Greeting all,

Was hoping to pick some brains here for advice. My wife's Pathfinder just died so we need a car quick. We knew it was coming, so I had done a bit of research and knew the 4Runner was on the top of our list as a replacement. I was all set to go in a buy a 2007 SR5 with the 6cyl engine. When I was at the dealer, I decided to take V8 out just for the heck of it. As I expected, it was more fun to drive, but the car is not for me, so I figured save a few bucks on price and gas and just go with the 6.

However, when I read the sticker, I found out something that I had somehow managed to miss during my research- that the V8 is full-time 4WD. So, here's my question- is there a significant advantage to the full-time 4WD for on-road? The thing will not see much off-road action if any, but I was always under the impression that full time could help out even on the pavement, especially when its raining, etc. I want to buy her the safest car possible, so if having the full-time provides any greater measure of safety, I'm willing to pay the extra.

Any thoughts on full vs. part time 4wd or on the 6 vs. 8 cylinder engine in general? Any advantages/disadvantages to either? The stats only list small differences in MPG- anyone have actual experience to compare?

Thanks!

 

You could always buy a 2wd if you are not concerned with offroad?

 

full time 4wheel IMO will just use more gas and make you replace all 4 tires at once (they have to have the same treat level for the full time system. so if one goes unfixably flat after two years you have to get all new tires.)

The only other advantage is that full time 4wd makes it unnecessary to go through the thought process of "oh i think the road is getting slippery I better put on 4wd." which is great for less than expert drivers. On the other hand the 4th gen (03-07) have so many traction control options you don't really need full time 4wd. When it does get slippery out the traction control will make you well aware that's it's time to engage 4wheel Hi.

I have a V6 and love it. The traction control is so good that in slippery snow you almost don't need 4wd, at a minimum it will keep you on the road so that the "oh wow is it slippery out" doesn't result in you (or your wife) sliding off the road. Hope this helps and enjoy!