2004 to 2006 4Runner (2 Viewers)

[WarDamnEagle]

I just started shopping for a 4Runner for my daughter to use. She's been driving a Mini in the UK but is starting university at Auburn in the fall and has decided (with a bit of mom and dad's help!) that she needs something bigger. We have targeted the 04 to 06 4Runner, probably in 4WD.

Is there any reason I would want a V8 vs. a V6? I searched but couldn't find much in the way of problems listed for either. She won't be doing any towing, just mainly around town and interstate driving.

Opinions?

 

[Duane]

I think the V8's are full time 4 wheel drive....the V6 is likely cheaper on fuel and perhaps better resale as gas keeps going up

 

[apeterson]

one of my friends has a v8 and swears she gets like 22 mpg with it..

 

[Happy Trails]

We just purchased an 04 4WD w/ the V6 and had it shipped to our cabin in Wyoming. the V6 is plenty powerful enough to climb the steep bighorn Mts. I still prefer my 02 LTD but this is a solid rig and has more airbags and room.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

We just purchased an 04 4WD w/ the V6 and had it shipped to our cabin in Wyoming. the V6 is plenty powerful enough to climb the steep bighorn Mts. I still prefer my 02 LTD but this is a solid rig and has more airbags and room.

Thanks for all the input everyone. I'm leaning toward a V6 at the moment but could go either way depending on what's on the market.

 

[Duane]

at the same token a V8 4runner in my area is starting to become plentiful so the price might be more attractive than the V6. They certainly have taken a dive in the last 12 to 18 months.

 

[hoch]

I'd opt for the V6. They get better MPG, plenty powerful, oil changes are a snap (err...for you! ), TIMING CHAIN (V8's have timing belts), and 2WD option (V8's are full-time 4WD).

Also, I would go for a 2005+ V6, because in 05, they started putting in 5-speed automatic transmissions, which are better than the 4-speed in 03-04. Either will get you there, though.

 

[dgangle]

I bought a new '07 SR5 4WD last fall and chose the 4.0LV6(236HP, 266FT-LB). The '07 is by far such a superior vehicle than the 3RD gen 4Runner it replaced: power, size, interior room, amenities, fuel economy, towing, comfort, etc. We considered the V8 as weekend duty involves towing a 3500LB 20' Malibu competition inboard ski boat. It does fine. Yea, the 4.7L V8 (260HP, 306FT-LB) would be more powerful but at additional initial cost, the timing belt issue, future disadvantage at resale and a lifetime of poor fuel economy, it just wasn't worth it to me. And I am a power whore. This was an astronomical step up from the power of the 3.4L V6 it replaced.

In '98 we bought a new Exploder w/ the 5.0L V8 to haul kids and our then 19' Mastercraft inboard. It towed decent power-wise but got horrible gas mileage. 6-7MPG towing, 9-10 in town and 17-18 on the highway. I sold this in 11/07 @ 100K and literally had to give it away not only because it was an American made piece of s***, the Firestone tire debacle/rollover history but also because gas was $3.50/gallon and rising. No-one wanted it (for the V8) no mater how nice it was in any other regard.

Lesson? Gas is expensive, increasing and ain't ever going back down. To me not having the mac-daddy towing engine is a small sacrifice since in the total life of the vehicle towing is probably less that 2% of its life. I'd go V6. If you need a V8 you can get into a 4WD Sequoia for about the same as a loaded-out 4R Limited

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Again, thanks for all the input. We decided on a V6, 2WD and went to look at a 2005, SR5, V6 with 59k on the odometer. My daughter's only requests when we started looking was "white with leather interior". To make a long story short, we didn't buy the one we went to look at but made an offer on a 2004, 4WD, V8 limited with 32k. It was just so much nicer than the SR5 and for very little extra money. Dealer called the next day and we had a deal. It looks and drives brand new and she's very happy with it.

I'm going to change the air and A/C filters and put some Mobil 1 in the engine. Everything else looks good to go.

 

[dgangle]

Congrats and you both will love it!. That is except for its ability to have the ultimate need to stop at every gas station along your journey. All kidding aside, they are great trucks and we love ours.

If Toyota doesn't make it, I don't even consider it. How many billions loss did Ford & GM just post for last quarter?