mojo

I'm psyched to get one of the new 4Runners--either a slightly used '03 or a new '04. I was amazed when Consumer Reports gave the V6 a "poor" reliability rating while the V8 has "excellent." Read lots of posts here and on other boards... now I'm asking for advice:

Should I get the V6 or V8? I never tow anything and would love to get better mileage but hear the V8 is a great engine, great on hills, and if it's going to be significantly more reliable, that definitely clinches it.

Is slightly used a good idea to save $5k or so? Or did they iron things out more for the '04 year?

Any advice much appreciated... I want to go shopping this week!

sfrolich

The v8 has another thing going for it besides proven reliability... it also has a 5 speed transmission for great off the line pick-up and good gas milage. I believe the difference between the v6 and v8 is 1 or 2 mpg.

Scott

FirstToy

Here is the most accurate info on the Consumer Reports issue-click here

There is tons and tons on V6 or V8 so search and read,read read. You will sort out a winner for yourself.

Vato Loco

Get the V8, that 10hp difference can easily be achieved if not higher by an intake and exhaust. Plus, you can get the TRD Supercharger!

mojo

This is super helpful... Thank you! What do you all think about reliability 03-04? Or any reliability problems on the V6 that you've heard about? This is what Toyota said to me:

There were three (3) Special Service Campaigns and two (2) Limited Service Campaigns for the 2003 4Runner all of which have been corrected for 2004 production.

There were three (3) Special Service Campaigns and two (2) Limited Service Campaigns for the 2003 4Runner all of which have been corrected for 2004 production.

The three (3) Special Service Campaigns dealt with the fuel pulsation damper, rear air suspension and throttle body. The two (2) Limited Service Campaigns to replace the survivor in the SR5 model and a ball mount attachment.

We are committed to manufacturing high quality vehicles that exemplify innovative design, styling, dependability and durability. In an effort to maintain the quality that is evident in our previous vehicle models, we continue to pay close attention to the detail in our future models.

EDGE

I say go for an 04 V8, reason being it seems they are making less V8's or maybe 80% of the trucks are suppost to be V6, read that somewhere just makes it easier to sell it in the future not that a V6 model will be hard to get rid of but many more flock to the few and only a few flock to the many it's like selling a sports car with a manual, everyone is looking for your car.

Gas mileage is a moot point with this truck, V6/V8 it's still cost a lot to fill it up.

V8 also has the TRD SC option so if you want added performance

I don't heavily relie on Consumer Report, they test all sorts of stuff and rate them on a scale of overall problems that customers complain about, little things have the same weight as major problems and mileage is never taken into consideration, ever wonder why Caddies and Buicks do so well, compare a 5 year old Toyota with 60k on it to a domestic with 20k, but they never tell you any intrique details, just this vehicle has poor reliability.

But if you like an easy oil change the V6 filter is on top of the engine and if you can and your buying it to keep for awhile I say go new, wear the same jeans for the next few month and treat yourself you only live once

Good Times

TEST DRIVE THE MOTHER!!!!

Don't think about what all the reports say, it's Toyota quality that's MADE IN JAPAN! You know you can't go wrong at all.

Go with the one you love and feel. The interior/exterior will be the same regardless of engine size. So just go by how it drives.

Other things to consider, XREAS and rear air suspension. If you plan to do any towing, make sure you get th rear air!

I'd get new as since you're already paying $$$ might as well fork a few more to ensure it's all new and not used

Gas.... shoot if you're worried about that, you might as well get a hybrid civic or something. mpg will be bad, regardless of what engine you use. You will notice a 1-2mpg diff between the engine but depending on how you drive, that 1-2 will be 0.

Good luck! and post some pix when you get it!!!

Leo

V8 .... you'll love the power

jharris2

Best advice so far. You'll never know until you try them both, side by side, and make the judgement of what's best for you.

hre814

I've had the '04 V8 since October and love it!

Herman

mojo

OK, one more question: I was told that the V8, while it doesn't have more HP, will do better in the mountains (I drive often to altitude in the Sierras). Is this true, that I'll do better on the uphills?

Thanks...

Good Times

mojo:

torque helps alot

like i said, you gotta drive it to get a good feel for the truck. both handles well but since the engines are different, you'll notice the pedal feelings alot