Worth upgrading to 2008 Sport V8 from 2006 Limited V6?

[metramm]

Good morning fellow T4R members,

I recently purchased (1-21-2016) my 2006 Toyota 4runner Limited V6 4x4 galactic gray with 126,000 miles. Has the tow package, sunroof, ac plug, double decker cargo, etc.

Came with a full service history (dealer maintained by the previous owner)

It has been a wonderful truck and I love everything about it. Have done all the scheduled and recommended maintenance that it needed and it runs like a top.


Today I found a 2008 SportEdition 4Runner V8 4x4 in shadow mica at the local acura dealer in Westmont Illinois.

It has Xreas suspension, sunroof, tow package, standard radio, I think a/c plug, 139,000 miles (same as mine has currently). Carfax lists 2 owners, no accidents, but only one service history at 105,000 miles for new tires.

They are asking $14,900.


I was thinking (sort of) of test driving it (just to feel what the V8 is like compared to my V6) and going from there.

I was wondering what you guys thought about this as a possible upgrade?

Currently I owe on my truck ~$14,800. Do you think it would be worth it to upgrade to the 2008 model but most likely take a loss of I'd guess 4k on mine (guessing they would offer me 10k for mine) plus the purchase of theirs at
I would guess 14k plus taxes.

Thoughts? Opinions? You can tell me if I am nuts, I won't be offended. lol. I just kept reading on here about how awesome the V8 4Runners are and figured I would test drive one and see how awesome it really was.


Thank you for reading my post and I welcome any comments/suggestions.

Here is the link to the listing. They just got it in, and so it is a factory stock photo, not the actual photo of the truck:

Pre-Owned 2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Sport Utility in Westmont #T5603A | McGrath Acura of Westmont

 

[bdp1978]

From a purely financial sense its a terrible idea.


I'm slightly scared by the fact you owe $14,800 on what is about to become an 11 yr old vehicle, but anyways.

I also doubt you will actually get $10g's on trade....but lets assume you do.

You are now going to roll $4800 in negative equity into the '08.

So now you will have a 9yr old vehicle with 139,000 miles that you owe $19,700 on. Thats not including any taxes or any amount you talk them down obviously.


BE SMART

 

[nevada]

From a purely financial sense its a terrible idea.


I'm slightly scared by the fact you owe $14,800 on what is about to become an 11 yr old vehicle, but anyways.

I also doubt you will actually get $10g's on trade....but lets assume you do.

You are now going to roll $4800 in negative equity into the '08.

So now you will have a 9yr old vehicle with 139,000 miles that you owe $19,700 on. Thats not including any taxes or any amount you talk them down obviously.


BE SMART

3 years ago, my 06/v8 was just under $19k OTD. at the time, it was a fairly good price for our area, and that vehicle.

though, I doubt I would take on additional debt, just to get the v8.

perhaps sell the current rig, I expect you would get more than you owe, THEN purchase the v8 model, if you really wanted it.

 

[jdotlim]

Good morning fellow T4R members,

I recently purchased (1-21-2016) my 2006 Toyota 4runner Limited V6 4x4 galactic gray with 126,000 miles. Has the tow package, sunroof, ac plug, double decker cargo, etc.

Came with a full service history (dealer maintained by the previous owner)

It has been a wonderful truck and I love everything about it. Have done all the scheduled and recommended maintenance that it needed and it runs like a top.


Today I found a 2008 SportEdition 4Runner V8 4x4 in shadow mica at the local acura dealer in Westmont Illinois.

It has Xreas suspension, sunroof, tow package, standard radio, I think a/c plug, 139,000 miles (same as mine has currently). Carfax lists 2 owners, no accidents, but only one service history at 105,000 miles for new tires.

They are asking $14,900.


I was thinking (sort of) of test driving it (just to feel what the V8 is like compared to my V6) and going from there.

I was wondering what you guys thought about this as a possible upgrade?

Currently I owe on my truck ~$14,800. Do you think it would be worth it to upgrade to the 2008 model but most likely take a loss of I'd guess 4k on mine (guessing they would offer me 10k for mine) plus the purchase of theirs at
I would guess 14k plus taxes.

Thoughts? Opinions? You can tell me if I am nuts, I won't be offended. lol. I just kept reading on here about how awesome the V8 4Runners are and figured I would test drive one and see how awesome it really was.


Thank you for reading my post and I welcome any comments/suggestions.

Here is the link to the listing. They just got it in, and so it is a factory stock photo, not the actual photo of the truck:

Pre-Owned 2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Sport Utility in Westmont #T5603A | McGrath Acura of Westmont

I wouldn't, just like the above post said, you're going to be about $19K into a car that is almost 11 years old, and has 140K on the clock, i know 140K is not alot for a 4runner. Plus being with the V8, you only saw the tire maintenance, you will more than likely, have to replace timing belt, water pump, and all that for a V8. You stated that your V6, is done with the maintenance. Another savings for you. Long story short, just keep the V6.

 

[shahsmerdis]

Keep the V6. not sure why you paid 15k for such a old car.

 

[Ratubbs]

If we're talking purely truck for truck I say go V8 all day! I love mine! ....but financially it doesn't seem like a smart move, unless you can sell the V6 for more than you owe as the gentleman said above.


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[ExCabSwap]

Just FYI, I have seen the dealership auction price on 4 runners.. i can almost guarantee that the dealership that is selling that 4 runner bought it at auction for less than 10k.

Probably the same case where you bought yours.. (sorry).

XREAS suspension is about $1000 to have serviced... So there's some negotiating power for ya should you decide against the great advice above.

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[m85476585]

I've driven both a 2007 V6 and a 2007 V8 extensively. The V8 is nice, but it's not worth paying thousands extra for. In fact, I wouldn't pay much of a premium at all for it if I was shopping for a 4runner. If there were identical 4runners for sale I might pay no more than $1000 more for one with a V8. For regular driving the V6 has more than adequate power. The difference in sound or feel between them is subtle. I haven't towed with the V6, but I moved a washer and dryer across town with a rental trailer behind my V8 4runner once.

The asking price of these two 4runners is similar, but since you'll likely have to pay takes on the new one and take a loss on the old one, the new one is effectively a lot more. The new one is a better deal than your old one, but the cost of buying and selling will negate that.

If you have enough money that you can comfortably afford it, then go for it. But based on how you describe your loan I'm guessing it will be a bad financial move for you. I could be wrong- if you are like me. I could have paid cash, but I financed mine $16,000 at 2.5% for 3 years since I can most likely get a better return with that money invested in the stock market.

Finally, keep in mind the new one could have problems that are not obvious when you buy it. If the current one is working for you, just keep it and avoid the hassle of buying and selling cars, plus the risk of getting something with hidden problems.

It might make sense to buy if you have another car that you want to replace with a 4runner. Everyone needs a fleet of 4runners!

 

[metramm]

Afternoon guys,

Thank you for the advice in the 2008. Im not going to upgrade to it. With it being so unknown and mine already completed with maintenance, it doesnt make sense. I wasn't about to lose money on it thats for sure.

Oh regarding my rig, it was 13,200 but after taxes, plates, and warranty it jacked higher.

Should have it paid off in a year though so not a biggie. And im making 5k from selling my old car to my sister. So pretty good deal I thought but I understand everyones view on that it is 10 years old with 139k on it.

Thank you again for the great advise and I'm glad to be part of such a wonderful community of fellow owners!!

 

[nevada]

Afternoon guys,

Thank you for the advice in the 2008. Im not going to upgrade to it. With it being so unknown and mine already completed with maintenance, it doesnt make sense. I wasn't about to lose money on it thats for sure.

Oh regarding my rig, it was 13,200 but after taxes, plates, and warranty it jacked higher.

Should have it paid off in a year though so not a biggie. And im making 5k from selling my old car to my sister. So pretty good deal I thought but I understand everyones view on that it is 10 years old with 139k on it.

Thank you again for the great advise and I'm glad to be part of such a wonderful community of fellow owners!!

you should still go test drive it.

at least so you know what you are missing

 

[07V8]

Why didn't you test drive a V8 10 months ago?

Low end torque is significantly better. Completely different driving experience.

 

[ChrisLovesUgly]

Thank you for the advice in the 2008. Im not going to upgrade to it. With it being so unknown and mine already completed with maintenance, it doesnt make sense. I wasn't about to lose money on it thats for sure.

I think that's the right call.

 

[DiveGuy]

I traded an 08 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited straight up for an 06 4runner limited v8. The 4runner runs better than my Jeep and it has 40K more miles on it. Low-end torque is unreal compared to the v6 in the jeep, granted it was a minivan engine in a lifted jeep but damn... So glad I made the switch. Moral of the story for you though is you have an awesome ride as it is. I think you're making the right decision. Unless you're gonna be towing something.

 

[m85476585]

I traded an 08 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited straight up for an 06 4runner limited v8. The 4runner runs better than my Jeep and it has 40K more miles on it. Low-end torque is unreal compared to the v6 in the jeep, granted it was a minivan engine in a lifted jeep but damn... So glad I made the switch. Moral of the story for you though is you have an awesome ride as it is. I think you're making the right decision. Unless you're gonna be towing something.

Don't judge the 4runner V6 based on that experience. I drove a friend's Wrangler (2012-ish) recently, and it felt way underpowered. I've never thought the 4runner V6 was underpowered. It might have to rev higher than the V8, but it can run at 4000+ RPM all day (figuratively) if you need it to, for example climbing up a mountain pass at high altitude.

The Wrangler was a terrible vehicle all around compared to a 4runner.

 

[metramm]

Excellent advise on here. I do tow our family speedboat around (16.5 ft Baja sunsport 1984 with a Yamaha 115 on it) but that only weights I'd guess 1500lbs.

No issues at all towing. If fact, I'll be towing it 70 miles tomorrow to storage for the winter.

We might get a larger speed boat in the future, but from what I've read on here, it sounds like the towing capacity of the v6 should be fine. I looked into this before my purchase and figured that a 5k towing capacity should be plenty.

If I need more, my dad can buy a bigger truck lol

Again, thank you for all the advise on this. I haven't regretted my 4Runner purchase for a second and plan on keeping it till at least 250k.

Hope everyone has a great day and splendid weekend!

metramm

 

[DiveGuy]

Don't judge the 4runner V6 based on that experience. I drove a friend's Wrangler (2012-ish) recently, and it felt way underpowered. I've never thought the 4runner V6 was underpowered. It might have to rev higher than the V8, but it can run at 4000+ RPM all day (figuratively) if you need it to, for example climbing up a mountain pass at high altitude.

The Wrangler was a terrible vehicle all around compared to a 4runner.

Amen to that buddy. Horribly underpowered with a lift, heavy bumpers etc. on it. Hell even without those things it was severely lacking power. Caravan engine I believe. Sucked. Had to go with something more reliable and more powerful...4runners are the only vehicles that checked all my boxes. Finding a used V8 limited that I could trade my jeep for straight-up was a huge bonus.

I need to reply to some posts before I can post a new thread. Hence the reason for such an asinine engine comparison.

 

[m85476585]

I can only imagine how bad the 2010 4 cylinder 4runner must have been. I bet that was Toyota's answer to the sudden acceleration news: something that can't accelerate at all. 157hp and around 4300lbs curb weight!

 

[TheFauxFox]

I wouldn't... The V8 costs more to service (timing belt), sucks more gas (around 2mpg or so), and only has full time 4x4 (slightly more diff wear...)

I've driven both V8 and V6, the V8's barely have more HP and have a lot more torque but you can't REALLY feel it unless you're constantly stomping on it... Not to mention on the sport you'll have to deal with XREAS once it fails, I'd pass on that on, but if you don't let us know what happened

 

[Yota_Noob]

I'm in the same boat as you OP. I currently own an '07 sr5 with the v6. I've driven a v8 4r once and REALLY liked it. Enough to decide that the next one I buy will be a v8 sport model. But I currently owe $11,600 on mine with 145k miles on it, I paid $15,500 OTD about a year and 5 months ago when I bought it. Just not sure if I'm willing to take the loss. I'm considering just going for it because that's "the one" and ill be keeping it for a very long time

 

[metramm]

Excellent point Yota Noob.

If that would be the one truck that you bought and kept for say 10 years, then it might be worth going for it.

I'm still going to stay with my v6 4runner but if I ever get the itch to upgrade, it will be to a sport v8 model