Learn me: 2006 Toyota 4Runner V8

I'm on the hunt for a reasonably priced decent tow vehicle. Came across a pretty low mileage (~60k) V8 Limited model. Seems well cared for and seems to have a much better towing set up than the V6. Any positive or negative experiences out there? Things to look out for?

In reply to dyintorace:

I just bought a V8 2003 4x4 SR5. So far I have yet to tow anything with it yet but it feels well built and drives well. I did the timing belt on mine as soon as I bought it and it was about a five hour job. Nothing further to add but good luck, I don't think you will be disappointed with a 4th gen 4Runner.

We had an 08 (essentially the same) but with the V6. Even with the V6 it towed our race car on an open trailer fine (with a bit of effort in the mountains). All in all we loved that truck and only sold it because we needed more space. Limited might have the adjustable air rear suspension which is nice for towing, or it could also have the XREAS suspension (standard on Sport Edition, optional on Limited) which is really an upgrade for street driving. Only downside to the V8 is that it's full-time 4WD (V6 has a transfer case for 2WD high also). The V8 has the load-distributin hitch while the V6 usually has the lower-duty setup.

Our sequoia has the same 4.7 V8 that's in the 4Runner that year as does the other guy on our race team (who also tows). The engine is smooth, strong, and good torque. It's not a big diesel or anything but more than sufficient for towing a racecar on a trailer. Pretty bulletproof engine from what I know.

There's really not much to "look out for" with 4Runners of that era and mileage. May want to consider doing timing belt just because it's 10 years old now, and change tranny fluid if you plan to tow (not a fun process since they don't have a dipstick or fill opening that year, I don't think). But otherwise you shouldn't have any real concerns.

They are pretty great all around. I was working at a Toyota dealer back when these were new for a few years and these were the most popular demos for the sales managers, especially in the winter. I used it on occasion to tow my MG and other things around, and it did a great job of it, and when just driving it around, it was a very nice car day in and day out. Very reliable, just be sure to do the timing belt on schedule. Other than that, it was basically an anvil.

The v8s have full time 4wd and timing belt, the v6s have timing chains and selectable 4wd. I have the 4.0 and its a dog towing but I love it.

I have an '03 V8,whatcha towing?.

I pull a Miata in a 7x16 enclosed,as expected its thirsty and has enough power to pull the nearly 6k in stuff but the short'ish wheelsbase makes itself known with side winds or passing/being passed(same direction of travel) by something of decent size.

You'll want to add a pair of airlift bags in the rear,best thing I've done to mine...I also lug around 300+ lbs of tools for work daily.

As said unless you have a receipt for a timing belt plan on doing it and a waterpump shortly,front calipers have a reputation for seizing and the exhaust manifolds crack but that's about it for common issues.Check the rear liftgate for blocked drains,they plug easily will rust an otherwise perfect looking hatch.

Doug Thorly has released headers for the 4th gen to solve the manifold issues,cat backs are out there but there's no tuning support except a piggback from URDUSA to properly take advantage of improvements.

We have 04 SR5 with the v8 and it's been as solid as a rock for the 4 years we've owned it. In about 40k miles, I've done tires, front brakes due to sticky calipers and the timing belt. I did the belt and coolant flush at 100k.

Comfy, towed 1500 pounds with ease and a third row of seats.

Highly recommended.

Very similar to my wife's Lexus GX470. Timing belts need to be changed at 80-90k along with the water pumps. The Lexus comes with air suspension that'll self level the hitch.

We bought our CPO and the dealer actually replaced the timing belt/water pump for us under warranty. Other than that all I've done is brake pads front/rear with turned rotors, a battery and some front turn signal bulbs. Pretty bullet proof ride.

That being said, it drives like a truck. I much prefer my Cayenne Turbo...

We have an 07 v8. 140k since new and rock solid. In the land of snow and ice the rear brake pads wear fast from the traction control. We've changed trans fluids and done the timing belt. I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

kevlarcorolla wrote: As said unless you have a receipt for a timing belt plan on doing it and a waterpump shortly,front calipers have a reputation for seizing and the exhaust manifolds crack but that's about it for common issues.Check the rear liftgate for blocked drains,they plug easily will rust an otherwise perfect looking hatch.

Second everything Kevlarcorolla said. Have had mine since 2007 with a little over 80k miles. Had an O2 sensor go bad and the cracked exhaust manifolds fixed under warranty. Had the seized front calipers too. My water pump just went bad and I'm in the process of doing the timing belt/water pump. I just put everything together and it's shooting coolant from somewhere (no idea yet) when the engine runs. Will try and sort that out this weekend.

My only complaint is that after four salty winters in Canada the frame is really rusty underneath. I've looked at other vehicles to replace it and am not finding anything good. They seem to hold their value really well too. The AWD was unstoppable in the snow and ice with proper winter tires and it towed a Miata for three thousand miles with no issues. Gas MPG did drop to about 10 miles per gallon on that trip. Normally it's about 16/17 in the city and 20 on the highway.

If you get one with XREAS suspension they are prone to leaking and are pricey, $1,600 or so to replace. A lot of people just take the system out and replace it with parts from a Toyota FJ. Check out http://www.toyota-4runner.org/ they have tons of info and fixes for common problems. It's a really good community.

I've got a 2005 4Runner Sport Edition, V8 4X4. Best vehicle purchase I've made to date. Towed a CTS-V wagon 300 miles on an open trailer with no problems. It's been super reliable in the past 30,000 miles or so since I've owned it.

Can't recommend it enough, if it meets your needs on paper. Not SUPER spacious inside, it IS a mid-size SUV. Does just about everything pretty damn well. Not as good off road as a LC, not as good on-road as a car, not as roomy as a Suburban, but it's a great jack-of-all-trades.

Low-mileage V8s are hard to find, but they're out there. Contrary to popular belief, 2WD V8s DO exist, I saw one the other day. They're rated for 7300 lbs, vs. the 7000 of the 4WD V8.

Thanks everyone! Hoping to go see it this week.

unevolved wrote: Low-mileage V8s are hard to find, but they're out there. Contrary to popular belief, 2WD V8s DO exist, I saw one the other day. They're rated for 7300 lbs, vs. the 7000 of the 4WD V8.

Quick follow up. As proof to this, the example I'm going to see this week is a Limited with a V8 but is confirmed to be 2WD. I actually prefer that, given that we live in FL and I won't be off-roading with it.

I had a 2007 Limited V8 and miss the hell out of that truck. Stupid decision to part with it.

I thought you might shop a Porsche Ute?

MrJoshua wrote: I thought you might shop a Porsche Ute?

I have. We've looked at the Cayenne, Touraeg and X5. I was pretty set on a diesel Touraeg or X5, but it takes (roughly) $20k to buy one with 100k. The 4Runner I'm looking at is a little older (2006 vs ~2010ish) but only has 65k miles and is currently listed for $14.9k. I'm thinking I can get it for $14k and have a LOT less maintenance costs for the next 50k miles.

dyintorace wrote:

unevolved wrote: Low-mileage V8s are hard to find, but they're out there. Contrary to popular belief, 2WD V8s DO exist, I saw one the other day. They're rated for 7300 lbs, vs. the 7000 of the 4WD V8.

Quick follow up. As proof to this, the example I'm going to see this week is a Limited with a V8 but is confirmed to be 2WD. I actually prefer that, given that we live in FL and I won't be off-roading with it.

Great! I'd look into rear air bags, though, for towing. The truck had no problems holding 70 mph loaded down to north of 6000 lbs (probably, didn't weigh), but the nose was a little high for my tastes.

I have a friend selling a 2010 diesel X5 with 120k on it. Not sure what he is asking but its a nice truck, if the 4runner doesn't work out. Its in Jacksonville Florida.

In reading more about these, there seems to be an issue with the secondary air injection pump on the 4.7L V8 Toyota motor. Interestingly, Toyota seems to have extended the warranty on Tundra and Sequoia models with that motor, but not the 4Runner. Do I need to be concerned that I'm going to end up footing a bill for a few thousand dollars to have that replaced eventually (keeping in mind that I'm not mechanically inclined).

pimpm3 wrote: I have a friend selling a 2010 diesel X5 with 120k on it. Not sure what he is asking but its a nice truck, if the 4runner doesn't work out. Its in Jacksonville Florida.

I appreciate it, but would only consider it if the price was REALLY low. Would you let me know?

I will ask tommorow.

dyintorace wrote: In reading more about these, there seems to be an issue with the secondary air injection pump on the 4.7L V8 Toyota motor. Interestingly, Toyota seems to have extended the warranty on Tundra and Sequoia models with that motor, but not the 4Runner. Do I need to be concerned that I'm going to end up footing a bill for a few thousand dollars to have that replaced eventually (keeping in mind that I'm not mechanically inclined).

The consensus is that unless you dunk it underwater, it'll be fine. T4R.org agrees that's the only common thread between failures.

There's also a $40 workaround that eliminates the pump that's legal in 49 states, so there's that too.

Ill second what everyone else says, Love mine, I have an 03 V6, I have put 127k on it so far. Great truck. Id get a v8 model in a heartbeat, my v6 will tow, but not happy if its not flat. The bigger hitch will bolt to any of them if you find one that doesnt have it. All the nutserts are in the frame.

Although they eat pads and rotors it seems. Sports and some limiteds got bigger brakes, might be worth looking for if towing a lot. 13WH is the caliper casting #.

Thanks again folks! Looking at the V8 truck tomorrow.

Bought the 4 Runner this week. Liking it so far.

2006 Limited V8 2WD. 63K. 2 owners. Records from new. Charcoal over pretty light color leather. Needs a serious detail, but panels are straight, tires are okay, brakes are good.