Purchasing a 4Runner, V6 or V8?

[Jeremy P.]

If I was towing 4k on a regular basis, I'd sell the 4runner and get a Sequoia or a Nissan Armada. 4k is close to the weight of a V6 4runner anyway (mine was 4450.)

That would defeat the purpose of the vehicle in my case. I'm currently able to tow the travel trailer to Moab and run some trails (ie Golden Spike) with the same vehicle. For non-fourwheeling trips I use the Duramax to tow the trailer.

The regear helps with towing the trailer on the highway and I can maintain around 60-65 in overdrive unless going up major hills, and I tend to not push it too much, slowing down rather than having the engine screaming. I added an aftermarket hitch which increases the tow rating to 6000 pounds and also added a transmission cooler. The vehicle is very stable towing the trailer (with the weight distribution hitch set up right); I just would just prefer the torque of the V8 engine.
For example at 2500 rpm where I am close to while towing, the V6 produces about 250 ft-lbs of torque while the V8 produces around 300 ft-lbs (around 20% more), which is more important than max HP numbers.

I'm lucky I found one without the sunroof. I'm 6'6" and when I drove one with the sunroof my head was mashed into the ceiling.

 

[daPitbull]

I've owned both, currently have a V8. Towing aside, If you're going to lift and run larger tires get the v8. Bone stock with the v8 is a fun drive! I'm fully armored on 35"s, happy i went with the v8 especially for trips up to Tahoe.

 

[Derek24]

If you can get a v8, do it. It's like choosing between a prerunner and a 4x4. The 4.7L I can say is right up there with the 22r/re engine in reliability.

 

[Subspd]

The v6 is just as reliable as the 4.7. I have both. The only advantage to the v8 is bragging rights. The only advantage to the v6 is better MPG!

 

[SIZZLE]

Go big or go home

 

[calicamper]

I have the 4.7 In the Sequoia which is sorta just a bigger 4runner body sitting on a Tundra frame with a Land cruiser rear end.
The V8 is a nice engine and in the 4runner it turns the 4runner into a beast. Mileage wise I think the v8 vs the V6 are nearly identical and in some cases the V8 may even return a little better mileage such as towing and off road where your not pushing the V8 all that hard and where your whipping the V6 some. I would say either works but I wouldn't turn down a really clean well priced V8 4runner just because your worried about fuel cost on the V8 vs V6 given they are pretty close to the same on mileage. V8 does have the pricy 100K timing belt, water pump service so if you find one in that 90-120K range press the dealer to discount the timing belt service from the price or push them to do the service as part of the deal.

When I was shopping the Sequoia every dealer had several 90-120K auction Sequoias sitting on the lot at top dollar and lacking the 100K service. I ended up getting a much much much better deal from a private owner half the mileage all records and a long way to go still before that 100K service at a lower price than the dealers would ever consider.

 

[Christian P.]

Not sure where you are located and what's your budget is….but here some great choice.



http://elmira.craigslist.org/ctd/4776465123.html

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/ctd/4777903427.html

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/4776806286.html

 

[bikerjosh]

Personal preference , go V8. I have an 06 tundra and love that motor. I looked at 4gen 4runners and only wanted the v8 really good torque, smooth, and very under stressed. Still trying to convince the wife we need to sell the mini van for a v8 4runner.
Josh

 

[zidaro]

V8. great engine
you'll never look back

 

[toylandcruiser]

I have the 4.7 In the Sequoia which is sorta just a bigger 4runner body sitting on a Tundra frame with a Land cruiser rear end.
The V8 is a nice engine and in the 4runner it turns the 4runner into a beast. Mileage wise I think the v8 vs the V6 are nearly identical and in some cases the V8 may even return a little better mileage such as towing and off road where your not pushing the V8 all that hard and where your whipping the V6 some. I would say either works but I wouldn't turn down a really clean well priced V8 4runner just because your worried about fuel cost on the V8 vs V6 given they are pretty close to the same on mileage. V8 does have the pricy 100K timing belt, water pump service so if you find one in that 90-120K range press the dealer to discount the timing belt service from the price or push them to do the service as part of the deal.

When I was shopping the Sequoia every dealer had several 90-120K auction Sequoias sitting on the lot at top dollar and lacking the 100K service. I ended up getting a much much much better deal from a private owner half the mileage all records and a long way to go still before that 100K service at a lower price than the dealers would ever consider.

What do you mean land cruiser rear end?


"I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people, except for a few public officials."
— George Mason, in Debates in Virginia Convention on Ratification of the Constitution, Elliot, Vol. 3, June 16, 1788

 

[hollaback55]

V8 is a great motor. Super smooth and reliable. I got mine (limited trim, V8) with all service records, dealer maintained, 1 owner for 12k. It had 125k on it but these things run to 200-300k no problem. Remember to check the 4 hi and low center diff lock. They can become stuck and non operable if they aren't regularly turned on 1 a month. It's a 2k repair if it doesn't work.

 

[Subspd]

I am in the minority here.

Have to strongly disagree with the MPG claims that they are the same. When I had the V8 I never saw over 14mpg. But my V6 gets 19 all day. Some do better than me. I think that it has to come down to does the MPG matter or not? They are both VERY proven engines with incredible durability.

One will tow better than the other, if you need that.

One will get better MPG than the other, if that matters to you.