4th Generation 4Runner. Getting back into the fray

[lookin4yota]

I drive a '05 V8 with a set of typical mods (lift, 32" AT tires, sliders). I get about 14-15mpg in town & 17 on the highway if I keep it down to 72mph. This is about 1-2 mpg less than I got before the mods, mostly due to the tires. On a 9,000 mile round trip to Alaska before the mods while towing a teardrop with mud tires I averaged 15.6 mpg overall. I don't worry about the mileage because I average less than 12,000 miles per year on it, but for most people the V6 definitely makes more sense if you can pick one up for a good price. In '08 when gas was over $4 it was actually $2500 cheaper than comparable V6s on the same lot. No buyer's remorse here.

 

[dsrtdcab]

I really appreciate the feedback on the V8. I have still yet to drive the V6, though I had one in a Taco and FJ, both with a stick though. I am looking at a 2006 V8 Sport w/ 117k, for very short money in comparison to what else is around. Dealer said the belt was not done, but was checked, riiiiiight. I think in the end, I will be happier with the V8, despite the difference in gas mileage. Decisions, decisions.

 

[kurtkrum]

You won't disappointed with the V8 - it's reliability is proven and I use it to tow my weekend toy to the track.

I bought the 2003 sport edition 4.7L V8 right when they came out. 10 years and never a problem except for front brake calipers that stuck and had to be replaced. I have 162,000 mile on the odo and it runs like a champ. Timing belt replacement is not a big deal, and while you are in there you can do the water pump and a few other bits and then you are good to go for years!

I have decided I am converting it into an overland vehicle for long trips this summer.

 

[dsrtdcab]

I pulled the trigger on a 2006 V8 sport w/117k. Very clean overall considering the miles. On the 100 plus mile trip home, I got 20.5, so I am pleased with that. The interior needs to be cleaned up a bit, but overall, I am pleased. Good to be back in a Toyota, haven't had one for over a year, but everything is so intuitive, it was like I never left. Timing belt was not done, so I will be getting that done ASAP. Dealer said it was checked, but I dont want to let that go any longer than necessary. Out of all the Toyotas I have owned, this one was the model I missed the most. Pics to follow in the coming days.
Thanks for all the advice everyone.

Nick

 

[Martinjmpr]

I pulled the trigger on a 2006 V8 sport w/117k. Very clean overall considering the miles. On the 100 plus mile trip home, I got 20.5, so I am pleased with that.

Was that hand-calculated based on filling the tank and calculating the fuel consumed? Only reason I ask is that the 4runner has that little "trip computer" on the dashboard that supposedly gives you MPG, but it's not very accurate. Mine consistenly reads about 2 -3 MPG high.

Still, if you were on flat roads and not driving excessively fast, I could see 20.5 in a V8.

The Sports are nice looking with the hood scoop and the tubular roof rack. I think an 06 also has the mid-cycle model upgrades, too (LCD taillights, rounded wheelwells, etc.) Nice find. Quick question, does it have a sun roof? Every V8 I looked at had a sunroof and since I didn't want a sunroof that's one of the reasons I went with a V6.

 

[p nut]

I pulled the trigger on a 2006 V8 sport w/117k. Very clean overall considering the miles. On the 100 plus mile trip home, I got 20.5, so I am pleased with that. The interior needs to be cleaned up a bit, but overall, I am pleased. Good to be back in a Toyota, haven't had one for over a year, but everything is so intuitive, it was like I never left. Timing belt was not done, so I will be getting that done ASAP. Dealer said it was checked, but I dont want to let that go any longer than necessary. Out of all the Toyotas I have owned, this one was the model I missed the most. Pics to follow in the coming days.
Thanks for all the advice everyone.

Nick

Congrats. The 06 has the iforce V8 with a bit more power. Definitely change the TB, but I wouldn't worry about it failing anytime soon. The belts are pretty stout.

Have fun.

 

[dsrtdcab]

Martin, that was based on the dash/factory MPG. I was averaging about 70-72, and it was more or less flat. Used cruise for most of the way. I will calculate it out at the end of this tank for sure though. It does have moonroof. Along with the other mid-cycle ugrades, that was one of the reasons I went with the 06. Guessing you needed the extra head room then?

Pnut, I will defintely be handling the timing belt soon, I don't need to find out the hardway how bad it could be.

Nick

 

[Martinjmpr]

Martin, that was based on the dash/factory MPG. I was averaging about 70-72, and it was more or less flat. Used cruise for most of the way. I will calculate it out at the end of this tank for sure though. It does have moonroof. Along with the other mid-cycle ugrades, that was one of the reasons I went with the 06. Guessing you needed the extra head room then?

Yup, I'm 6'1", the version with the sunroof crowded me a bit. Also with a sunroof I always fear rattling/leaking.

I would imagine your trip computer is probably off at least 2-3 MPGs. If you want real time MPG data, best way to go is a Scangauge II and as a bonus, it will show you transmission temps, good if you plan to tow.

 

[dsrtdcab]

Yup, I'm 6'1", the version with the sunroof crowded me a bit. Also with a sunroof I always fear rattling/leaking.

I would imagine your trip computer is probably off at least 2-3 MPGs. If you want real time MPG data, best way to go is a Scangauge II and as a bonus, it will show you transmission temps, good if you plan to tow.

I have wanted to get a Scangauge for awhile now, seems like this is a good time to look into them. I was figuring it was a little high, but not that much. Oh well, I wasn't planning on it being that great either way. First on the list will be a set of proper mats, hate not having good heavy ones.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I have wanted to get a Scangauge for awhile now, seems like this is a good time to look into them. I was figuring it was a little high, but not that much. Oh well, I wasn't planning on it being that great either way. First on the list will be a set of proper mats, hate not having good heavy ones.

Very happy with my Husky Floor Liners, FYI. They're especially good in snowy/slushy weather.

 

[dsrtdcab]

I had those in my Taco, good mats and the fit was really good. I'll have to keep my eyes out for a set on sale, and possibly a cargo area mat. That carpet just gets in the way. So many ideas, so little money.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Huskies are about the best buy in floor liners. Around $85, free shipping. They also come fast, I think mine got to me 3 days after I ordered them.

 

[Stone_Blue]

I have wanted to get a Scangauge for awhile now, seems like this is a good time to look into them.

Advance Auto.com has a 15% off + $25 card for future purchases, + FREE shipping on orders over $75, going right now till the 15th...I was thinking about getting a SCII from them. Basically with the sale, card and free shipping, a SCII would be $110+tax, shipped to your door...Almost 1/3 off the regular $160 price...

 

[Ryanmb21]

Huskies are about the best buy in floor liners. Around $85, free shipping. ..

I recommend weathertech, held up great after several years.

 

[jnelson4x4taco]

I recently bought an 04 V6 SR5 with 132k and love it! My only minor gripe is not being able to turn off the VSC without being in 4wd w/ the center diff locked, but thats minor. I love the mileage, the comfort, the capability, etc. Im looking to do a mild lift, and some larger tires but am afraid of ruining my mpgs. I currently get about 17 city and 20+ hwy, but im concerned about what would happen with either 265/75 or 285/75 on there. Definitely a great vehicle though, I had a 99 Tacoma for many years and loved it. This feels equally as strong, but more smooth and...dare i say, refined