Want new 4runner... 6cyl or 8cyl?

[statman24]

Folks,

In the market for a 4th generation 4runner. I'm a first-timer. I've test driven both the 6cyl and the 8cyl. The v6 has some good pep... and I'm happy with it.

Question... (and I'm no 4x4 expert)... but with the v6, you have a choice of going 2wd or 4wd, but with the 8 cyl, it's always 4wd. Why didn't they give the 8cyl the same choice? Do folks (even those who don't go off-road or tow) still prefer the 8 cyl given this? Any other reason to go with the 8 over the 6 (or visa versus)? Won't gas mileage on the v6 be significantly better?

Just trying to figure things out before I buy.

Thanks!

 

[Even Steven]

You should probably use the search function for answers to all of your questions. Everything you asked has been asked many times before, so a quick search will give you more information than you can imagine!

 

[statman24]

You should probably use the search function for answers to all of your questions. Everything you asked has been asked many times before, so a quick search will give you more information than you can imagine!

Sorry about that. My first search failed... but I was able to find some good info subsequent to your reply.

Question... the 8 cyl requires a timing belt change at 90k miles. Does anyone know how much work that is... and the appx cost?

I think I'm leaning towards the V8. Looking for a white 2004/2005 Sport or limited!

Is there a classified section around here that lists vehicles for sale?

 

[Even Steven]

Sorry about that. My first search failed... but I was able to find some good info subsequent to your reply.

Question... the 8 cyl requires a timing belt change at 90k miles. Does anyone know how much work that is... and the appx cost?

I think I'm leaning towards the V8. Looking for a white 2004/2005 Sport or limited!

Is there a classified section around here that lists vehicles for sale?

Yes, just go to the Classifieds forum

Keep in mind that the '04 and '05 V8 engines are two different animals. If you want the extra power, look for an '05 or newer V8.

 

[statman24]

Yes, just go to the Classifieds forum

Yea, my initial search looked more like a "parts" type classified

Keep in mind that the '04 and '05 V8 engines are two different animals. If you want the extra power, look for an '05 or newer V8.

Oh... worth keeping in mind... So, what's the difference between the 04 and 05 V8 engine? Which will be more reliable in the long run (I know it's purely speculation)?

 

[Falls]

8 !!

 

[statman24]

ok... 8 it is.

Still 2 remaining questions.

1. How much does it cost to replace the timing belt on the 8?

2. What's the difference between the 04 and 05 v8?

Thanks!

 

[vando45]

1. Haven't done the 4Runner yet, but it was $357 on my Tundra a couple years ago.

2. The '05 got VVTi - more horsepower

I really like the fulltime 4WD in the snow, no need to switch it in and out, it's always there.

 

[boston_kevin]

oh boy... not another one of these posts.

Timing belts might be good to 90k miles, but most of the time it is better to replace at 60k miles. You don't want to see that belt fail (talk about an expensive repair bill) Usually when the replace a timing belt, the will replace the water pump with it, so I would expect the bill to be $500 or more from a dealer.

V6 can be full time 4WD like the V8, just set the switch and forget it. Mine is full time 4WD from December to April.

Without a doubt the V8 has more power to it. Without a doubt the V6 has better fuel economy (by 2-3 mpg). Neither is underpowered nor are they gas guzzlers. Up here in the Northeast, I have yet to see any substantial difference in resale (maybe 300-500 on a 3 year old lease trade in) for the same options and mileage for a V6 versus a V8.

Drive both and see which one you like. If you have a lengthy commute, the V6 might be better. If you have a shorter commute and tow a lot, the V8 would probably be a better fit.

 

[statman24]

No... now that I'm scouring the site, I certainly feel bad for starting this thread.

The more I read... the more undecided I am regarding V6 vs V8. I did see a thread though (which I cannot find anymore) that mentioned things that come automatically with a V8 that is not included with the V6. If anyone knows, please let me know.

I don't tow, and if I do, it will probably be light towing, so I don't have the "need" for the V8... but still leaning that way.

If I do go with the V6... I think I'll look at the 2005 as it is (from what I understand) and improved V6 and also comes in a 5 speed trans...

Decisions decisions...

 

[Even Steven]

If I do go with the V6... I think I'll look at the 2005 as it is (from what I understand) and improved V6 and also comes in a 5 speed trans...

Decisions decisions...

No, you have it backwards. The V6 has always been the same engine, it was the V8 that was improved (more HP) in 2005. The V6 4Runner did get a 5-speed automatic in 2005, but that shouldn't really be a factor in your decision at all if you decide to go with the V6

 

[statman24]

No, you have it backwards. The V6 has always been the same engine, it was the V8 that was improved (more HP) in 2005. The V6 4Runner did get a 5-speed automatic in 2005, but that shouldn't really be a factor in your decision at all if you decide to go with the V6

Oh... thanks for that. So 2003+ V6 4runners all have VVT-i engines?

 

[Even Steven]

Oh... thanks for that. So 2003+ V6 4runners all have VVT-i engines?

Yes

 

[boston_kevin]

Yes. All V6's are VVTI engines. 2003/2004 are 4 speed trannies from the LandCruiser, 2005 and beyond are 5 speed shared with the V8 4Runner.

Getting the V8 gives you no other options over the V6 except an external transmission color in front of the radiator. All other options are package specific (i.e. engine independent).

 

[juneau92]

The more I read... the more undecided I am regarding V6 vs V8. I did see a thread though (which I cannot find anymore) that mentioned things that come automatically with a V8 that is not included with the V6. If anyone knows, please let me know.

Does this help you? You really can't go wrong either way, both are excellent engines. Good luck whatever you decide.

V6 has ability to run in 2wd, V8 is full time 4WD.
V6 has timing chain, V8 has timing belt.
V6 oil filter top of engine, V8 oil filter bottom of engine.
V6 has a higher pitched sound, and makes a ticking noise; V8 has lower pitched sound, no ticking noise.
V8 has frame mounted hitch, oil cooler, transmission cooler, heavier duty radiator, heavier duty alternator, more horsepower and torque. V6 does not.
V8 costs more.
V6 better gas milage.

 

[MikeinCincy]

I have a 2006 T4R SR5 and I decided to get the V6. For my needs, it has ample power. There weren't really that many V8s around where I live, so it kind of limited my decision. I never tow, and if/when I do in the future, I'm sure the V6 will be sufficient as long as I don't tow more than 5,000 lbs. I have been very pleased with my V6, but you can't go wrong with the V8. Basically, if you want the sound of the V8 and want/need the extra power, AND want to fork out the extra dough, then by all means go with the V8. But if all of that isn't really necessary, then get the V6, you won't be disappointed.

 

[jharris2]

Yes. All V6's are VVTI engines. 2003/2004 are 4 speed trannies from the LandCruiser, 2005 and beyond are 5 speed shared with the V8 4Runner.

Getting the V8 gives you no other options over the V6 except an external transmission color in front of the radiator. All other options are package specific (i.e. engine independent).

I think you meant transmission cooler in front of the radiator.

 

[jharris2]

V8 has ... more horsepower and torque.

One small correction: the V8 has always had more torque, but the 2003 and 2004 model V6 had 10 more horsepower than the V8 (245 hp vs. 235 hp). When the V8 got the VVT-i upgrade its horsepower passed the V6.

 

[G.I.G.]

I don't tow but I bought the V8. Two reasons.....more power, and full-time 4x4.

Despite what a lot of people think, the full-time 4x4 does not hurt gas mileage. Almost all of the power goes to the rear wheels unless the rears start to slip(at least from what I understand), in which case power is transfered to the front.

It's been snowing and cold here in Denver for several weeks now. The main roads are dry within a day of a storm, and the side roads are skating rinks. Having the full-time 4x4 has been great as I don't have to keep switching it in and out as I drive from snow-packed roads to dry roads.

 

[Even Steven]

I don't tow but I bought the V8. Two reasons.....more power, and full-time 4x4.

Having the full-time 4x4 has been great as I don't have to keep switching it in and out as I drive from snow-packed roads to dry roads.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, V6 guys don't have to keep switching in and out of 4wd either. They can (and many do) leave the 4wd switch on all winter long.