WTB: 05+ V8 or V6 4WD 4runner With or W/O Mods <100K miles

[4x4runnerAZ]

Looking for a 05+ 4th Gen. 4runner, not really set on V6 or V8 and after reading through the forum and trying to find pros and cons, there really aren't many differences. (seems like V8 owners love their V8's, and same goes for the V6 owners). What would you prefer if you had a choice? Less then 100k miles would be preferred. 4x4 is a must!! I live in AZ, and since I am a teacher I can take off over one of my spring break or summer break?

Love the site and can't wait to start my build once I find the right 4runner!! HALLA!!!!!!

 

[Wetnap]

05 4R Sport V6, 4wd, blue, 111K

Have the above in Tampa, FL. It's a FL truck. New Toyo AT's & Pioneer IPod hookup. [email protected]

 

[fourwd1]

Since you've only had 1 response in close to 200 views, I moved your poll here where hopefully you'll get more responses.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I'm guessing most people will just post up that you should get what they have. :shrug:

Might be better to ask this way:

If you have a V6, do you wish you had a V8?
If you have a V8, do you wish you had a V6?

That might give you a better picture of what people like/don't like.

 

[DaGimp]

I love my V8, I also dont commute to work and care little about the MPG.

My friends are all shocked at the get up and go it has, 4.7 scoots along with a 4 speed with OD auto transmission just fine

 

[Jim_M]

I live in Chandler and just bought a 2004 V8 with 111K. The V8 has good pick up and from about 0-40 it feels really strong. It's not fast but it gets out of its own way. I've only had it since Saturday so I can't comment on anything else.

 

[Icepuck72]

V8. I've owned both engines. It's so much fun to drive, add an exhaust and it makes it that much more fun.

The V6 is by no means a slouch, but I just love my V8...

 

[NuclearN8]

I have 2-V6 models but that's not why I voted for the v6. I would have bought at least one v8 if it wasn't full time 4wd. to me it's not so much about the engine as it is about that simple fact. if you get a v8 you have no choice but to drive around all the time in 4wd which is worse for mpg in my eyes.

 

[Icepuck72]

Don't let the full time 4wd sway you. I only see a 1-2 mpg loss with the V8. Like I said.... I've owned both. I've wheeled both. I drive/drove kids around in both, and I've towed with both.

V8 wins.

 

[Stuck CAPS]

I have a V6 and my mom has a V8. I've driven both, and would be happy either way. I love my V6, and I love my mom's V8. The V6 has a timing chain, and the V8 a belt. Since you're looking for one under 100k, it's more likely the belt won't have been replaced yet. That's extra money spent after you buy the truck.

One MAJOR thing to think about is what you're going to use it for.
If you're just going to use it as your DD, then the choice is really left up to personal preference. I get the same, if not LESS, MPG as my mom's V8. The choice is really up to you.

If you're planning on a nice Off-road rig, it's, once again, up to you. The V6 has more available engine mods, but the V8 (both trucks in stock form) will produce more power and torque than the V6.

If you're towing, DEFINITELY a V8. The V6 is more than capable, but that extra torque will have no comparison in comfort of towing.

General Pros and Cons:
V6:
Pros:
- Timing Chain
- Lighter
- (Typically) Slightly better fuel economy
- Selective 4WD
- More Engine mods available
Cons:
- Less Power and TQ
- More problematic w/ Head Gasket (Not likely, though)
- Although it sounds GREAT, you can't beat the rumble of a V8

V8:
Pros:
- More Power and TQ
- RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE
- Iron Block
- (Better?) Head gasket
Cons:
- Heavier
- Full-time 4WD
- Less available engine mods
- Timing Belt
- Cracking Exhaust Manifold
- Less Engine Bay Room

Honestly, they're both great engines. But with that extra performance of the V8, comes more maintenance. A lot of the cons are also correctable, but usually at the cost of a lot of money. It all comes down to what YOU want and what YOU're doing with the truck.

Good luck with the buy, and hope to see you around here some more soon!

 

[hades]

Love my v8 4wd.

If I drive it like a teenager it gets horrible fuel mileage, but it hauls ass for a large vehicle with a small block.

 

[Bob J]

Both are great engines..... Both have plenty of torque and power for my needs.... I went with the V8 because I think it is the more durable engine.... Downside is the 90K timing chain maintenance and slightly less gas mileage.... I trade that against not having to worry about a blown head gasket....

 

[Kitsune]

What's this blown headgasket issue people keep mentioning? Any motor will have headgasket issues in time. As far as the V6 headgasket issue, is this a known problem for early or later V6? I know the 2nd gen has this issue but haven't seen it roaming around with the 4th.

 

[JustSomeName]

Looking for a 05+ 4th Gen. 4runner, not really set on V6 or V8 and after reading through the forum and trying to find pros and cons, there really aren't many differences. (seems like V8 owners love their V8's, and same goes for the V6 owners). What would you prefer if you had a choice? Less then 100k miles would be preferred. 4x4 is a must!! I live in AZ, and since I am a teacher I can take off over one of my spring break or summer break?

Love the site and can't wait to start my build once I find the right 4runner!! HALLA!!!!!!

Hey OP, if you're willing to take a drive, I randomly found a super rare 2009 Trail Edition for sale in Iowa!

Iowa City, IA 2009 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 LIMITED Used SUV Cedar Rapids, IA Coralville, IA Carousel Auto Group | 9328810 | JTEBU14R09K037445

If you don't know, all other 4th gen years 03-08 had a sport edition, 09, the last year of the 4th gen came in a trail edition that has a rear locker from the factory, much like how the 5th gen trail editions do.

If i knew this when I was looking for mine, I probably would've waited out for one. my loss, your gain!

 

[thegreatdivorce]

Both are great engines..... Both have plenty of torque and power for my needs.... I went with the V8 because I think it is the more durable engine.... Downside is the 90K timing chain maintenance and slightly less gas mileage.... I trade that against not having to worry about a blown head gasket....

I think I've seen one 4.0 V6 with a blown head gasket. What exactly are you on about?

 

[TOY2G]

IMO the V8 is hands down the best choice. I have owned both, at the same time (something many people do not get a chance to do)

I really preferred driving the V8 over the V6 just because i like having that power from a standstill and I pull a small trailer from time to time, and I am not a fan of how the v6 boggs down on the smallest hills, and mild head winds.

I prefer the part time 4x4 of the v6......

ALSO there are dozens of 4.7 V8s out there with 300k on the clock or more.... Many in tundras, and sequoias.... the 4.7 was released in 1998 in the LX470 & Landcruiser compared to 2003 for the 4.0. I am not saying the 4.0 won't prove to be as tough, I'm just saying we know the 4.7 is.....

 

[TOY2G]

Both are great engines..... Both have plenty of torque and power for my needs.... I went with the V8 because I think it is the more durable engine.... Downside is the 90K timing chain maintenance and slightly less gas mileage.... I trade that against not having to worry about a blown head gasket....

Agreed that the V8 is more proven, but it has a timing belt not a chain, and it has to be replaced at 90k intervals. It's inexpensive (even by dealer standards) and a small price to pay for a tried and true power plant.

What's this blown headgasket issue people keep mentioning? Any motor will have headgasket issues in time. As far as the V6 headgasket issue, is this a known problem for early or later V6? I know the 2nd gen has this issue but haven't seen it roaming around with the 4th.

there have been a few issues of the 4.0 (on other models also, not just the T4R) getting hot and warping the head causing head gasket failure. In the few cases I have seen, on a few different forums, there is often some towing involved. This is, and always has been a down side to an all aluminum engine, the heat spreads so fast, and unlike conventional (iron block) motors, the aluminum cannot sustain the higher temps for any extended period of time. Makes Buy Used a little more risky on the V6.

I would say, in all I have read about 1 Tacoma, 2 FJs and 1 4Runner, who have had suffered this failure, given the sample size and the number of vehicles running the 4.0, i would GUESS the failure rate is less than 2%.

to be safe, if you plan on towing anything bigger than a jogging stroller...get the V8

 

[olsen_karl]

Anyone think the OP is still even looking, at this point?

 

[Bob J]

I think I've seen one 4.0 V6 with a blown head gasket. What exactly are you on about?

Not real common but there were several threads on it in the forum..... Have never seen any mention of this with the V8....

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/70090-misfire-p0306-cylinder-6-a.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/probl...y-spark-plug-4th-gen-misfires-cyl-6-help.html

Agreed that the V8 is more proven, but it has a timing belt not a chain, and it has to be replaced at 90k intervals. It's inexpensive (even by dealer standards) and a small price to pay for a tried and true power plant.

Ah, you are right..... Timing chain for the V6 and timing belt for the V8....:thumb:

 

[Martinjmpr]

the 4.7 was released in 1998 in the LX470 & Landcruiser compared to 2005 for the 3.0. I am not saying the 3.0 won't prove to be as tough, I'm just saying we know the 4.7 is.....

I'm assuming you mean "4.0" not "3.0." The last 4runner with a 3.0 was the 2nd gen. :

Also the 4.0 was introduced in 2003 not 2005, with the 4th gen. There are plenty of 4.0 with lots of miles on them in 4runners, Tacos and FJ Cruisers.