2003 V6 2wd, or 2000 V8 4wd - SR5 - which would be cheaper to maintain overall?

Tennesseestorm · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-2006, 07:20 PM

I know it varies from vehicle to vehicle- the way it was maintained, etc.- not particularly a certain make, but I am wondering- if both trucks were maintained the same and treated the same, which would probably have less problems?

Here are the two following trucks I am considering:
2000 Tundra SR5 access cab V8 4wd w/ 165K (timing belt changed at 120K)
2003 Tundra SR5 access cab V6 2wd w/ 119K

I am guessing the 03' V6 would be cheaper to maintain- no 4wd parts to break, not to mention better economy. ??

Both are about the same price- between $8000-$9000 - I can get the 4wd cheaper, and it is a 4wd V8, but is older and higher miles.

Has anyone owned a V8 and V6 before and preferred one over other?

As you can see- I am trying to talk myself into one of these trucks and out of another.

Thanks in advance!

Gatorman76 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006, 06:38 AM

This one's easy. If you do not need 4WD get the 2WD V6. I have a Ford Bronco II bought new in 1989 and it has more than 250,000 miles. Looks like a POS but it'll crank every time. Why chance having to repair the 4WD parts if you aren't going to use or need them? My Tundra is 4WD because I need it.

shall36 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006, 07:01 AM

This is a no brainer. The 2003 V-6, baring something completely unforeseen, will be cheaper to insure, operate, and maintain.

Do you need 4wd? If you are worried about the money, you can't afford 4wd. I owned one once....once. Total dissapointment. Apples to apples, the 2wd drives better, weighs less, gets better gas mileage, requires less maintenance, doesn't chew up tires....Hey, if you use 4wd or need 4wd, get 4wd. If you just want the look, lift the 2wd and put bigger tires on it....not the best decision, IMO, but...

jasbus · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006, 07:19 AM

I've had three 4x4's, thankfully(knocking on wood) I've never experienced any drivetrain problems with any of them. that being said, obviously, a 2WD would be better in the long run. Now, on theV6, you'd have to talk to one of the owner's of a V6 here, but the way I see it, you're still pushing the same weight, with less HP, don't see how the V6 would warrant very much savings in gas there, may just be me talking out my butt, don't know on that one..

Tennesseestorm · #5 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006, 01:35 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. I know it was really common sense, but I was not sure if it was possible that the V6 required more typical maintainence than the V8 or not. That was really what I was getting at. I was pretty sure that the 2wd would have less drivetrain parts to fail, but not sure if that was the only thing I should consider or not.

Shall- no, it was not a matter of "affording" it, but just trying not to unecessarily throw money away, if I can get a "more reliable" or less upkeep model so to speak.

As mentioned, I am just trying to decide between one or the other. The 4wd is priced less and seems to be in better shape physically. It seems to have never been used for any type of work, whereas the 2wd has been and has some dings and a small dent on the bed, BUT, it is 3 years newer and less miles, but about $1300 more.

About needing 4wd- no, I do not. We do not get much snow here... the yearly average is 14-15 inches and usually fall in smaller amounts and never on the ground for more than a couple of days. I never off-road either, but it would be nice to know that the 4wd was there if I needed it. The oil pump was replaced on the 2000 V8, when the timing belt was changed, which I think is odd, since no one I have talked to said it was typical to go ahead and change this when the timing belt was changed. I am hoping that it never failed and caused engine damage, but the owner said it runs super good and other than some issues with the O/D switch, he has not had a minutes problem with it.

D5800877351. · #6 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006, 05:45 PM

I'm definately not the expert here, but here's what I've heard over this forum that may or may not point you to a certain direction: The V6 has better fuel effiency compared to the V8, the V8's power is only additional to what the tundra needs; an example would be those V6s with similar performance speeds to the V8s. If you don't need or really care for a V8, go for the V6. Most definately the 3 year difference between the two vehicles make the V6 a better grab, as does the miles, as well. Most likely, the V8 was used for towing and has put some strain on the engine; V6 not so much.
If you want a truck that will be used as a daily driver, hauling stuff in the bed occasionally and tow a few times...go for the V6. The only thing I could see in the V8 right now, is the 4WD and the power.

Thus, the questions are:
-do you need a V8?
-do you plan to drive offroad? if no, do you think you would need to have 4WD at any time?
-difference in shape and condition of the truck, the interior and such.

Good Luck

BTW: Before I'd make my decision, I would take a picture from both trucks infrastructure - underneath the truck and look around in certain places where rusting my have occured...compare pics and continue on your decision...again, Good luck

David

Tennesseestorm · #7 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006, 08:30 PM

Thanks for the input. Well, both trucks are southern trucks, so both are rust free- even underneath. 4WD is not necessary either. Not much snow falls here and I do not off-road, but it would be nice to know 4wd is there if I needed it.

Thats one thing that is making it much tougher of a decision. The OLDER V8 4wd model is nicer and lower priced, but has higher mileage. The newer V6 2wd model, has less miles, but has more flaws and seems to have seen more use for hauling, etc.

I am also considering a few others, but I really wanted one of these two.

Thanks again.