2003 4Runner: Buy V6 or V8?

I am considering purchasing a 2003 4Runner LTD. My salesperson is recommending strongly I purchase one with the V8. I like it, but I like the mpgs of the V6...it is more noisy, but acceleration seems to be close. Of course torque is less and you feel it...but gas is going up, up, up.

Question is...any bad reports regarding the V6. My salesperson wasn't definite about this question in her answer. She said they had some problems in the beginning.

Many thanks for your knowledge and replies.

I am considering purchasing a 2003 4Runner LTD. My salesperson is recommending strongly I purchase one with the V8. I like it, but I like the mpgs of the V6...it is more noisy, but acceleration seems to be close. Of course torque is less and you feel it...but gas is going up, up, up.

Question is...any bad reports regarding the V6. My salesperson wasn't definite about this question in her answer. She said they had some problems in the beginning.

Many thanks for your knowledge and replies.



As a Toyota saleman, I think I can give you a pretty qualified opinion. Go with the V6. I am sure your salesman is pushing V8 because they are easier to find and they will have more profit margin there. But, I think the 6 is better. If you are towing often, the 8 is better for that.
No problems that I am aware of for the 6. The V8 comes with the Torson center diff and all time all-wheel-drive, which has been problematic at times. I think our dealership had a buyback on one. The gas milage is certainly better in the 6. By the way.. the 2004 will have an available 3rd row seat if you are interested. Any more questions, let me know.

As a Toyota saleman, I think I can give you a pretty qualified opinion. Go with the V6. I am sure your salesman is pushing V8 because they are easier to find and they will have more profit margin there. But, I think the 6 is better. If you are towing often, the 8 is better for that.
No problems that I am aware of for the 6. The V8 comes with the Torson center diff and all time all-wheel-drive, which has been problematic at times. I think our dealership had a buyback on one. The gas milage is certainly better in the 6. By the way.. the 2004 will have an available 3rd row seat if you are interested. Any more questions, let me know.

Thank you very much for the info.

I do have another question...how do the 4 speed and 5 speed transmissions compare. I know that the 4 is an older design without the AI that the 5 has. Does the 4 limit performance at all?

Thanks again!

Theoretically, I think the 5 speed is the better tranny. But, it might also be a little weaker. The AI is OK, but doesn't do as much as you think, plus whenever you get a dead battery, or unhook the power for more than a couple minutes, the AI resets to original setting. I beleive the bellhousing is the same size for both trannies, which means that you have crammed 5 gears inside rather than four, which means the thickness (strength) of each gear is a little less. Should that be a problem?, no... It should be strong enough, but the 4 speed is tried and true, and will hold up to all the torque you can throw at it for many many years.

I don't think it makes a lot of differance in performance. It's true that the V8 with the extra torque and the extra gear is a little quicker and stronger, but I think the V6 performs very nicely. For my money (-$2000 for the vehicle) and 2-3 mpg improvement in gas, I go V6. But, it's up to you.

I bought a 2003 V8 4Runner this year and would recomend the V8 anyday. I do not have any regrets at all for getting the V8, in the long run you will be happy.
Here are the pros/cons

V8
Cons:
-fuel economy
-extra cost

Pros:
-more torque
-quieter
-does not work as hard
-5 speed tranny
-smooth acceleration
-same engine as Lexus
-sounds nicer when accelerating


The 96-02 V6 4Runners were known to have bad fuel economy, the Lexus were not. The only drawback of getting a V8 is cost and nothing else!
If you are trying to spend as little $$ as possible then get a Highlander, but if you are going to spend the extra bucks and get a good SUV like the 4Runner the do it right and get the best possible engine you can.

A decision was made and I have purchased a 2003 4Runner Sport Edition.

Toyota offered 1.9% financing and I paid a bit over invoice.

I did buy a V8. Reason is that there was no V6 available in my area as it is the end of the year and the financing and price deal was only on 2003s. As you will see from the picture...no grey plastic body cladding....color keyed!

A great vehicle. It is the affordable Ferrari of SUVs.

Thanks for your opinions and help.