4Runner question

[Chris]

I'm very close to purchasing a used 4Runner (2003 or 2004 Limited) as soon as I can find one that meets my specifications. I almost had one a couple weeks ago but it fell through. I keep going between getting the V6 or V8. I want the V6 for slightly better gas mileage, but I know the V8 will tow my E30 a lot better. Here are the specs for a 2003 I would get. From those of you who tow often, would I regret a V6 for the 8-10 times a year I may tow my car? I'm also not happy they didn't offer the V6 with a 5 speed tranny in this year (the newer ones have a 5 spd), which might make towing harder.


4.0L V6 245 hp, 282 tq, 4 speed auto, 5000lb towing capacity

4.7L V8, 235 hp, 320 tq, 5 speed auto, 5000lb towing capacity

[.RJ]

The 5 speed trans will make towing a little easier, but with a 5,000 lb tow rating I wouldnt tow with either of them. An E30 loaded on an open trailer with gear is going to really be pushing it and if you want to comfortably tow you probably want to stay well under the tow rating.

If you're set on a 4-runner you'll probably want to look into stiffer springs or airbags in the rear and a load leveling/anti-sway hitch, they have pretty short wheelbases.

If you want an SUV then you can probably pick up a used expedition for pretty cheap - same with an F150 if you want a pick up. I'll sell you my F150 if you want one of those, thinking about getting a newer one anyways

[stevegula]

Either vehicle is going to hate the tow. .What's the RPM ratings for those power maxes? That's going to matter just as much.

[Nis01]

I don't know about the actual towing performance of this vehicle but I have heard from countless people that they found it to perform well with basic towing. One thing to note is that the V8 models come with factory installed tranny oil coolers as well as "weight-distributing" hitch (slightly larger hitch with more welded mounting points than the V6 models with towing package). Also for the 2005 and up the V8s towing capacity was raised to 7300/7000 (2WD/4WD). Not sure if you were even looking into those, but for the Limiteds they are still pretty pricey considering how well they hold their value.

Another thing of note is that from what I've seen on the 4Runner forums, the V6s are getting approximately the same MPG as the V8s, just something to factor in. V8 averages about 12-13 mpg while towing, haven't heard too many stats about the V6, I'd imagine it be similar. They increased the hp some and slightly elevated the torque for the 05+ as well.

2005+ V8 stats: 275 hp @ 5400 rpm / 330 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

I've heard good things about both the V6 and V8, I think it will really come down to what you find the best deal on but I believe the 05+ definitely as the upper hand on towing ability for the 4Runner platform. Let others chime in on their actual towing experience. Hope this helps some...

[Evan]

v8. no question.
it should tow about as well as a a tundra of the same vintage

[HAULN-SS]

Yikes. I know my blazer I used to have was a 4.3L v6, and had similar power ratings to that. I wouldn't want to tow much of anything with it. It could barely get out of its own way on a hill as it was. I dont think i'd go with either of those. I know 4runners are kind of pricey - can probably find a diesel extended cab truck in that same range huh?

[Ginger]

Didn't you reccomend a diesel last time, too?

[HAULN-SS]

I dunno, did I? What's not to love anyway?

[Ginger]

I dunno, did I? What's not to love anyway?

I thought so in Dave's thread... Diesel's aren't exactly known for being creature comfort vehicles, though. I'd assume that somebody considering a new 4Runner would be wanting something more daily driver friendly.

[.RJ]

it should tow about as well as a a tundra of the same vintage

4runner wheelbase is quite a bit shorter than the Tundra, FWIW (128 vs. 109 in). Towing with short wheelbases or crappy trailer brakes sucks a lot.

I dunno, did I? What's not to love anyway?

Higher purchase cost, diesel is more expensive than gas in nova, need to buy (and live with) a 3/4 ton truck. Plenty of upsides too, but no real need if you're towing a single car open trailer.

[HAULN-SS]

Loaded, more miles than the 4runner, but it's a diesel. I think high purchase cost as a downside is nil. Not to mention, It's going to get better mileage especially when towing, and do a hell of a better job...i'm just pointing out an alternative

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[WRXtranceformed]

I dunno, did I? What's not to love anyway?

I thought so in Dave's thread... Diesel's aren't exactly known for being creature comfort vehicles, though.

Are you serious? Most of the newer diesel trucks I've been in have been pimp as shit... way nicer than my friends' 4Runners...

[Ginger]

I dunno, did I? What's not to love anyway?

I thought so in Dave's thread... Diesel's aren't exactly known for being creature comfort vehicles, though.

Are you serious? Most of the newer diesel trucks I've been in have been pimp as shit... way nicer than my friends' 4Runners...

Good lucking parking a big ass truck like that at say, my office.

[ScottyB]

V6s are getting approximately the same MPG as the V8s, just something to factor in.

this is what makes me wish i got a grand cherokee instead of an Xterra in alot of ways. the V6's in a truck that size are often worse at milage than the V8s.

[Chris]

no diesels or trucks for me. I've thought through all other options and this is the one vehicle I want. The limited models have a lot of comfort features and I drive a lot these days (about 25k per year). The limited also features side and curtain air bags, which the other models don't have. This is also a partial work vehicle and I want a certain look. The problem is I can only get silver or white, and I don't want white. Finding a limited 03 or 04 silver with less than 60k miles is next to impossible.

My dad has an 03 limited he bought new and hasn't had a single problem. He has the V8 but has only towed my brothers car on a car dolly which isn't the same as the race trailer. I really feel its capable of towing just fine, and for the few times I will be doing this per year, I'm not looking for the best tow vehicle out there.

Thanks for the input on the V8, I think thats what I'll get and its really not that much worse on gas than the V6.

[CaptainHenreh]

Good lucking parking a big ass truck like that at say, my office.

I'm sure he still has the Del Slo to drive every day...I say BFDeisel truck

[Chris]

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good find, except its more miles that I want. I saw this one when I was searching, but if you look carefully there is a strange shift knob. That means (in my opinion) someone did wierd mods to it and who knows what else... but the nav system in these is VERY rare. I would definitely call on it if the mileage was lower).

[.RJ]

Are you going to drive the 4Runner 25k miles a year? At that mileage it would be worth getting something smaller in addition to a truck/SUV or just driving the Del Slo.

[HAULN-SS]

since you're set on a 4runner, and it;'s only 10k more miles than you wanted, you should call on it and low-ball them. it must've been for sale for a while, because they already reduced the price once. if you're drivign 25k a year, that's only 5 months away from the range you're wanting to be in

[Chris]

Are you going to drive the 4Runner 25k miles a year? At that mileage it would be worth getting something smaller in addition to a truck/SUV or just driving the Del Slo.

I won't really need another vehicle and my work pays for part of the new vehicle and mileage for work purposes. I don't think I would keep the del sol or another car because it would sit at my office 50 min from where I live, I would have to pay insurance on it, I don't need another car to maintain and work on, and I'm really just ready for something with more features and space.

Derek, I see what you're saying and its a good point. I have a couple lined up to call on tomorrow with 43-53k miles... I guess the lower I can find, the more I'll get out of it. I'll call on that one if I can't find anything else.