Proud owner of a 4.7 with 255k miles and she's sucked up water twice by accident and she still going strong.

Owned a 2013 Tacoma. Currently own a 2003 Limited. The V8 has more useable torque than the V6 and I find the fuel economy is roughly the same. If they had put the 4.7 in the Tacoma, they would have been absolutely amazing.

Agree agree agree. I went on a hunt for my 4th gen v8. I was looking for an 08 but I found an 05 at a really good price. I’m fairly positive these v8s are going to be a treasure one day

Imagine being that person who buys a 4Runner while being concerned about gas mileage... -- 08 4Runner V8 Limited 180k and rocking it

Fully agree, if you drive the V8 and V6 back to back it is very clear that the V8 is far superior. I did that in Dec. 2002 at the dealership and still have my SR5 V8. The engine is super smooth, torque is amazing, transmission perfectly matched. No issues in almost 160k miles, no rust (California car), wheel alignment has not needed adjustment in over 100k miles. I am convinced this car will easily outlast me. The only thing I am now depressed about is the prospect of a cracked exhaust manifold, but hey, if that happens it may give me a reason to upgrade the headers :-)

295,000 miles on my 05 4.7 and ain’t stopping!

I have a 2007 V6 Sport, but honestly I'm pretty okay with that, plus it was a pain in the ass to find one in Colorado that wasn't eaten alive by rust..

I have 2006 sport edition v6 423000 km . I love this car.

Purchased my 2006 V8 4Runner with 14 miles on it from the dealership Feb 06'. Ran it 338,000 miles (21MPG HWY 65mph..... 17 mpg City) before turning it over to my daughter 2 years ago, who is still driving it.. Since she is not in any hurry to replace it, (so I could get it back) I just purchased (4 weeks ago) 2008 Lexus GX470.... Same powertrain wrapped in Lexus' Trim... with 130K miles... had to add a hitch to tow my boat, so it's never hauled anything... FYI the 06' routinely towed my 22ft Mako Fiberglass Center console boat (4400 lbs) at HWY speeds.. 65-70 mph .. with no powertrain issues.. These are Great Vehicles if you can still find one! (i kept up all maintenance including 100K Timing Belt change... and ran only Synthetic Oil)

Extra bonuses: iron block V8 4th gen 4Runners weigh around 240 lbs. more than V6 4th gens -- more road-hugging weight hanging over the front drivetrain for better traction. And that front axle is permanently driven as V8 4Runners are full-time AWD/FWD balancing the wear and rotating drag between the front and rear axles.

I absolutely love my 2005 V8 4Runner and plan to keep it. I did the timing belt and all other maintenance myself. The timing belt took me 10 hours, but I'm not a pro mechanic. It still drives as well as it did when new.

Best vehicle ever, and I have owned and driven dozens and dozens of personal and fleet autos. I own a 2006 Toyota 4Runner V-8 with 126,000 miles. It is like new, both cosmetically and mechanically. I'll own this until one of us dies. Also, no one believes me, but I get 20 mpg, even in the city. I drive like a senior citizen, because I am one.

Great info for sure! I just picked up my 2008 V8 today from a private seller with 190K Good maintenance history. I paid $7200. Rust free, I'm very happy and looking forward to take it out for a ride.

I had a1998 SR5 V6 that I really loved but when Toyota came out with the V8 in 2003, I gave my wife the SR5 and purchased a brand new 2003 4Runner Limited V8 in Titanium silver, and I’m still driving it today. It’s now at 411,000 kilometres and running as strong as it did when it was new. You can’t kill these trucks if you follow the maintenance schedule.I don’t think I will never sell my 4Runner. I would rather spend some money on repairs, if need be, than part with it. I still enjoy driving it everyday. I hope to get many more years with this truck.

I just purchased a 2004 v8 4Runner. I love this thing. It's amazing. I will keep it stock for some time as I love the way it rides. The only thing - I feel missing out on not purchasing one earlier. Great vehicle. Off to adventures!

Forgot to mention the 7000lb towing capacity which is amazing in itself

I hate to say this, but any 4Runner is a good 4Runner.

Same here, I got the V8, mines an 06 sport 4wd. When looking for 4 runners, I didn’t really look towards a V8. I just wanted one with a 4wd. When I was looking at mine there was a v6 on there too. I asked the salesman if I can test drive both. I first took mine out, loved it (obviously) took the v6 out and thought “what the heck, this is garbage” (sorry v6 owners) I didn’t even take it for the full test drive. With the V8 full time 4wd, the ride quality, handling and power is the best. I went from a 2011 4cyl Camry to a 2006 V8 4wd 4Runner and have no regrets what so ever.

Still own my 05 SR5 V8 4x4. 300K miles. Engine is built like a tank. Have to replace the secondary air intake, had 2 timing belt replaced at 130K and 250K, replaced alternator at 290K. Did lift with FJ cruiser coil overs with nila twin 5100 shock absorbers. Brake caliper is crap I live in northeast so it keeps on seizing. Did the front brake Caliper upgrade from 2012 4runner last year- highly recommended great improvement in stoping power so far still going great after about 5K miles. No other issues.Engine and transmission still original

I just bought a v6 2wd w/160k 04 in colorado and I’m in New Mexico, it’s ok, I used to have a v8 with 220k 4wd 03 and I miss it 😢

When I bought mine 16 years ago I drove both and there is no comparison, the V8 is the only way to go.

Hey man I am actually looking at buying a 4th gen here recently. Thank you for the video I really enjoyed it.

I own a 1996 4runner with 230,000 miles on it. She's still purring like a kitten! Love my 4runner!

I love the trailer park boys clip ;)

I have a 2003 V8 4Runner that I picked up with 270,000 miles on it and now it has 287,000 miles on it. The torque that the 4.7 l V8 puts out is more than enough to make this 2-ton SUV get-up-and-go especially since the power comes on in a linear fashion I have no complaints it's a great daily driver

Just got a v8 4Runner. I love it. Bit rusty but hope to contain it with a oil spray. Thanks for all the great content Gearhead.

The 4.7 V8 is pretty indestructible but so is the 4.0 V6. The reason Toyota switched to the 4.0 is because of lower maintenance costs and slightly better gas mileage. The horsepower and torque are within 10% and the V8 is only 0.4 seconds faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile. If more power is what you want, the supercharger kits for the V6 makes 50 horsepower more than the V8. Biggest difference is that the V8 sounds much better, 100% better. BTW, I liked.

i’ve got a 07 v6 limited that is basically the same car as yours minus the v8. i recently put on JBA racing headers and an aFe mid pipe and the gibson cat back. for sound, it definitely sounds like a v8 now as all 4 cats are deleted. had a huge increase in mpg as well from 19.5 average between city/hwy to 22.5 average. need to get a dyno run soon.

Was hunting for a 3rd gen last year and ended up purchasing a V8 4th gen on a whim... Couldn't be happier. I'm getting better gas mileage in my V8 than my buddy who just got a 2021. Probably his sweet roof rack lol

Just bought my 03 V8 SR5 4WD. Thing is a tank. Hasn’t been maintained by the previous owner and it’s still as solid as a bank vault.

"none of them are good on gas" isn't as empirical as one gets on average 2.5 mpg better which gives you on average 50-60 more miles of range per tank (and about 10-12 more miles out of a jerry can). That is a data point that can help someone make a decision. I own both and there's virtually no difference in driving except a little more fun going vroom vroom when merging haha. And the V6 is much less maintenence.

I very much agree with your outlook on this topic comparing the engines. On 4th gen 4Runners generally, I also agree, they're really special, and I can't quite understand why so many feel 3rd gens are so great (though the availability of a manual transmission is very attractive). I've had my '08 V8 Limited for a year now and have concluded that I'm never selling it...love that truck! The one aspect of the V8's I wish were like the V6's is that I'd prefer to have part time 4WD rather than full time. I feel like full time for most daily driving (as long as not snowy or icy) is overkill. Thanks for running this video!

I think donut media or someone else out there compared a 4th gen v8 against like a 2022 or 21 4runner with the turbo/super charged v6 and the low end torque was just not there. These engines are truly something special.

The reason I love it so much is because it’s the same engine as a LandCruiser which is my all time dream car and one day hopefully I’ll import one into Alberta from Dubai but the 4Runner is a Baby LandCruiser which is great compromise

Love my 2004 4Runner SR5 V8, bought when new and 4Runners were affordable. It has 166,000 miles (~267,000 km). Though I don't off-road as much as I did in my younger days, this vehicle is fully capable. Both off-road and on-road, as well as towing (up to 7000 lbs) campers and a boat (but not at the same time😎). I love it!

Totally agree on the sound, no replacement for displacement. V8s got that deep roaring tone, love it.

im 16 and got a 2007 V6, i looked at a V8 at a dealership but it sold 2 hours later wish i had a V8. My V6 has terrible gas mileage maybe cuz i drive it like a race car but other than that i love it. And love the trailer park boys part. From Indiana, USA

I drive a 06 SR5 4Runner. My stepdad lent it to me to go to college after I graduated from HS. This will be my second year driving it and I like it. It’s a V6 but it’s the fastest daily driver I’ve ever had. I beat a BRZ in a roll race at H2Oi once lmao

How do you the number 180 on your dash mine tops at 110 Edit: That’s KM/H lol

I just bought a 2007 sport edition with the V8. Only 80,000 miles on it. I can't wait to pick it up this week.

I have a SR5 4runner with the V6 with 207k on it and as far as I know, it hasnt recieved any major repairs, the only thing that weve done to it was put a bumpercover on the front and do regular maintenance but either way I am happy because I havent paid a dime for it.

I would love to get my hands on a V8 4Runner but haven't found any near me. I have an 08 Toyota Sequoia with the 5.7L V8😎

I had to swallow the hard pill recently my 98 is toast so I’ve been eyeing up and 03 thanks for the videos couldn’t find anyone that lived somewhere that gets snow like me than I found your channel finally someone who understands

I love my V8 limited 4Runner!! I 100% agree with you on all the things!! Great video!

I love my 2004 Limited V8 4Runner!! I bought it after I saved my 1-year pay! 22 years later, it’s still running well! There were some mechanics that were trying to buy it from me. I’m a 4’11” Asian girl, so no lifted style for me , though ;) I love your videos and found them very helpful to me.

I have a 04’ V8 4wd and my dad has an 06’ V6 4wd and i have daily driven both and the differences stand out a lot to me. mine is also lifted but i can feel the torque difference on and off road and the v8 gets it but v6 isn’t a bad option either

Just hit 286k, couldn’t agree more with this video. V8 runs amazing

I have a 07 v6 with 186k no problem love my vehicle

Awesome video man! I just bought an 07 SR5 4X4 with the V8, My dad has a 08 V6 SR5 4x4 he bought new. The differences in fuel mpg are minor especially on the highway. I tested them both hand calculating them mileage both videos are on my channel for anyone interested!

I just got an '05 4.7 V8 today! It's 2022 and it only has 148K miles! Leveling kit, led/orange light bar, and it's GORGEOUS. Woot woot!

I have a 2006 4runner V8 with 259k miles on it. Runs like a clock. Smooth as butter. All original drivetrain train.

The V8 4runner would be perfect if it didn't have a damn timing belt with an interference engine. The cost of the timing belt change is more than the other wear and tear maintenance combined. The belt breaking = engine replacement/rebuild

My uncle has an 04 v8 with 208k miles. Take it hunting all the time, it's be great, super reliable. Have a leveling kit, K&N and Flowmaster 50 series. Limited with the v6 when upgrading tires, gearing...puts strain on that v6. Had an fj so I know that v6 has some power, but when I towed a small boat with gear I could tell it struggled. No problem with the v8. Your biased opinion is 100% correct my friend

I always hear the same comment, “if the Tacoma had the V8”. The answer would be if that was the case, the tundra would’ve sold 80-90% less trucks. That’s why they didn’t do that it’s simple.

298k on my 2007 4.0 still whippin her hard I'm cheap so I got the v6 all she wants is oil changes/gas/brake pads we both happy

This was a well done video. I really enjoyed the peaceful music and bike ride at the beginning before the thorough breakdown as well as cut scenes. Good stuff! I was set on a 4runner then got really into GX460s but almost pulled the trigger on a Sequoia. I'm now back in the market for a V84 and I'm okay with getting a non VVTI 04. There's something about the character of these that sets them apart. Take care!

‘07 Limited V8 with 265k. Just returned from a 11 day overlanding trip in Colorado and Wyoming. Experienced higher temps at high altitudes, so cut the trip short and came home to find a small leak in the head gasket. In for repairs, as I just love this version for everything we need it to do. $$$ but, WTH.

Guys honestly if you get the fourth gen four runner with the V8 engine and your major complaint is accessing your drain plug and oil filter then upgrade your skid plates and buy the ones that have removable filter and drain plug doors! Replacing the skid plates is absolutely what I’m gonna do after mine paid off! I just got my 2007 four runner last month and I’m perfectly happy with the V6 mine has in it other then the fact my V6 doesn’t have a timing belt set up!

Got a 04 that just crossed over 250,000 miles. I’m 20 and have no intentions on ever selling this car. I will rebuild the entire car and keep on driving.

Currently looking at a 4th gen 4Runner heavily leaning on the V8’s. Yes it’s a little pricier but, the benefits outweigh the cost. Nothing beats cubic inch (aside forced induction, but that has its own problems) I currently have a 2003 Tundra V8’s with 319k mi. Bulletproof engine. Timing belt? Every 100k? No prob. Basic maintenance on these engines, feed it with good synthetic oil. Redline synthetics in transfer case, front diff, rear end. Factory OEM LBJ etc. I like when Toyota put out big engine cars like 3rd gen rav4 V6 etc. anyway, like the vid and enjoy. When it comes to trucks, torque rules over HP. IMO🤓

I’ll take my V8 allll dayyyyy over a v6 lol

I just bought a 2005 Toyota 4Runner with the 4.7L V8 has 170k miles on it. I can’t wait to get her on the road, I have an 07 Toyota Tundra with over 200k miles with the same engine! So hyped to start this project.

I have an 03 v8 limited and I have never been more in love with a car. I had an 05 sport and I loved that too, but the v8 has such a charm while driving it. I honestly don’t know if Id get another car.

Meh, part time 4wd, no timing belt service, and a couple hundred lbs less weight on the front axle makes the 4.0 pretty appealing.

I wish my 5th Gen had a V8. This truck feels so heavy. Really needs a V8 to move this weight effectively. Horrible on gas either way.

The 4.7 is a great engine but the HP is terrible when compared to the GM products of their day. My brother has an 04 sequoia and many of the ponys have left the farm. The towing capability is not good compared to today. Now that is an old suv but even at the time, the engine wasn’t powerful or trail blazing. It was reliable, which is great, but not very ground breaking. Timing belts are no issue if the engine is in good shape. It’s silly that they didn’t use a chain, but that’s a nother story lol. 4runners of all types hold their value. They are excellent vehicles. Top to bottom. Perfectly made in Japan where they should be!

Just bought an ‘03 4.7 with 235k miles from a buddy for $1,800. Needs A LOT of cosmetic TLC inside and out but feels like I stole it. Thanks for the awesome video 🤘🏻

I bought my 2007 4Runner V8Limited 4WD new. It’s very clean and just turned over 111k miles. I live and drive in a city. Once and awhile I contemplate if should get a new one just because of the age. Engine is still very strong! The 2020+ models that I have looked at are only putting out 10 HP more and are V6’s. I can sell mine and spend about $22K+ to get a newer model but having a hard time justifying it. I think the hardest part is that they are only V6’s

I just got a 2007 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD V6. That thing has a factory navigation, backup camera, and Bluetooth on it. I love it so much, and I agree that it doesn’t have a good gas mileage which I don’t care about.

I've got a V6 and happy with it. No argument on the V8 sounding better and having more power, but I think the main attraction to the V8 is if you're planning to tow more than 3000lbs or so, so it's not as strained doing so and/or you're using it for off-roading. On road use, the V6 is more than adequate. I've never really found myself wishing it had more power even when towing a motorcycle trailer with a couple motorcycles. Timing chain on the V6 vs timing belt on the V8 and both being interference engines gives me a little more peace of mind with a timing chain. Plus the fuel economy were factors swaying me towards the V6 and taking my skid plate off for oil changes would annoy me, though I already have an aftermarket skid plate on my V6, so if aftermarket alleviates that on the V8, not a huge deal.

Agree with everything you said. And much better towing. On a boat ramp, low end torque, rear low rpm, and wet surface and up hill = V 8 advantage. Up hill passing an old RV holding up traffic... V8 win... heavier... on rough interstate with road seams... better absorption of road vibration. and for me, like you big difference in driving experience.

What did you add to make the v8 sound like that? 0:02

I could not agree more with you. I bought my 2003, V8 Limited Edition from a dealership in Texas, in 2006. It had 50,000 miles and was very clean. N underbody rust / no rust anywhere and ran very well. I paid $21500.00 walkout for it. 17 years later it has 150,000 miles on it. I had it repainted and the drivers' side leather seat repaired. I alway kept up with all the timely maintenance. I ept a very detailed log on a spreadsheet of my expenses after buying the vehicle. Anything spent on the car went in it i cluding air freshners and state inspections. After 17 happy years, here are the numbers: Price paid: $21500.00 All maintance to date: $21791.64. Total: $43291. 64! And some of my expenses were not needed. I just wanted to do it. Like the paint job ($3000.00) new bluetooth-backup camera, all HIDs and so forth. It still runs powerfully and very smooth. Where can I get such a vehicle for $43291.64 today? Have you seen the prices of new vehicles? Good God! I still came out way ahead with a good used car. BTW, I paid cash for it but did not tell the dealership while negotiating. They had me on a high interest rate but the price range I wanted. Paid it off the next day!😀

I've had my 05 v8 sport for 15 years. I still love it. I think I t was custom ordered because it's loaded. I'm keeping it forever.

Never had a V8 so this good video for me have very valid points. Have 3 runners 3rd gen a 2013 Tacoma and 01 Avalon love them all eventually try a 4th gen but hate the newer 4wd drives like the old lever instead of button

Just bought my wife one a few days, so proud of her on her taste 😂 as I had the same exact one when we first got together. Win win for me! Not so concerned about regearing my taco now, as we can use the v8 for towing

Got my hands on an almost rust free, single owner, V8 ‘08 sport edition and I am in love with it. Quick question, what’s the brand/model of your head unit? Been wanting a upgrade there.

I also own a 4th Gen V8 4WD. 235k miles on it and still runs like a champ!!

2003 4.7 4X4 221,000 miles still purrrrs like a kitten...love it!!!

I was able to pick up a V8 2005. Unfortunately its 2X4, but I don't get snow in my area so its fine.

I have both currently 2004 v8 limited and a 2005 v6 sr5. The v8 a beast but feels heavier for sure. The v6 nimble but still solid. I like both. Let’s see which one blows up first. The v8 is at 205k the v6 230k

Just bought a 03 with the 4.7. Love it so far, can't wait to see what it can do 👌

My 2007 4runner has 290k miles V6 plenty of power for my family! I love my truck!!!

Just bought a 08 limited with the 4.7 252,000 miles and it runs like butter

Love it ahah, A horribly biased opinon! I own a 4th gen 200 000 kms V8 and I turned it into a camper (not the usual platform build). Your truck is soo clean damn! Good video✌

I have 2004 SR5 4 door 4x4 with naturally the 4.7 it has power even with almost 200k. Of course the mpg blows but I pull an RV no problem 5,000 pounds. I’m painting the rough looking cap, it should be interesting because I never painted a big fiberglass cap. And a front fender. If I mess it up I guess I’ll live with it because after all it’s a good old Tundra, right? 😁 I’m keeping it forever 💪🏻

I drove up to Frisco, CO from Denver in my 2006 v8. 24mph. Not sure I ever went above 3500RPM. I had a 2006 Tundra for many years. This engine is perfect for the 4runner.

So glad I found this video. Looking at a sweet V8 in my city that’s for sale. What size wheels/tires are you running? Looks really good.

Long-lived the 4 liter v6. It's a marathon not a race. I'll see you at the end with a lower maintenence bill and the same smile.

hi,really enjoy watch your video. I just bought a 05 v8 4runner sr5 from my friend, he just retired and move back to Taiwan. The 4runner has 110k kms, with motomaster total terrain at2 tires. Hope the 05 4runner can still run strong for long time.

Choosing the V6 over the V8 is like preferring twd over 4wd. Until that person gets stuck.

If you aren’t pulling a trailer etc, I see no reason for the 8 over the 6, both are great engines. I don’t think reliable wise or performance is any different

I drove both and didn't notice a difference. So I went with better gas mileage and lower maintenance. (exhaust manifold, timing belt, emisions issues) MPG is actually 20% better on V6. If I was towing then the V8 is a no brainer. Otherwise I don't see the advantage of the V8.

Just bought a 03 V8 Sport and considering a features and gas mileage downgrade from a 2013 Accord, I'm loving this thing. 217k miles so I hope to get another 100 out of it

I have an 08 Sport with the V8 and just turned over 165,00 the other day and it’s running just as good as the day I got it. Yes it is thirsty and yes the skid plate thing sucks but I got exactly what I paid for a badazzz 4Runner

My first 4.0L Taco was a 17mpg highway commute nightmare. The Rav4/RX350 3.5L gets up to 25mpg and can go most places, but not all. The V8 has more torque, less HP and less mpg, plus the timing belt vs chain. Can't afford a Rivian yet. 🙂

295k on my 4.7 runs flawless

Do you still pass smog with them aftermarket headers?

NO CONTEST!!! V8 or GO HOME!!!

How much is fuel conscumption in city and highway? Km/l v6 and v8