I am planning to get a 2004 to 2006 4Runner limited (either a V6 or V8). These ones are priced right for my budget.

As a newbie to this forum I have a few questions.

1. The 2004 V8 has less HP and Torque than the newer models (2005/2006) and yet the new models does better in gas mileage, not by much but still better. Any insights on this? Why? Are they different engines or tuned differently.

2. 2004 V6 actually has more HP than 2004 V8. Again, not sure why, but the V8 has more torque.

3. Below are pictures of a 2004 4Runner V8 (underside). You will notice rust on the frame. Is this too much rust?







4. 2004 V8 4Runner, asking $24,800 Canadian with 75,000 km (47,000 miles). Is this a good price? no accidents, body and inside in good shape. Only thing is the rust as shown in the pictures.

5. Anything else I should know about the 2004-2006 4Runners? What to look out for, etc?

Thanks !!

 

Wow. This is a very active forum. Nobody replies to your post, even after months.

 

Not to jump topic, but I had an 03 4Runner, V8 limited in Iowa, and with some Goodyear fortera (SP?) tires it was unstoppable in any weather to be thrown at it. Or stoppable, depending on the amount of ice, ironically if you gave the engine some juice it would drive itself out of a slippery situation.
The rust, I would take it to a powder coat/Non-Skid shop, if there's enough "good" metal to coat, the structural ridgidity should be sound. the powder coat will also protect you from future corrosion concerns. I suspect the corrosion is due to winter road treatments in Canada, similar concerns in Iowa, just not quite as extreme.
V6 vs. V8: V8 every time, I've driven both, and the V8 pulls harder and faster without fail. Toyota ran it starting with the 01 Sequoia in mass production, so by 03-06 all the "major" kinks were sorted out.
In mid 2009, I sold my 03 V8 4Runner for around $15000 american, but that was right on with WWW.KBB.com Hope this helps a little.