Worth Waiting for the 05 4runners if you are getting a V6?

[Augustine]

I wanted to get your opinions on whether or not it is worth it to wait for the '05 4runner if I am getting a V6. There do not seem to be any substantial changes other than the 5 speed automatic. Is the new transmission worth passing up end of model year deals?

[SilverTundra1]

I am currently shopping for a 4runner too. Can you tell me why you choose a V6?

[RobXS]

The only disadvantage to getting one right now and not waiting is that your are buying a one year old vehicle. Should you are planning on keeping it forever it is not that big of a deal. You would probably lose any gain in price reduction getting a 04 over a 05 in trade in value in 3 or 4 years.

As for v6 over v8, it is a toss up. Performance and fuel economy are near equal. Now with the v6 getting the 5 speed auto, the only real advantage it has over the v6 is torque. I just wonder if the v6 4wd is going to be full time 4wd and lose the selectable 4wd because that is the only real advantage of the v6 over the v8.

[Eluxman]

5 speed more miles per gal I'm waiting for 05 Sequioa just my 2 cents

[monomial]

I'm also waiting for the 05 V6. It will only be a couple months now. I think it's worth waiting to see if anything will change.

[tstenchi]

I just started looking to upgrade from my 1999 4Runner to a newer model. Since I do drive off road (deserts for photography), I wanted a 2004 Limited 4WD with the DVD navigation and the air-suspension system (requires the V8).

Imagine my surprise when I was informed by 3 different Toyota dealers in the San Jose/Santa Cruz area that this option was not available for me. All models with those combined features seem to have been sent to Washington or the East Coast I am told.

Does anyone know if these features will
a) be available in the 2005 models
and
b) be available in California?

The dealers themselves did not seem to sure, and in one case, not seem to care.

Andy

[alpinewhite325i]

Originally Posted by Augustine

I wanted to get your opinions on whether or not it is worth it to wait for the '05 4runner if I am getting a V6. There do not seem to be any substantial changes other than the 5 speed automatic. Is the new transmission worth passing up end of model year deals?

You may want to wait for an '05. I think I recall some discussions on here about problems with the V6..maybe ignition coils or something. I could be mistaken. But if not, Toyota should have that ironed out by the '05's.

Do a search.

[Kdubz]

I know several people who have the 2003 and 2004 v6 and it runs just fine. I'm waiting for the 2005 because of the 5 speed transmission. The gas mileage on the v8 is close on paper but with the v8 you are likely to accellerate faster and burn alot more gas.

[Augustine]

Originally Posted by SilverTundra1

I am currently shopping for a 4runner too. Can you tell me why you choose a V6?

Simply because of gas mileage. I drive about 20,000 miles a year and it adds up, particularly in California these days...lol.

Can anyone confirm that the 05 5 speed automatic will have better gas mileage? Any numbers?

[fcatwo]

I read somewhere that the top two gears of the 5sp are essentially the same as the top two on the 4sp. If that holds true in the 2005 models they will have to change the rear end ratio to give you a higher overdrive gear and possibly better Hwy gas mileage in the V-6.

[Augustine]

Interesting...

Originally Posted by fcatwo

I read somewhere that the top two gears of the 5sp are essentially the same as the top two on the 4sp. If that holds true in the 2005 models they will have to change the rear end ratio to give you a higher overdrive gear and possibly better Hwy gas mileage in the V-6.