Ryan, I'm in the same boat as you. I'm leaning towards the V6 for fuel and price considerations. All I've ever towed was a couple jet ski's and a small jet boat. I think the 5,000lb limit on the V6 should be good up to most 20-22ft boats. The limit on the V8 is 7,000 lbs and good to 24-27 ft boats.

Toyota's APR is usually a baseline to work from. See if a bank or credit union or someone else can beat it and then see if Toyota or the dealer will beat that. If you have a $33,000 msrp, take 1% ($330) and multiply it by 2. This ($330*2=$660) is a approximately what your payment would be at 0% financing for 5 years or 60 months. Obviously if you get a 4-6% loan, your payments would be higher. It's a trick you can use to number shop. Then you can say if I add some cash and my trade to make my loan $20,000 - my payments would be a little over $400.

 

I thought the tow rating was 7000 on all 4R's? I think the early 03's had 5000 until they revised the hitch. Am I mistaken?

I'm really happy with the V6, btw.

 

Towing capacity
V6 models (weight-carrying hitch)
2WD - 5,000 lbs.
4WD - 5,000 lbs.
V8 models (weight-distributing hitch)
2WD - 7,300 lbs.
4WD - 7,000 lbs.

I wonder if the V6 would be able to tow more with a weight-distributing hitch and/or a aux. transmission & oil cooler??

Anyone? Class? Beuler?

 

I am probably going to get the V6. I just want to wait and see how it holds up for a year or two and see if there are any major problems with it. Thanks for the tips! :fireman: