can only think of 2 serious engine issues. One guy lost an engine due to an aftermarket oil filter gasket, another had a random overheat problem and the third was a minor skip that was a head gasket. Now that's 3 in all these V6's; one of which you can't count. The 4.0L in the Taco is the same. Between Tacos and T4R's there's thousands of these things running around... As for the V8's I don't pay as much attention. I think I recall 2 of those with transmission issues.
:cheers:

 

[RS Dude]

I have a 3rd gen V6 that just turned over to 245,000 miles. Only thing I have replaced is the radiator at about 230,000 due to a small leak. Everything else is original! It runs almost like new, doesn't burn or drip any oil. I do my own oil changes every 3300 miles (3 times every 10k miles). I do all the scheduled maintenance as proscribed by the owners manual.:infidel:

 

[coach]

I have 142k on my 2004 T4R V6 and it is going strong. Everything on it is original right now except a couple brake pad replacements, one O2 sensor and the belt. I love the truck and I now commute about 130 miles round trip each day and it is getting me 19.4mpg over the last 6 tanks. So for, so great!

Brent

 

[ABooker]

Aint nothing wrong with the V6's! I have two of them. Both run great up here in Alaska.

 

[SubSonic]

With regular fluid changes for the engine & driveline components a V6 T4R will serve you well. Between this board and another one I can only think of 2 serious engine issues. One guy lost an engine due to an aftermarket oil filter gasket, another had a random overheat problem and the third was a minor skip that was a head gasket. Now that's 3 in all these V6's. The 4.0L in the Taco is the same. Between Tacos and T4R's there's thousands of these things running around... As for the V8's I don't pay as much attention. I think I recall 2 of those with transmission issues.
:cheers:

I have a year 1 gen 1 Tundra with the 4.7L V8 (bought it in late 1999 as a 2000 MY)...pushing 200k miles...been a tow vehicle for the last 5 years (boat, late model race car, utility trailer, etc) Only issue I've had with it is that it eats 02 Sensors. Specifically, bank 2 sensor 2 (aft-cat passenger side) 02 sensors. I have to install one about every 18 months, regardless of mileage. I found a below retail price source for those sensors and change them out myself...I do not ever intend to get rid of my Tundra...it's a great truck, and I am a Chevy man...My good experience with it drove me to choose my current daily driver (my V8 T4R) over the 4DR 4x4 Z71 Chevy Colorado I had for a couple of years prior to that.

I have a friend who had a 4x4 Toyota pickup, early 80s model. Had the 4 banger in it. I think he owned it for about 10 years, and it had 365k miles on it when he sold it. Some of the bed sides rusted out (we cut and delivered firewood with it to make $$$ in high school), and he had to put a head gasket in it somewhere around 250k miles...So I agree, take decent care of the fluids and preventitive maintenance and Yotas should last you well over 200k miles, regardless of engine displacement or piston count. Can't comment on how good of a price the OP is getting from his dealer, but any Toyota with less than 200k miles is worth a look if the price is right IMO.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I've had plenty of Toyota's and know they are reliable. However, I've searched the internet and most of what I find puts the v6 down. I guess it's just because the v8 is available. Do you guys think the 4.0 is more or less reliable than the 3.4 in the 3rd gens?

 

[coach]

All aluminum block so some say not as bulletproof as the old iron block 3.4. I love the motor, so far so good in my book! Just maintain regular oil changes and fluid changes and all is good really.

Brent

 

[Mike07SE]

Unless you have something drastic happen and severely overheat the engine, that's where the big benefit of the iron block trumps the aluminum. Perform regular maintanance and servicing, the engine should last quite awhile.

When I bought mine, I test drove the V8 and V6 second. Unless I was constantly towing, which I'm not except my jet ski in the summer, I didn't see that big of a power difference. I've got a friend with a V8 Sport similar to mine and says that with my intake and headers that it doesn't feel any different in acceleration.

One plus of the V6 that I didn't know when buying it is that it is a timing chain vs. a belt, so it'll never need that $$$ job done.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

My preference is the v8, but due to financial reasons saving $2000 on the v6 would really help. I do like the timing chain, but I've heard complaints about the motor/transmission setup (just people saying they didn't like it, but not stating reasons). My options are a 99-02 4runner with 100k miles, or a 03 v6 4x4 with 125k miles I've found. I like the 03 because it has much better road manners, just not sure on the longevity of the motor/drivetrain. Thanks a lot for the input.

 

[jharris2]

I have one of the first V6s produced on the 4Runner. No issues with it at all. Still runs smooth and quiet.

Be aware that the transmission with the 2003 model is a 4-speed. The 5-speed was put in beginning with the 2005 models if memory serves. The V8 has had the 5-speed since 2003.

This subject has also been discussed extensively before so suggest you do a search to get the wisdom of the prior discussions.