2003 4Runner – Should I Buy a V6 or V8 ???

Ok guys, I’m looking at a 2003, 98,000 mile V8 4Runner.
He has already replaced the timing chain. Really good
maintenance records.

My question is, should I be looking at a V6 model or
is the V8 just as good or better?

Thank you for any & all input!

 

The V8, bought the wife one, 2003 4wd Sport and on a recent trip to Texarkana we averaged 19+ mpg.

Timing belt, not chain.

 

2005+ received a better motor with VVTi and a 5 Speed Auto. I had a '05 Limited V8 AWD and loved it.

 

Why is the V8 AWD & the V6 4WD?

 

Wife's is AWD, I haven't a clue, but there was a thread on another forum on how to convert it to 2wd with a parts list, but if it gets 19+ on the freeway, I'll just leave it. She only drives 8 miles round trip to work anyhow.

 

It's just what they decided to do. The V8 was either 2WD or AWD. I actually didn't mind it since the thing would hook up. I normally go through vehicles pretty quickly but I kept that 4Runner for almost five years. That's a LONG time for me and I did so because I liked it. That thing handled pretty dang good for an SUV, WAYYY better than my Tacoma. Good power too.

MPG not so good. I could get 19 or so on the highway, but you'd have to keep the speeds around 70 at the most.

 

Just watch the cats or headers. I read the V8 had an issue with rusting out and it was an expensive fix.

I love my '05 4.0L

 

Same engine as in the first gen Tundra...will run damn near forever! My buddy had one and loved it...some minor heat issues on very hot days, but a great machine!

 

Always opt for more power, I haven't heard nothing bad about yota V8s either, the 3.4 V6 is a peppy engine, can't imagine how quick their V8 must be. If the Tacoma had the V8 option, I would have one. Shit if they get 20mpg, it's no different than the V6.

 

Funny thing is, the V6 has more horse power
than the V8. The V8 has more torque.

 

Really? What is the HP on the V8? Either or, torque is what gets you up to speed, not hp.

 

If you don't need either, then just get the better condition 4runner. The V8 has a timing belt, but is a proven beast with all these old Tundras still driving around.

The V6 doesn't have a timing belt, so it's less to worry about, but the earlier year 4runners, (mostly the 04's from what I read), had a head gasket issue that is an expensive fix.

I just went through the same predicament looking for a 4runner for the lady. I was ready to get either the V8 or V6, just wanted a good condition one. Ended up finding a nice 01 Sport and went with it b/c she needed a car. Two days later a nice 03 popped up for sale. I'm still beating myself up b/c of that.

 

V8

 

You sure? Everyone I've talked to says the 3.4 has a timing belt?

 

Wrong.

 

The V6 does have a chain, not a belt. Remember, we're talking about the 4.0 here, not the 3.4.

 

How so?
The 03 4runner is a 4th gen 4runner that received the 4.0 upgraded V6.

Head gasket issue can be read about on T4R forum.

 

So the 3.4 is a timing belt, correct?

 

3.4 has a belt and so does the 4.7 V8. Could care less about the 4.0,so I don't know what it has.

 

This. The vvt-i added some power, torque, and I would imagine some efficiency as well so 05+ is my preference to the 4.7.
Our '05 Limited V8 has been awesome. We've got armor on it, 3" lift and 35" Duratracs and it still gets about 15mpg in town and 18-19 on the highway.