Toyota Pickup 4 cylinder better than V6? Why?
12-25-2009, 08:27 PM
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Toyota Pickup 4 cylinder better than V6? Why?
Ive been looking for something inexpensive and reliable. Ive always liked the Toyotas. Ive been thinking about maybe getting some money up and starting to look for one. I have some questions though. the biggest right now is 6 cylinder vs 4 cylinder. I would have assumed the 6 cylinder, more power more torque is always good right. Thing is Ive seen more than a few people say the 4 is better.
Ive also heard that the 6 cylinder doesn't last as long ans is not as reliable as the 4. Is this true?? If so why?
Also looking around in Craigslist in the price range I'm thinking of getting something in, under 2k, I see hardly any 4 cylinders, but there are a few 6s and a fair amount of 4runners.
So why does it seem that the 4 cylinders get more recommendations that the 6s?
Ive also heard that the 6 cylinder doesn't last as long ans is not as reliable as the 4. Is this true?? If so why?
Also looking around in Craigslist in the price range I'm thinking of getting something in, under 2k, I see hardly any 4 cylinders, but there are a few 6s and a fair amount of 4runners.
So why does it seem that the 4 cylinders get more recommendations that the 6s?
12-25-2009, 08:36 PM
#2
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The V6 has significantly more power than the 4 cylinder, and this is CRITICAL in a 4Runner, but not so much in pickups since they are lighter.
The gas mileage on the V6 is significantly worse than the 4 cylinder.
The V6, IMHO is unfairly maligned for head gasket issues. The 22RE is unfairly claimed "bulletproof" - many of them have headgasket issues too due to the iron block/aluminum head design.
Personally, I would not make the engine a "dealbreaker" factor in my search... I WOULD absolutely make the transmission a dealbreaker - you must get a manual IMHO. Not because they are unreliable, but because the overdrive is so poorly matched to the earlier engines.
The gas mileage on the V6 is significantly worse than the 4 cylinder.
The V6, IMHO is unfairly maligned for head gasket issues. The 22RE is unfairly claimed "bulletproof" - many of them have headgasket issues too due to the iron block/aluminum head design.
Personally, I would not make the engine a "dealbreaker" factor in my search... I WOULD absolutely make the transmission a dealbreaker - you must get a manual IMHO. Not because they are unreliable, but because the overdrive is so poorly matched to the earlier engines.
12-26-2009, 09:11 AM
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See I would definitely like the better power of the V6. The reduction in mileage isn't really a big deal for me. Also I generally prefer a manual anyway and thats a lot of what I see for sale.
12-26-2009, 09:24 AM
#4
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everyone has their own preference... the V6 is bad to some, which gives it its bad reputation. I've only known one person to send a V6 to its grave and thats because he never changed the oil for the 2 years he owned it. i've had my 4runner since the beginning of 08 and i've put 31.2k miles on it, no problems, just regular oil changes every 3k. I like the power and sound of the V6 better than the 4 cyl. so meh... its up to you.
12-26-2009, 11:10 AM
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i dont know the exact specs but im pretty sure the HP difference isnt that much between teh 22re and the 3.0. maybe 20HP give or take? maybe not im not sure bu ti do kno its not much. i woudl go 22re,but, thats just my personal preference
12-26-2009, 04:30 PM
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the 22re is way easier to work on hands down. and i have not problem keeping up with the 3vze. so if you think you need more power then the 22re then the 3vze wont cut it either.
I have plans for a 7mge swap down the road. but stock the 22re is great.
I have plans for a 7mge swap down the road. but stock the 22re is great.
12-26-2009, 06:07 PM
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Drawing from personal experience having owned multiple 3vze's and 22re's, the 22re is going to be much more reliable and cheaper to run. Both engines are slow compared to current model domestics and the like. I suppose the 3.0 can be a solid and reliable engine but I and too many of my friends have had bad experiences with them as opposed to the 22re which you really have to make an effort to abuse to kill it. The 3.0's can die for no other reason than sub-par engineering on Toyota's part and generally, 9 times out of 10 the 22re will last over 200K miles problem free.
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12-26-2009, 06:16 PM
#8
22re and can keep up with the 3.slow 
but really boils down to what you want. I think the v-6 is more common in the later years. If you look at one call the dealer with the vin as there is a recall on the headgasket so you might get the HG replaced for free.
but really boils down to what you want. I think the v-6 is more common in the later years. If you look at one call the dealer with the vin as there is a recall on the headgasket so you might get the HG replaced for free.
12-26-2009, 06:43 PM
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Here is the Deal and why it is this way (I could be wrong on some things, but I am human you know)
The 22re is a better motor hands down, sorry it's true, but wait a second and I will tell you why.
The 22re is a far more simple motor than the 3.0, therefore there are less things that can go wrong with it. You can work on every nut and bolt in the car with just a few sockets and a torque wrench. It is also an inline motor (I4) wich means there is only one head to deal with, whilst the 3.0 is a V6 so it has 2 heads (this makes things more complicated when making sure that everything is timed and put together correctly, if it was taken apart) If you are good to the 22re you might be able to get 22 mpg with a 5spd, you will however be struggling to get 16 with the 3vze.
Now it is not all bad for the 3.0, During the years 1989-mid 1995 the 22re had around 112 Hp and the 3.0 had around 150 HP (Most of the 3vze were put in 4runners and Extended Cab pickups later on) If I had my choice of an offroad motor (years 1989-mid 1995) it would probably be the 3.0.
But in the end for the average joe, the negatives outway to the positives for the 3.0. Most of us can't justify the gas mileage and the lack of power. Mind as well just get a V8. The 22re is very easy to work on and more reliable (once the timing chain is replaced) Also the headgasket problem can be fixed by installing a new head gasket and torqueing the head bolts down 10 lbs over spec. And resale value is better with a 22re, you will sell one way quicker and for more the a 3.0 (at least where I live).
Hope This Helps
The 22re is a better motor hands down, sorry it's true, but wait a second and I will tell you why.
The 22re is a far more simple motor than the 3.0, therefore there are less things that can go wrong with it. You can work on every nut and bolt in the car with just a few sockets and a torque wrench. It is also an inline motor (I4) wich means there is only one head to deal with, whilst the 3.0 is a V6 so it has 2 heads (this makes things more complicated when making sure that everything is timed and put together correctly, if it was taken apart) If you are good to the 22re you might be able to get 22 mpg with a 5spd, you will however be struggling to get 16 with the 3vze.
Now it is not all bad for the 3.0, During the years 1989-mid 1995 the 22re had around 112 Hp and the 3.0 had around 150 HP (Most of the 3vze were put in 4runners and Extended Cab pickups later on) If I had my choice of an offroad motor (years 1989-mid 1995) it would probably be the 3.0.
But in the end for the average joe, the negatives outway to the positives for the 3.0. Most of us can't justify the gas mileage and the lack of power. Mind as well just get a V8. The 22re is very easy to work on and more reliable (once the timing chain is replaced) Also the headgasket problem can be fixed by installing a new head gasket and torqueing the head bolts down 10 lbs over spec. And resale value is better with a 22re, you will sell one way quicker and for more the a 3.0 (at least where I live).
Hope This Helps
12-26-2009, 08:39 PM
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Here is the Deal and why it is this way (I could be wrong on some things, but I am human you know)
The 22re is a better motor hands down, sorry it's true, but wait a second and I will tell you why.
The 22re is a far more simple motor than the 3.0, therefore there are less things that can go wrong with it. You can work on every nut and bolt in the car with just a few sockets and a torque wrench. It is also an inline motor (I4) wich means there is only one head to deal with, whilst the 3.0 is a V6 so it has 2 heads (this makes things more complicated when making sure that everything is timed and put together correctly, if it was taken apart) If you are good to the 22re you might be able to get 22 mpg with a 5spd, you will however be struggling to get 16 with the 3vze.
Now it is not all bad for the 3.0, During the years 1989-mid 1995 the 22re had around 112 Hp and the 3.0 had around 150 HP (Most of the 3vze were put in 4runners and Extended Cab pickups later on) If I had my choice of an offroad motor (years 1989-mid 1995) it would probably be the 3.0.
But in the end for the average joe, the negatives outway to the positives for the 3.0. Most of us can't justify the gas mileage and the lack of power. Mind as well just get a V8. The 22re is very easy to work on and more reliable (once the timing chain is replaced) Also the headgasket problem can be fixed by installing a new head gasket and torqueing the head bolts down 10 lbs over spec. And resale value is better with a 22re, you will sell one way quicker and for more the a 3.0 (at least where I live).
Hope This Helps
The 22re is a better motor hands down, sorry it's true, but wait a second and I will tell you why.
The 22re is a far more simple motor than the 3.0, therefore there are less things that can go wrong with it. You can work on every nut and bolt in the car with just a few sockets and a torque wrench. It is also an inline motor (I4) wich means there is only one head to deal with, whilst the 3.0 is a V6 so it has 2 heads (this makes things more complicated when making sure that everything is timed and put together correctly, if it was taken apart) If you are good to the 22re you might be able to get 22 mpg with a 5spd, you will however be struggling to get 16 with the 3vze.
Now it is not all bad for the 3.0, During the years 1989-mid 1995 the 22re had around 112 Hp and the 3.0 had around 150 HP (Most of the 3vze were put in 4runners and Extended Cab pickups later on) If I had my choice of an offroad motor (years 1989-mid 1995) it would probably be the 3.0.
But in the end for the average joe, the negatives outway to the positives for the 3.0. Most of us can't justify the gas mileage and the lack of power. Mind as well just get a V8. The 22re is very easy to work on and more reliable (once the timing chain is replaced) Also the headgasket problem can be fixed by installing a new head gasket and torqueing the head bolts down 10 lbs over spec. And resale value is better with a 22re, you will sell one way quicker and for more the a 3.0 (at least where I live).
Hope This Helps
Id love to, but they're a bit out of my price range ATM. Maybe for my next one.
12-27-2009, 02:50 PM
#12
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go 22RE if i want a reliable and a motor that takes a beating. the V6's most commonly have allot of problems and really have no power to show for a v6. for under 2k your going to get one tired 3.0L no matter what, the 22re will be tired too but i bet you it will keep pulling even if you have to top the oil up ever week lol. there are a few and i mean FEW people who have good 3.0L and actually like them 
. what ever you choose its going to be slow so why not get the 22re right? you can do a cam, header, and intake and it should be just fine to pull you around town and in the bush .
. what ever you choose its going to be slow so why not get the 22re right? you can do a cam, header, and intake and it should be just fine to pull you around town and in the bush .
05-03-2010, 07:47 AM
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I think you answered your own question when you mentioned that you could find a few 4runners and trucks for sale with the v6 but hardly any with the 22re. Cause no one wants to sell them, or if they do, they are gone within hours not weeks. 22re>>>>>>>>3vze
05-03-2010, 02:34 PM
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Here is the Deal and why it is this way (I could be wrong on some things, but I am human you know)
The 22re is a better motor hands down, sorry it's true, but wait a second and I will tell you why.
The 22re is a far more simple motor than the 3.0, therefore there are less things that can go wrong with it. You can work on every nut and bolt in the car with just a few sockets and a torque wrench. It is also an inline motor (I4) wich means there is only one head to deal with, whilst the 3.0 is a V6 so it has 2 heads (this makes things more complicated when making sure that everything is timed and put together correctly, if it was taken apart) If you are good to the 22re you might be able to get 22 mpg with a 5spd, you will however be struggling to get 16 with the 3vze.
Now it is not all bad for the 3.0, During the years 1989-mid 1995 the 22re had around 112 Hp and the 3.0 had around 150 HP (Most of the 3vze were put in 4runners and Extended Cab pickups later on) If I had my choice of an offroad motor (years 1989-mid 1995) it would probably be the 3.0.
But in the end for the average joe, the negatives outway to the positives for the 3.0. Most of us can't justify the gas mileage and the lack of power. Mind as well just get a V8. The 22re is very easy to work on and more reliable (once the timing chain is replaced) Also the headgasket problem can be fixed by installing a new head gasket and torqueing the head bolts down 10 lbs over spec. And resale value is better with a 22re, you will sell one way quicker and for more the a 3.0 (at least where I live).
Hope This Helps
The 22re is a better motor hands down, sorry it's true, but wait a second and I will tell you why.
The 22re is a far more simple motor than the 3.0, therefore there are less things that can go wrong with it. You can work on every nut and bolt in the car with just a few sockets and a torque wrench. It is also an inline motor (I4) wich means there is only one head to deal with, whilst the 3.0 is a V6 so it has 2 heads (this makes things more complicated when making sure that everything is timed and put together correctly, if it was taken apart) If you are good to the 22re you might be able to get 22 mpg with a 5spd, you will however be struggling to get 16 with the 3vze.
Now it is not all bad for the 3.0, During the years 1989-mid 1995 the 22re had around 112 Hp and the 3.0 had around 150 HP (Most of the 3vze were put in 4runners and Extended Cab pickups later on) If I had my choice of an offroad motor (years 1989-mid 1995) it would probably be the 3.0.
But in the end for the average joe, the negatives outway to the positives for the 3.0. Most of us can't justify the gas mileage and the lack of power. Mind as well just get a V8. The 22re is very easy to work on and more reliable (once the timing chain is replaced) Also the headgasket problem can be fixed by installing a new head gasket and torqueing the head bolts down 10 lbs over spec. And resale value is better with a 22re, you will sell one way quicker and for more the a 3.0 (at least where I live).
Hope This Helps
I was able to get 21mpg with my pickup on the hwy in the summer time. With 33" mud tires, lift and loads of anti-aerodynamic mods..
And I can always outrun a 22re. I also like the lower stock low range gear.. not to mention I do like how smooth revving the 3vz is
3vze's can last just as long as a 22re if taken care of properly. 99% of the time overheating is what ruins the motor..
05-03-2010, 03:15 PM
#15
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Ahh the 3.0...
The fuel economy of a V8 and the power of a 4 banger. I had one and at 135K it blew a HG and then later a rod through the block at 160K, despite maintaining it very well. I had a 22R before that and it ran great, then it continued to run great for several years for guy I sold it to, then he sold it and it was still running great. I've also had a 3.4 for the last 9 years, I have 199K on it and it runs great. After my experience, I would never ever mess around with a 3.0 again.
The fuel economy of a V8 and the power of a 4 banger. I had one and at 135K it blew a HG and then later a rod through the block at 160K, despite maintaining it very well. I had a 22R before that and it ran great, then it continued to run great for several years for guy I sold it to, then he sold it and it was still running great. I've also had a 3.4 for the last 9 years, I have 199K on it and it runs great. After my experience, I would never ever mess around with a 3.0 again.
05-03-2010, 03:48 PM
#16
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I have had my 3vze for 8 years now, gone from 70k miles to 180k, never a problem with it. Just keep it maintained and it'll treat you well, like any motor.
Also, if you do some searching around here you'll notice people go apes**t over mods that give them 2 or 3 extra horses... if you want the extra power and don't care about gas mileage get the 3vze and treat her well.
22RE: 1985-1988 HP: 105@4800 Torque: 137@2800
22RE: 1989-1995 HP: 112@4600 Torque: 142@3400
3VZE: 1988-1995 HP: 150@4800 Torque: 180@3400
Just my .02
Edit: Damn, just realized how old this thread is.. how did it end up coming back to life anyway?
Also, if you do some searching around here you'll notice people go apes**t over mods that give them 2 or 3 extra horses... if you want the extra power and don't care about gas mileage get the 3vze and treat her well.
22RE: 1985-1988 HP: 105@4800 Torque: 137@2800
22RE: 1989-1995 HP: 112@4600 Torque: 142@3400
3VZE: 1988-1995 HP: 150@4800 Torque: 180@3400
Just my .02
Edit: Damn, just realized how old this thread is.. how did it end up coming back to life anyway?
Last edited by az4x4runner; 05-03-2010 at 03:50 PM.
04-18-2013, 10:43 PM
#20
My vote goes to the simpler 22RE unless you really need the additional hps of the 3.0.
Now assuming you see combination of reliability and performance is a tie, would you be working on it yourself, or have someone else work on it? If the former, ask those who own 3.0's how difficult it is to get to or see things.
Now assuming you see combination of reliability and performance is a tie, would you be working on it yourself, or have someone else work on it? If the former, ask those who own 3.0's how difficult it is to get to or see things.
