4th Gen 4Runner, V-6 or V-8?

I just sold my 3rd Gen T4R and I'm in the market for a 4th Gen. The 3.4 V-6 was a great engine but I'm not hearing good reports on the 4.0. Two questions, is the V-8 a better option in the 4th Gen 4Runner and if it is, what kind of MPG will I get with the V-8? I've been driving the wife's Sequoia and I'm not too crazy about the MPG I'm getting. She drives 2 miles to work and it sets all day and I put an average of 20,000 miles a year on mine. I figure the T4R is a lot lighter so hopefully the MPG will be better. I also like having the extra power of the V8. The only thing I'm going to miss is the rear locker option but I think I can live without it.

 

The power difference between the two is not much at all. The fuel economy on the two are pretty similar as well. If you were to get an 03-04 I would stick with a V8 because the V6's have a 4 speed transmission. If you are looking at an 05+ I would just test drive each to see which you like more. I ended up getting the V6 and I really enjoy the way it drives.

 

The EPA ratings are pretty close to real-world test methods nowadays. The V6 T4R is rated for 16/20 mpg city/hwy. The V8 is rated for 14/17 mpg. The V8 will cost you $500-$700 more per year in fuel, but is noticeably more torquey, so the choice is up to you. Both engines are durable enough to not be a concern.

 

I've been looking at 03 - 06. Really want a Sport and got to have 4 wheel drive. I was going to get an 01 - 04 Taco, 4 door but that dang prices have gone crazy. I can get an 06 T4R with 100k for less than I would pay for an 02 Taco with 130 - 150 k. I enjoyed the heck out of my 3rd gen T4R so I think that's the direction I'm headed. I've looked at 100 series land cruisers and I really like them put the fuel mileage is not for me.

So have you guys heard of any issues with the 4.0? I do like the idea of no timing belts. Just replaced the TB on the Sequoia and that was $800 at the dealer.

 

The 4.0 is the same that is in the 05+ Tacoma (1GR). I had no problems with my 4.0 the four years I had it. Went through rivers, ponds, sand, mud, and everything else that I threw at it. I was in the same situation as you about a month ago. I was looking for a 03-04 V8 or 05-08 V6. I'm happy with my decision and ended up in a 2005 4wd Sport.

 

Some 1GR timing chain covers from 2008 and earlier were not sealed correctly at the factory. A leak could develop at the seam where the cover meets the head and block on cyl bank #1. It isn't a chronic problem. Simply inspect this area on the engine before you buy. Here's the Tacoma TSB:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/at...pdated-t-sb-0326-08-oil-leak-t-sb-0326-08.pdf

 

V8 in a regular cab Tacoma would be awesome.

 

Everytime I've thought of swapping for a 4WD 4Runner, all I can find are the V8 models.

 

About 90% of the 4Runners in local listings are V8s. Either the owners didn't want to pay for a timing belt change, or the high gas prices made it seem much more expensive to operate.

 

Here in Tennessee I'm finding 50/50 V-8 and V-6. Found a clean 04 limited on ebay that's about 30 miles from me with the V8 and it's got 107,000 miles on the clock. I'm guessing the timing belt hasn't been changed. Trying to find out from the seller if it's got a sticker on the cover. Buy it now option is $13,900 but maybe I can get it for $1000 or so less. If the timing belt has been changed, I would pay a lot closer to asking.

 

I drive a 2006 V6 4runner...get the v8. Both the v6 and v8 have their own unique problems.

 

Have a V8 and would take it any day over the V6. I have had a lifted tacoma and lifted FJ. Both had the V6 and just felt sluggish with 33 or larger tires. The V8 feels much better with larger tires than the V6.

 

My 2005 V8 4Runner averages 19 mpg, better than my 4.0 V6 in my Tacoma. I don't think there are enough problems with either the 4.0 V6 or the V8 to say one is far superior to the other. I like the extra HP & torque feel of the V8, but the 4.0 isn't too weak IMO. Good luck.

 

I personally liked both after looking around but I did think the power difference was enough to opt for the V8. The Torque is just there and the MPGs are not far off from the V6.. Plus I know everyone has their own opinions and their reasons but the AWD that comes with the V8 is phenominal. I've had quite a few other 4x4 vehicles and currently still own a WRX but the AWD on these V8 4runners is astounding.. no lie.. . Have never needed to use the diff lock cept a couple of times to make sure it was still there lol... good luck on what you get..

 

if the v8 was available when we picked up our 08 we wouldve gotten it (it actually was available but i didnt want to wait the three months for custom order lol). i test drove one a couple years later with over 150k miles just to see how the v8 drove differently. even with the high mileage, the v8 was silky smooth. and when you gunned it, the power was instant, like how expect out of a v8 engine. another plus was the full time all wheel drive. i dont regret getting my 4r cause i love my truck non the less, but the v8 is just an added bonus, if youre in the market for it.