Currently Shopping - V6 vs V8

[Bigdough]

Like the title states, I'm currently shopping around for a 3rd gen Explorer. I have found a couple locally that I'm going to look at sometime this week but I wanted to ask on here - V6 vs V8. Researching online I found there to be only a small difference in power and no difference in MPG (which is weird to me). So can some of you guys chime in and let me know what you think. Guys with a V6 - would rather have the V8? V8 guys, the opposite? Which one is easier to maintain, mod, work on, etc. I plan to use this vehicle as a daily driver and for use going out of town with the family. But it will also see some off-road use so it will get a small lift and slightly bigger tires. It may also be used as a tow rig on occasion, I would be towing my race car, which with trailer and gear probably comes in around 4500 lbs.

Any responses will be appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[jrford]

I would be towing my race car, which with trailer and gear probably comes in around 4500 lbs.

With that weight, i'd vote for a V8. The limit with the V6 i thought was about 5k, V8s get up to 7k towing, keep an eye out for the ClassIII option, which get you 3.73's. V8 are a bit quicker and less than 1mpg difference if not the same.

 

[94Eddie]

The isn't a lot of difference in MPG between the V-6 and V-8 models. The V-8, IMO, is somewhat more durable due to the timing chain guides eventually wearing out in the V-6s and the repair is expensive to replace them. You also have better towing capability with the V-8. I have had vehicles with the 4.6L V-8 that ran nearly trouble free for 200k miles before I sold them. I just think your odds of having fewer repairs rest with the V-8 over the V-6. As said above, try to find one with the towing package that has 3.73 gears, limited slip, heavier duty hitch and better transmission cooling.

 

[Joe Dirt]

For all of the issues mentioned above, V8 without a doubt. There are Ex's all over due to gas prices, and I wouldn't even look at a V6. Nothing against the people that own them, I owned a 2003 V6, but if I had a straight up choice, I wouldn't even consider a V6.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

Definitely go for the V8. As previously mentioned, find one with the class III hitch for your trailer needs, too.

 

[not8taxi]

i sound like a parrot but i say go for a v8...i have the v6 and i wish i had the v8...the mpg is almost the same...

 

[Vette76]

No question! Hands down the V8.

I have an older 5.0 V8 that I bought because guys told me it was bullet proof...and they were right! On the otherhand, my 2002 V6 has been NOTHING but troubles. I've loved the ride because of the rear IRS but everything other than that has been a problem. Did I mention that it REALLY, REALLY rides nice? If it wasn't for that, that thing would have been parked by the side of the road for sale years ago.

My V8 gets probably 1 or 2 MPG less but it is SO much easier to work on and has been cheaper to own.

I would second the concern on the V6 timing chains. I'm in the process of changing out the rear timing chain on my 2002 V6 and it is one of the most frustrating repairs I've ever made on ANY vehicle I've owned. And this is after having to buy two specialty tools and having to....get this!...actually hand fabricate a valve spring removal tool because I couldn't find one in the entire United States for a SOHC 4.0L, which I find utterly ridiculous.

Go with the V8...you won't regret it.

 

[GRNMACHINE]

Agreed with All! V8 all the way. Still want one.

 

[turborich]

With what you plan to do with it I would get the 4.6 liter V-8. Like stated above make sure it has the factory class III 2" receiver and tow package.

 

[2002GreyHD150]

lots of little things you can do to the 4.6L V-8 to improve mileage and towing performance at the same time. The sheer weight of the SUV alone, unless you live in Kansas or Nebraska with zero grade changes the V-8 will get better mileage cuz it will work less to move the mass.

Towing a race car, no choice the V-6 won't do it for very long.

On the maintanence side of things: V-8 has the same basic timing chain guide system so it will wear out eventually too. Both engines have lil things that if you know ahead of time, you can avoid costly or catastrophic failures.

*Oil filter/Oil cooler base gasket will eventually leak. not "hard" to replace but its a pain to get to.

*Driver's side motor mount on the AWD/4wd models the front diff has to come out

*All engines from 02-early 04 rear coil springs break often.

*Front brake rotors warp easily if still Ford/OE parts. aftermarket rotors are better

*Rear lift gate WILL crack if it hasn't already been replaced

*EGR sensor issues on both engines. New replacement parts fix the issue

*V-8's, especially 02-early '04, there are several plastic elbow in the PVC/Evap system that get brittle with age and cause all kinds of weird driveability woes.

*'04-up drive by wire throttle bodies, with the IAC (Idle Air Control) motor built in are VERY touchy about oil build up and need cleaned regualrly. About $15 in gaskets and a can of brake cleaner.

If you decide on the V-8 shoot me a PM I have written up all the mods I've done to the wife's AWD 4.6L Monty. We're seeing 18-20mpg in town and a solid 23mpg on the highway. Its lil things that make big gains in MPG.

Rob