4th Gen 4Runner (03-09)

[2JSC]

Any of you guys have one? I'm looking into trading the Subaru for one. Need something that can carry all 4 of us, 2 dogs, and camp gear, possibly a small tent trailer. Been doing some research and the 4.0L V6 seems to be the choice, because the V8's are AWD which I don't want in an SUV of that size.The 4WD V6 is nearly impossible to find around here. Also, I've heard mixed reviews about the heads on the V6 becoming and issue where as the 2UZ V8 is bombproof.

Anyone got one? 2WD or 4WD? Post up please.

[Lentsnh2012]

Originally Posted by 2JSC

Any of you guys have one? I'm looking into trading the Subaru for one. Need something that can carry all 4 of us, 2 dogs, and camp gear, possibly a small tent trailer. Been doing some research and the 4.0L V6 seems to be the choice, because the V8's are AWD which I don't want in an SUV of that size.The 4WD V6 is nearly impossible to find around here. Also, I've heard mixed reviews about the heads on the V6 becoming and issue where as the 2UZ V8 is bombproof.

Anyone got one? 2WD or 4WD? Post up please.

I've had experience with both the 4.7L V8 and the 4.0L V6.

I'll start off by saying the 4.0L V6s are darn near bullet-proof as is any Toyota motor (except the 3.0L). A good friend of mine has a 2005 Tacoma TRD Off-Road with the V6 and he has over 320,000 miles and has only done the normal maintenance on it. He is in forestry so 80% of the time he is in mud and all of that nasty stuff. It is pretty hard to find a 4x4 V6 4Runner in that generation, mostly because Toyota didn't make alot of them. With that being said, if you get a 2WD 4Runner with the LSD rear end and have some mildly aggressive tread, like Nitto Terra Grapplers, it'll do alot more than you think in the uncomfortable situations.


Now, if you're going to have all of that equipment and persons in the car, I would suggest the V8. They don't miss a beat with extra weight behind or on board. If it were me, I would go with the Sport Edition V8 4WD just because you will have every feature the 4Runner has at your fingertips. Not to mention the HUGE trade-in value when its time to get another car. The V8 may get less MPGs but it is worth it with the power that it has.

[2JSC]

Yeah, looking at V6's I'm going to have to get a 2WD, the 4WD's are non-existant. I think I'm going t get a 2WD 4Runner no matter what, as it won't be the wheeler, my TJ is for that. Now the question, V6 or V8? I dont think it will matter, just come down to price and mileage.

[Lentsnh2012]

Originally Posted by 2JSC

Yeah, looking at V6's I'm going to have to get a 2WD, the 4WD's are non-existant. I think I'm going t get a 2WD 4Runner no matter what, as it won't be the wheeler, my TJ is for that. Now the question, V6 or V8? I dont think it will matter, just come down to price and mileage.

Make sure you get the model with the LSD rear diff. It'll help alot more with wet/slick roads.

Well, don't be scared about high mileage on either motor. As long as the previous owner has taken care of it, you should be fine. If you're at a Toyota dealership, ask the salesmanager or salesman if they have records on that vehicle. The price, however, will be pretty close to the same anywhere you go. The V8 may be about $1500-$2500 more.

** I sold Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Scion and Toyota.

[4x4Ric]

I had a 04 V8 for about 4 years, sold it.
I did wheel it, had a lift, full armor underneath, demello bumper, I ran 33s with it, I was much more happy with my 99.

[4x4Ric]

Don't worry to much about the mileage difference between the V6-V8 its really only about 2-3MPG..

In 2005 they bumped up the horsepower and Tq on the V6, those are pretty quick and IMHO have plenty of power, depending on what you are going to be adding, Family, skids, gear etc. and where you live. Here in Denver at alt. the thin air steals some power, and I lifted mine, added 33s full skids, gear, etc etc so I wanted the V8, but its full time AWD if that matters, didn't to me. lol

[2JSC]

Not worried about gas mileage really. Looking at maintenance, the V6 has a timing chain, and the V8's a belt. Plus the V8 has 2 more cyls and plugs, wires, blah blah blah. I think we'd be happy with an 05+ V6. It will be a DD, and on the weekends, maybe nce a month, haul gear and sometime down the road a JumpingJack trailer.