4 Runner possible purchase....

Hey guys... i'm actually usually on the Nissan truck forum here but I am planning on Purchasing a 4 runner here in the very near future. I have an 03 Desert Runner Frontier pick-up and I love it. But I am graduating from College in December and am going to move to an area that gets more snow and so on. So I am planning to make the switch to a 4x4 SUV (so I can have room for 4 people and my dog doesn't have to ride shotgun!) I was going to wait for the 05 pathfinder but it's taking to long to come out and Toyota has a really good grad deal on the 04 4-Runners.

I'm actually working on an 04 Sport Edition 4x4 v6 White w/ Sunroof. My main thing I don't like about shopping for Toyotas is that all of them on the lot have 1000-2000 dollars worth of dealer add-ons (Extra mile packages, paint protection, etc) all the stuff that car sites tell you are waste of money. Anybody know how to get around this? I'm also torn between the v8/5spd Auto (rarer in the Sports) or the v6/4spd Auto. I don't tow a whole lot but I'm kind of curious as to what the MPG real world differences are between the two. Driving them back to back I can tell the v8 is little smoother and faster but even v6 hauled from a dead stop. Is it worth the price difference to step up to the v8? Any other pros or cons I should consider? Thanks for any help!

Later,

The easy answer is the V8 is a tried and true engine. The V6 has some minor issues and is unproven. Go with the V8.

Actually the "tried and true" V8 is getting replaced for '05 with a newer VVTLi version. The new version is more fuel efficient and offers more power and torque. It will not be available until Jan '05 though. The new 4.0L V6 is really nice and actually makes a few more ponies than the current V8, although the torque is lower.

As far as fuel efficiency compared between the current V8/V6, it is very similar, I think about 1MPG different. However the new V8 will actually be as good or better than the 4.0L V6.

I would get the 4.0L V6 and if you find yourself wanting more power, bolt on a TRD supercharger which should be available very soon. Or wait for the new improved V8 but you won't be getting any killer deals on that bad boy, that's for sure.

Also not sure if you are aware that the new Tacoma's are coming out as we speak, the new double cab also has the 4.0L V6 but unlike the 4Runner, it can be had with a 6-speed manual tranny for killer performance (0-60 in 7.4) and milage. Might be worthy of your consideration...

Interesting engine. Hope they don't change it too much.

It will still be the same basic 4.7L, they are just refining it (VVTLi) to have much better efficiency (more power, less fuel consumption)

As long as they don't go to a timing chain and an aluminum block...

Yeah, I doubt if they would revert to a timing chain but I wouldn't be surprised to see an aluminum block. What's wrong with aluminum blocks? They can save lots of weight.

They have been slow to be accepted for truck engines where weight is not that important as a car. I think iron is more durable for maintenance purposes. Less worries about bolts freezing and threads stripping, etc. Probably the main bearing supports can be made stronger in an iron block also. Never heard of an aluminum block diesel. Aluminum is more prone to corrosion also - more expensive.

I think the weight factor is the only thing aluminum has going for it.

From what I understand the new technology they are putting into the V8's is what the new V6's have and they stink. They are so loud and there is a constant ticking in acceleration. Sounds like you are running a diesel engine. If I were you, definatley go with the V8 and you might want to try an pick up an 04 instead of waiting for an 05. Just my 2cents.