V8's

[bonds44]

every time ive gone to my toyota dealer here in bay area they never seem to have any V8's on the lot. their answer is that they are going green and people want to save money and better gas millage. even thou the gas mileage are very close i find interesting that they wouldn't have on the lot as a demo for a customer to test. is there anything there are they hiding anything wrong with the iforce V8's? even when i bought mine i had to go to Santa Cruz and they only had 1 on the lot and that became mine.

 

[SportRunner]

I'm in SoCal and I see a lot of V8's, my problem was trying to find a 4x4...haven't heard of dealership's going green but I can see why they would want to say that....As far as the 4.7 V8, things bulletproof....an awesome engine, we'll put plenty of miles on'em....

 

[Gromulus]

Consumer Perception

Same in my area. Back in the early years of the 4th gen our local dealer had equal numbers of V6 and V8 models. These days the majority of what he stocks are V6 SR5 models with a few Sport and maybe one or two Limited models. When I bought mine I had a hard time getting a Limited wth NAV. I have never seen a 2WD 4Runner at the local dealers in our area.

This same dealer is stocking about 10 - 12 4Runners, only one new Sequoia SR5 (so far) and many 5.7 liter Tundras. Go figure.

 

[armybass]

I think that even though the V8's are not much worse on MPG's, I think the perception is that they are and the dealers probably on stock what they think they can sell. Here in Virginia I have not seen too many V8's but I don't see to many Sport Editions either. They mostly seem to be SR5's. But we have only had a dealership with a real selection for a year or two.

 

[Falls]

2 dealers I watch closely here.
It seems to have nothing to do with gas milage here.

One dealer will have 80% V8 and the other dealer will have 80% V6 , then when their next shipment comes in it's totally flip flopped.

Don't know why.

All are 4wd's here though.

I have seen at least 6-8 new Sequoias on the road though and boat loads of new Tundras here. People must not really care about gas I guess .

 

[spo0587]

I have a 2003 2WD V8 SR5 with factory upgrades. Old school with grey plastic cladding! I have only seen one other one other one in my entire state. Baby has 102K and running strong. Haven't seen any new Sequoia's yet, still on the lots. Maybe Toyota is idling some of their V8 lines to clear inventory in preparations for retooling? 2009 is the rumor year for a 4Runner overhaul. Maybe new 5.7 V8 4Runners? doubt it, but it would be wicked.

 

[Even Steven]

I'd love to see the sales numbers, but I would bet that the V6 models have been outselling the V8 models, especially considering the never ending rise of gas prices.

Of course dealerships know this, so they would be wise to keep a higher percentage of V6 models on their lots. Going "green" has nothing to do with it....they couldn't give two shits about that. It's all about keeping the vehicles on hand that customers want to buy. If gas prices dropped dramatically and everyone wanted V8 4Runners, you can bet the so called "green" dealerships would flood their lots with them!

A friend of mine was looking for a new Ford Explorer a couple of weeks ago. He visited 3 local dealerships and couldn't find a single V8 on their lots. Every Explorer in stock was a V6. One of the salesmen told him that he'd have to order his Explorer if he wanted a V8 because the dealership doesn't order them that way unless a customer specifically wants one with a V8.

 

[armybass]

I think that is right on. They sell what people want and will buy. If we all wanted T4R's painted like Rubic's Cubes, they would have a lot full of them.

 

[Falls]

Its all about what they can move off then lot the fastest. I agree about them not giving 2 craps about going green .

Weird though on how my closest 2 dealers always seem to flip flop of what they have.

Gas prices here now are at 2.90 , that does not seem to deter people at all about buying big trucks .

Its hard to say what people think are high gas prices. I personally would rather pay a buck a gallon , but it is what it is and people will always just pay it.

The media always makes up BS about gas prices and it freaks people out. Here in Wisconsin we were supposed to be at $4 per gallon for 87 by the first of the year , people were freakin out , never got even close and actually has dropped by about .45 per gallon since then , but people are still concerned down the road and the v6 may give them some peace at mind even though they are not really saving much at all.

The whole thing is puzzling sometimes , if people actually did the math of what a V6 would cost them vs what a V8 would cost them in a year (in fuel) , they would really be surprised and not probably even worry about the V6/V8 debate and just buy what they needed or really wanted , but people don't take the time to figure it out.

2wd vs 4wd .... different story.

 

[Even Steven]

The media always makes up BS about gas prices and it freaks people out. Here in Wisconsin we were supposed to be at $4 per gallon for 87 by the first of the year , people were freakin out , never got even close and actually has dropped by about .45 per gallon since then , but people are still concerned down the road and the v6 may give them some peace at mind even though they are not really saving much at all.

The whole thing is puzzling sometimes

That's true, but if you calculate the difference, it's roughly $355/year using today's average gas price, an average of 12,000 miles per year, and the EPA's fuel economy ratings. That's about 6 less fill-ups per year for the V6 owner, all else equal.

If gas prices do go to $4/gallon, then the difference grows exponentially. I can see why more and more Americans are beginning to make a more economical choice, even for SUVs and trucks. I believe sales for these classes of vehicles is down quite a bit from just two or three years ago.

 

[Even Steven]

Falls,

That's funny... you edited your post to say that people should do the math. While you were editing, I actually did the math and posted the results.

I don't think the results are insignificant, do you? I've had my 4Runner for nearly 4 years now, so I estimate my fuel costs at $1420 less than they would have been if I chose the V8. Not a huge amount of money over four years, but certainly not insignificant.

 

[Falls]

Falls,

That's funny... you edited your post to say that people should do the math. While you were editing, I actually did the math and posted the results.

I don't think the results are insignificant, do you? I've had my 4Runner for nearly 4 years now, so I estimate my fuel costs at $1420 less than they would have been if I chose the V8. Not a huge amount of money over four years, but certainly not insignificant.

Yes I personally do feel any amount of money is significant . My miles I drive (2,000 per mo.) it cost's me an add'l 540 ( at current prices ) a year to have my V8 and that IF there EVEN is a straight 2 mpg difference between the 2 . If thats a problem for me , I should be looking at a different type of vehicle. Its 45.00 per month , yes it's money that could be saved ( for mods ...lol) but If I have a problem affording 45.00 a month I really should be driving something different .

I just checked my 2 dealers inventory :
Dealer 1 has 5 2008 4R's , all V6 4x4
Dealer 2 has 13 2008 4R's , 4-V6 and 9-V8 , so between the 2 its an even split.

 

[Even Steven]

Wow, you drive a lot of miles! You'll feel it more than the average driver, that's for sure...

If I drove that many miles, I'd probably have a much more economical vehicle than a 4Runner, just because I wouldn't want to spend that much of my money on gas. Now if I NEEDED a truck or SUV to get me front point A to point B, that would be a different story. Honestly, I could just buy a little economy car and my 98% of my transportation needs would be met....I just don't WANT to drive a car, so I'm willing to pay at the pump for my choice. But if I had to pay a huge amount of money, I might be inclined to switch to a more economical choice some time down the road.

By the way, I used a combine 2.5 mpg difference because that's what the EPA says, and that's about as accurate data we can get. The cost of gas is projected to keep rising, so the difference you stated might be much less than the real difference, especially if gas prices continue to rise, as expected.

Now here's the interesting part-- WANTS versus NEEDS. Just as MOST of us chose a 4Runner because we WANTED it (as opposed to actually NEEDING it), the same thing applies to the V6 versus V8 debate. For MOST of us, there's no reason to choose the V8 other than WANTING it. The V6 will do everything the V8 can, with the possible excpetion of maximum towing ability. But MOST of us don't tow regularly at or near the limit, so it's safe to say that the majority of people who buy the V8 do so because they WANT it, not because they actually NEED it.

 

[Falls]

Wow, you drive a lot of miles! You'll feel it more than the average driver, that's for sure...

If I drove that many miles, I'd probably have a much more economical vehicle than a 4Runner, just because I wouldn't want to spend that much of my money on gas. Now if I NEEDED a truck or SUV to get me front point A to point B, that would be a different story. Honestly, I could just buy a little economy car and my 98% of my transportation needs would be met....I just don't WANT to drive a car, so I'm willing to pay at the pump for my choice. But if I had to pay a huge amount of money, I might be inclined to switch to a more economical choice some time down the road.

By the way, I used a combine 2.5 mpg difference because that's what the EPA says, and that's about as accurate data we can get. The cost of gas is projected to keep rising, so the difference you stated might be much less than the real difference, especially if gas prices continue to rise, as expected.

Now here's the interesting part-- WANTS versus NEEDS. Just as MOST of us chose a 4Runner because we WANTED it (as opposed to actually NEEDING it), the same thing applies to the V6 versus V8 debate. For MOST of us, there's no reason to choose the V8 other than WANTING it. The V6 will do everything the V8 can, with the possible excpetion of maximum towing ability. But MOST of us don't tow regularly at or near the limit, so it's safe to say that the majority of people who buy the V8 do so because they WANT it, not because they actually NEED it.

Agreed !!! I drive what I want and what I can afford , actually for me econobox cars make me nervous driving them or even riding in them. I just buy and drive what I want , always will. I do tow quite a bit , but nothing the V6 can't do by anymeans , just like the V8's. I figured the fuel cost at 2 mpg difference as an average . I'm happy as a clam that I've got a truck based SUV with a V8 that gets this good of milage . My 4R get better milage than my Ford Escape V6 4x4 , how can you ask for anything more.

I have no beefs with the 4.0L V6 at all and would buy a Tacoma or FJ , 4R without any hesitation.

As my other post , my Mom who has a 05 TB 4x4 with a 4.2L V6 has never hit the 14 mpg mark in cty/rural driving ...... unreal IMO.

lets face it all of us here , didn't but our 4R for economy or want's , needs what ever ?? We could have got something with the same size room or more room inside ( like a mini van or crossover ) and got quite a bit better milage depending on what you choose. We have them because they are good tough reliable vehicle's that are still truck based . We modify them with more aggressive tires , lifts , ect.... which all do eat up a little milage , but we like our 4R's .

Besides we supposed to get another snow storm , and then when your driving and having a fricken blast , all practical thinking goes out the window....lol

 

[Uneek]

Got pay to play...

I 'need' the 4Runner for my winter activities, because I'm too lazy install chains. My friend is looking to trade his coupe for a SUV because he doesn't want to deal with chains. The MPG doesn't bother me because I never owned a vehicle that got more than 20mpg anyways. I've always owned inefficient vehicles, oh wells.

 

[armybass]

Right, I did not buy my T4R for the MPG's and personally if we are talking a whopping 2.5 MPG difference, then I think my V8 is well worth it.

 

[Falls]

Right, I did not buy my T4R for the MPG's and personally if we are talking a whopping 2.5 MPG difference, then I think my V8 is well worth it.

I wouldn't mind either motor , but If I had my choice it would be a V8. Love the power and how it pull's.

We were figuring 2.5 mpg as a even # , it's not even that much IMO.

 

[04 sc V8]

I agree. I test drove a V6 and V8 T4R and deffinitely have no regrets about buying the V8. I also owned a Taco with the 4.0 6speed manual and liked that combo as well. I do wish the V8 had a 2wd option on the transfer case sometimes along with an A-trac/VSC off switch. Mostly for fun , but I'm sure it wouldn't hurt the mileage either.

 

[dingo]

The dealers in the bay area seem to get V8's infrequently. When I was shopping for an SR5 they only had one V8 and it was a LTD. Come time for looking for my SE, again the only V8 on the lot (Walnut Creek Toyota) was a V8 LTD (and they always came in either black or titanium). I had fancied the idea of a V8 SE but I wasn't about to wait on chance or special order.

Just this past week, my buddy in SoCal was looking for a 2008 V8 Limited in Shadow Mica. Not only was it near impossible, but all the dealers around him only had SR5 V8's. The Limited V8's came only in black or white. He hates both colors, black for the high maintenance, and white for, in his words "appliance on wheels". He argued that he would never buy a vehicle that was the same color as his dishwasher or refrigerator. Btw, no offense to white vehicle owners, his statement/observation gave me a good chuckle. Anyway, after about 3 weeks of searching he finally found his V8 Limited with NAV and value package (xreas, moonroof, spoiler) in Galactic Gray. Not the color he first wanted but his close second. I told him you'd better grab it because the chances of you getting that config in Shadow would be near impossible sans placing a special order (which he didn't want to do or wait x months - still not a guarantee). He needed to replace his Cutlass sooner than he anticipated. So he had to drive from Fountain Valley to Pasadena to pick it up. Hell of a search but he got his V8. He was very adamant about getting his @ss warmer seats.