V8... Just because?

[tipsycoopaloop]

Hey guys. I am new here but I have been a 4runner lover since 2002 when I purchased a '98 SR5, I moved up to an '01 Sport in '04 and now it is time to get a new one. I am doing so reluctantly because I absolutely loved my 3rd gen sport, but unfortunately the drunk driver that totaled it did not (it was minding its own business in front of my house).

Here is the one I am looking at buying

And here is the quoted description...
Always garaged, GPS system, Ice cold A/C, Looks & runs great, Maintenance records available, New tires, No accidents, One owner, Non-smoker, Upgraded sound system, Very clean interior, Well maintained. This truck has an aftermarket touchscreen navigation system/stereo with bluetooth unit, backup camera, and iPod adapter, plus premium speakers and 2 10" subwoofers. Excellent sounding system. Included with selling price, no exceptions.Asking price is $16.5K.

It is an '06 2wd v8 w/ 62k

Seems like it has a bunch of cool stuff that I would end up adding anyways, and for me the price is right. However, I have one major concern. Is the v8 overkill if I *NEVER* tow *ANYTHING*? I kind of just want it even though I know I would be completely content with a v6.

I tried to attach a picture of the totaled guy but they said it was too big.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I love my V8. I like the sound of a v8. The V6s run good but just do not sound right in my opinion. Go for it. If you are going to do any off roading I would look for a 4x4.

 

[T4RBoarder]

I absolutely love my V8 and I don't even need it. The extra power is nice and the gas mileage difference isn't really that big

 

[Rolltide10]

For that price you can't pass it up... I have a V6 and wish I had a V8 everytime i drive it.

 

[Ducman]

Great price!

Great price ! I'd jump on that thing! (if I didnt need 4wd that is)

You will need to have the timing belt replaced at 90,000 miles but thats not a big deal, just wanted to mention it.

Honestly I dont have anything to tow either, but I am a huge fan of V8 engines in general. Love the torque curve they make, the sound... just my kind of powerplant. I mean what's not to like? MPG is barely worse than the V6.

Addicted to torque!

 

[MD4Runner014]

nice lookin truck bro. Id say go for it. The only issue with me is the lack of 4WD but thats just me. I have a V8 and absolutely love the power and sound. Worth every penny of premium gas I put in it hahaha.

 

[Mtn.Rush]

I have the V8 and the only thing that goes in my trailer hitch is my bike rack. And the only 4wheeling I do with it is the beach. I didnt need the V8 but when I drove it had to have it. Good luck with your choice, you cant go wrong with either.

 

[tipsycoopaloop]

Thanks for all of the great input guys! From cruising some of the other posts I came under the impression that the v8 is a pretty touchy subject, especially when it comes to milage.

... I have a V6 and wish I had a V8 everytime i drive it.

Well that one pretty much makes my mind up for me. I guess its usually easier to have something and not need it than to need something and not have it. Isn't that a line from one the "Tremors" films or something

Also you say the sound is a plus. Is that with an un-modded exhaust system? I'm kinda a sucker for after-market exhaust systems.

Coop

 

[Ducman]

Yeah don't expect to hear much with the stock system but I plan to do a nice mellow aftermarket system like Gibson or something down the road.

It's pretty tame but even stock you get a taste of that V8 sound when you get on it.

Also you say the sound is a plus. Is that with an un-modded exhaust system? I'm kinda a sucker for after-market exhaust systems.

Coop

 

[TC3racerM11]

True "better to have it and not need it then need it and don't have it". You can tell a difference going up a steep hill with full AC on. Plus the engine has enough power in the near 2000 rpm for conservative driving. The minute you floor the gas to pass or something you will feel the difference. I say this because I drive my pops v6 frequently I can see the mileage difference and power difference. Like magic LOL. Anyways whatever choice you make just make sure you're not one of the folks that say wish I had a V8.

 

[Rolltide10]

I have dual Borla exhaust on my V6 and it has a nice deep sound... I would imagine it sounds twice as good on a V8, someone who has one can chime in here if i'm wrong.

 

[Will816]

I have driven a few toyotas with the v6 (FJ, 4Runner, Taco) and a few with the V8 (4Runner, Tundra). Mine is a V8. Compared to the V8, the V6 is a little rougher running (still a smooth, quality engine, just not AS smooth). This is more or less the same across the board for V6 versus V8 because the primary and secondary rotating assemblies in a V8 are naturally a little more balanced than a V6.

My V8 pulls hard, I have beaten Hemi Rams and rice rockets off the line, no problem (stoplight races are far from scientific, but it gives you an idea). Just go for it. I did the math once on the economy of the V6 versus the V8 in the 4Runner, using the combined EPA mileage estimates. Based on the fact that the V6 requires premium, you're paying more to run the V6 because the cost is fuel is slightly greater than the mileage gain (only by 1/2 a penny per mile, but its still more).

 

[kn38ms]

The V6 is too buzzy for this style of vehicle.
The V8 is VERY linear in power
The 2mpg difference is insignificant.
V8 all the way.

 

[2k54RUNNIN]

It is an '06 2wd v8 w/ 62k

I don't know if you guys missed this or not, but I thought all V8's are full time 4x4, and only the V6 offer 2wd?

Well I have the V8 and I love it. I did a lot of test driving before I purchased mine. The V6 engine is still great, but to me the engine noise was so much louder, like it is working hard to get up to speed. Where as the V8 just sails along. I don't have any toys to tow either, and I don't even offroad, but with this beast I am going hit some of these trails this spring.

 

[SubSonic]

Re: Re: V8... Just because?

I don't know if you guys missed this or not, but I thought all V8's are full time 4x4, and only the V6 offer 2wd?

Nah. There are V8 2WDs. When you get a V8 4x4 though, then you are more correct. The V8 4x4s are not available with multi-mode 4WD (2WD, 4WD Hi, 4WD Lo) like the 6 bangers are, they are simply full time 4x4 (4WD Hi 40F/60R split) but also have 4WD Lo for the extra nasty stuff.

 

[boston_kevin]

I did the math once on the economy of the V6 versus the V8 in the 4Runner, using the combined EPA mileage estimates. Based on the fact that the V6 requires premium, you're paying more to run the V6 because the cost is fuel is slightly greater than the mileage gain (only by 1/2 a penny per mile, but its still more).

Says who??? There is nothing in the manual nor from Toyota that says the V6 requires premium fuel. For both engines, premium is recommended... I always hate these V6 versus V8 debates because of misinformation that gets spread.

V8 has more torque, more HP without question.
V6 has better fuel economy, without question.

If you like the V8, get the V8, don't listen to anybody else tell you what to get because that is their decision.

 

[4boer]

At $2.00/gallon with regular gas the V8 cost .4 cent /mile more.
RPM at 70 mph = 2k
Justify it by getting a boat!

 

[Fishy1]

I love my V-8 ...I have 3 vehicles with V-8's..


I've never put a drop of preimum in my 4 runner...and have zero problems.
Who says they need preimum

 

[2k54RUNNIN]

Re: Re: Re: V8... Just because?

Nah. There are V8 2WDs. When you get a V8 4x4 though, then you are more correct. The V8 4x4s are not available with multi-mode 4WD (2WD, 4WD Hi, 4WD Lo) like the 6 bangers are, they are simply full time 4x4 (4WD Hi 40F/60R split) but also have 4WD Lo for the extra nasty stuff.

Thanks for letting me now.

Definitely get the V8 since the mpg difference isn't really that big. Like you said it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

 

[paraordnance]

I love my V-8 ...I have 3 vehicles with V-8's..


I've never put a drop of preimum in my 4 runner...and have zero problems.
Who says they need preimum

neither of the vehicles requires a premium. However manual says premium - recomended. I filling up with Premium only since I been forced to use premium fuel in my past autos (mostly germans) and it just got in to my habbit

By the way, get a V8 :biggrin2: You won't regret it. I had a same dilema just 2 months ago. Never looked back