Wish I bought a V8 sometimes :(

M

Metalmantr

New member
I have had my 06 V6 4Runner limited for 2 months now. I love it! However, I look at all the V8's out there and think of the power and towing capabilities and it makes me a little sad thinking about what I could have had. All in all it doesn't seem like the gas mileage is that much different either.
 
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I've never had a single issue towing with my v6, and it sees some pretty heavy trailers. yeah i wouldn't say no to a v8, but am i regretting it? absolutely not, the capability is not that different at all
 
If your going to tow all the time get a proper tow vehicle. I keep my F-350 SuperDuty diesel for towing purposes. The 4Runner is a multi purpose SUV.
 
I kind of regret it, but am extremely impressed with the v6 towing abilities. I have towed with the v8 4runner and its really not a whole lot better honest. That kind of sealed it that I probably wouldnt go back and pick a v8 if I could. I also drive like a grandma 95% of the time so the power wouldn't really matter too much.

The only reasons I would change are for the sound and its a lot more fun driving around normally. The AWD vs 4X4 differences have been beat to death so I won't get into that. I do like the sound lol.

the benefits of the v6 are often WAY overlooked though!!!

Timing chain!!!! Gas mileage is also better, debatable but IMO true

V8 HP 270 TQ 330
V6 HP 245 TQ 282

Considering I tow quite often I would probably go with the v8 to lessen the stress on the drivetrain on a consistent basis but the towing mileage was almost the same so its really the torque curve that helps out. For the 4runner, either engine is great. I also used to own an 02 tundra with the v8 and was super disappointed in the towing abilities. I HATE towing something and not being able to maintain speed or go 70mph and even though that doesn't bother some people it gets to me and I will find a different tow vehicle.

The 4runner v6 tows better than my old Z71 with the 5.3 (Which is a giant TURD for towing after 150K miles).

Anyways I appreciate the timing chain, cheap maintenance, ease of use and either drivetrain is a great option. We bought this since I had always had a truck that did our towing but now that this is my vehicle Im a little jealous of the v8s when Im towing up a hill lol
 
macoyle said:
I kind of regret it, but am extremely impressed with the v6 towing abilities. I have towed with the v8 4runner and its really not a whole lot better honest. That kind of sealed it that I probably wouldnt go back and pick a v8 if I could. I also drive like a grandma 95% of the time so the power wouldn't really matter too much.

The only reasons I would change are for the sound and its a lot more fun driving around normally. The AWD vs 4X4 differences have been beat to death so I won't get into that. I do like the sound lol.

the benefits of the v6 are often WAY overlooked though!!!

Timing chain!!!! Gas mileage is also better, debatable but IMO true

V8 HP 270 TQ 330
V6 HP 245 TQ 282

Considering I tow quite often I would probably go with the v8 to lessen the stress on the drivetrain on a consistent basis but the towing mileage was almost the same so its really the torque curve that helps out. For the 4runner, either engine is great. I also used to own an 02 tundra with the v8 and was super disappointed in the towing abilities. I HATE towing something and not being able to maintain speed or go 70mph and even though that doesn't bother some people it gets to me and I will find a different tow vehicle.

The 4runner v6 tows better than my old Z71 with the 5.3 (Which is a giant TURD for towing after 150K miles).

Anyways I appreciate the timing chain, cheap maintenance, ease of use and either drivetrain is a great option. We bought this since I had always had a truck that did our towing but now that this is my vehicle Im a little jealous of the v8s when Im towing up a hill lol
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Thanks for the replies, now I don't feel so bad! I guess I just long for the best sometimes, but your posts have made me rethink the meaning of best! :) Each engine has their advantages I am sure.
 
ebg18t said:
If your going to tow all the time get a proper tow vehicle. I keep my F-350 SuperDuty diesel for towing purposes. The 4Runner is a multi purpose SUV.
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I imagine that is true. No Ford for me though, thanks! I am and always will be a Toyota man!
 
Metalmantr said:
I imagine that is true. No Ford for me though, thanks! I am and always will be a Toyota man!
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Unfortunately as much as I like Toyota's there are some things they just can't do. One if them is towing a 39' 5th wheel. I am not a brand whore like many. I use what ever fits the bill. Yes I like my Toyota, but also I like my Honda and my Audi. They all have their little quirks.
 
ebg18t said:
Unfortunately as much as I like Toyota's there are some things they just can't do. One if them is towing a 39' 5th wheel. I am not a brand whore like many. I use what ever fits the bill. Yes I like my Toyota, but also I like my Honda and my Audi. They all have their little quirks.
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I can respect that. However, I am a brand whore for Toyota and proudly admit it! lol It has worked for my family and I for many a year and I have no reason to switch. Ultimately, whatever fits your bill is right for you. More power to ya! :cheers:
 
Love my V8. Haven't looked back since. My last car was a V6, and all I wanted was more power. It also feels like the engine doesn't work as hard, just to get up to speed, and when passing on the freeway. Haven't yet had the chance to tow, but I know it will handle like a dream.

Also for you V8 owners - Throw a good full cat-back exhaust on it, and enjoy the deep throaty rumble/roar. :laugh:
 
Funny, I look at my gas gauge sometimes and think "I wish I would have bought a V6!"

Our V6 consistently gets about 5mpg more than my V8 (city or highway, hand calculated). I like the ability to put the V6 in 2WD for the summer too, and wonder why they didn't include that feature on the V8s. Don't get me wrong though, I do love my V8 and plan on driving it for the next 10 years.
 
ebg18t said:
If your going to tow all the time get a proper tow vehicle. I keep my F-350 SuperDuty diesel for towing purposes. The 4Runner is a multi purpose SUV.
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may i ask why you chose the f350 over the chevy or dodge
(sorry to op, not trying to threadjack)


oh, and im glad i got my v6
 
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ebg18t said:
6.0L. I have 32k miles in it. Rides a little rough unloaded. But pulls our trailers well.
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my dad used to have a 6.0, 2004. nothing but problems with the egr, went through 3 of them. 2 from the dealer, 3rd one was aftermarket and was still on it when he sold it at 110k
 
Yes, I wish I had a V8 too.

But the 4.7 is a pretty ordinary motor. Makes hardly any power (30 hp over the V6?). Yes, the torque curve is flatter, but it makes very little torque too, for being a biggish V8. Its an inteference motor so timing belt is a major item. There is a reason they discontinued that motor across the Toyota range.
 
I've had a V8 in my 96 Grand Cherokee............ meh. My last GC had the I6 and it was ok in power, not great. Pig on gas. Engine was the only good thing about the GCs we've had in our family.

When I bought my current 4R, I knew about the V8. I've never regretted it. Plenty of power, gets good (relatively speaking) MPGs. I love my V6.
 
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