3.5L V6 or 4.0 V6 more reliable?

Hi Im currently in a second gen 2010 standard cab. Wanting to upgrade to a 2015 2nd gen v6 or a 2016+ 3rd gen v6. Would you say the 4.0 v6 is the more reliable motor?

 

Probably a valid question, however, my prediction is this thread will turn into an almost instant dumpster fire.

The above said, my son's 4.0 had the timing chain jump a tooth after about 170,000 miles and the fix ain't cheap as you need to pull the motor to get at the chain.

 

Today is as good as any for a holy war.

 

Watched.

 

4.0 has been out longer, so? If reliable is meaning more time of testing.

 

Posted in the 3rd gen section. This should be good!

 

welcome!


annnndddd, here we go

FIGHT!

 

The 3.5 was originally designed for small rv generators. The 4.0 has often been used as an Auxiliary Power Unit on the Airbus A380.

Judging from that, I would say the 4.0 is more reliable.

source : 2nd gen forum

 

I have put over 200,00 miles on my 3.5 camry with no issues.

 

Bypassing your question entirely, the 4.0 drivetrain is more of a "truck" drivetrain. More down low torque. The 3.5 is more of a minivan or crossover drivetrain with an extra overdrive gear. Need to rev it out more to get up in the power. Doesnt mean one is worse than the other, just something to consider.

Also, look into the P11EE issues. In the grand scheme of things, not that many being reported but still more and more have been popping up on here lately
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-failed-leak-down-test-only-16k-miles.773172/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2gr-fks-engine-problem-failure.774579/

 

Both will work flawlessly until about 150-200k miles. Then it’s going to be a crapshoot. The 3.5 being a little more complex will likely to lose out. However maintenance is key. Some Toyota enthusiasts here don’t change the oil until the warranty is done

 

if the two engines were options for the current gen tacoma, i suspect most would choose the 4.0.

the same could be said for the tundra. if the past and current engines were options, most would choose the 5.7 V8 rather than the turbo V6. heck, most would choose the prior gen tundra over the current gen.

 

The 3.5s never had “years to avoid” the 4.0s had head gasket issues early on.
3.5 will win long term

 

wut....? What kind of small RV needs almost two hundred of kilowatts or power?

 

16-17s have way more front timing cover + coolant cross over leaks

 

Find a Tundra / Lexus 4.6L V8.

 

I thought the 3.5 came out of the Lexus suv line. I only have 210 miles on mine but it’s smooth as silk.

 

I really enjoyed my 4.0. Had it for 17 years and put 270k miles on it. But I replaced the head gasket at around 220k. That was expensive. It never ran quite the same after that. I now have the 3.5, and I like it as well. The thing I don’t like about the third generation is all the sensors and electronics. It feels like I’m less connected to the road if that makes sense.

Not an issue with the engine, but because of all the electronics, the 3rd generation trucks are touchy. For example, the truck will shut down when there is a short in the tail light. People have trouble with simple mods causing problems. And I’m tired of the truck flashing the big red “BRAKE!” warning when driving windy mountain roads. But these are issues with all newer vehicles, not just the Tacoma.

 

Maintenance, abuse, and climate will play a much bigger part than craftsmanship reliability at time of manufacture. You are looking at used engines with unknown maintenance schedules and driving habits. ALMOST any engine is reliable if it is properly maintained and not abused.