V6 vs V8 Gen 4
- Thread starter @jbird
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kenlainpro_
New member
My WAG from reading before buying my 07 V6 was no real reliability difference other than the V8 still needing timing belt replacements like the older V6.
I really wanted a V8 in 4WD, but they are quite rare where I live, all 2WD. Wanted it for towing capacity and was willing to deal with the timing belt issue and less gas mileage. Gas is $$ in Hawaii and apparently the 4WD V8 did not sell well here.
For me it came down to 4WD vs 2WD. The V6 power is quite satisfactory, thought the lower end grunt of the V8 would be nice. The towing is a maybe, driving is a certainty, so that made it easier.
I really wanted a V8 in 4WD, but they are quite rare where I live, all 2WD. Wanted it for towing capacity and was willing to deal with the timing belt issue and less gas mileage. Gas is $$ in Hawaii and apparently the 4WD V8 did not sell well here.
For me it came down to 4WD vs 2WD. The V6 power is quite satisfactory, thought the lower end grunt of the V8 would be nice. The towing is a maybe, driving is a certainty, so that made it easier.
Ask10
New member
Both are solid engines, and RE: gas in Hawaii, funny enough I get roughly 20 mpg on my V8 in Hawaii. I honestly think the sound can be addicting and people give it more gas than they need. All my other 4runner friends (with V8s) say they get 15-16, but I'm consistently getting 20 for the city and 26-28 at a steady 50-55 mph cruise. If I go 60 or 70 though, it's back down to 19-21.
Me, the I love the sound and the V8 badge. Seriously, that's worth it to me to go V8 because there's no other ill effects on reliability, generally speaking.
Me, the I love the sound and the V8 badge. Seriously, that's worth it to me to go V8 because there's no other ill effects on reliability, generally speaking.
JEL
New member
I am really happy with the V6, but I don't tow and don't do any hard off-roading, more like snow/ski trip type stuff, for that the V6 is great and gets decent mileage, better than my 3rd gen and the 4.0 in the 4th gen makes it feel like a Veyron compared to the 3.4 in my 3rd gen. Still, my parents have a Tundra with that 4.7 v8 and it is sweet, Lexus-smooth and 1000% reliable, but I am happy I went with the V6 as it suits my needs perfectly. Just keep fresh oil in it (I use M1 5w30 and OEM filter every 5k in both t4r's) and make sure you keep fresh pink Toyota coolant (I'd drain and fill the radiator yearly, cheap and simple insurance) and you'll get square, seems like the spattering of head gasket issues were limited to the 03-04, with very few 05's from my research, 2006+ seems square.
JEL
New member
I wouldn't say the v6 will need head gaskets every 90k, it seems to be a limited thing and primarily in the earlier years (both t4r and Taco). Just don't let that coolant sit in the engine for 10 years like Toyota says and it won't become overly acidic possibly causing damage.
