I'm looking at purchasing either a 2002 4Runner or 2005 Pathfinder but looking for some info from the 4Runner people who currently have a 2002 4Runner. For one, I've always been a Nissan guy and I like the 05 Pathfinder but I also like the look of the 02 4Runner vs. the newer style 03 and up 4Runners. The newer models look a little soft and not so tough looking. Anyway, can anyone give me any reasons not to buy the Pathfinder and go with the 4Runner? I hate going down so many years to a 2002 but I've heard good things about the engines. I'm looking at one that has around 50K-65K miles. I've driven the Pathfinder and it has some good room on the drivers side, I've only driven a 2000 model 4Runner and it was a little smaller, especially near my leg near the door. Can anyone give me some good reasons to go with the Toyota? Thanks for any comments, I new to the forum and hopefully will be if I decide to go with the 4Runner. Thanks.

Honestly, I would go for the Pathfinder. Some of the 4Runner guys here will probably bash me, but there's no way I would buy a 3rd gen 4Runner over a newer body Pathfinder. The Pathfinder has a much more modern look (on the inside and exterior) and is much more refined in terms of ride/handling/comfort. Plus, the Pathfinder has a good, strong V6, which isn't something that I can say about a 3rd gen 4Runner.

So shoot me if you want, but that's how I see it.

Oh, and by the way, I totally disagree with you about the newer 4Runners looking soft and not so tough. I still love the styling of the 4th gen, and the 3rd gen too. Both look great, IMO.

2005 was a new model change for the Pathfinder. It is now made in here in the U.S. Consumer Reports said in their 2007 Auto issue, the Pathfinder has average reliability. Looking at the charts, a 2006 Pathfinder, a year after the first one, may be a better choice. Also, the older Patherfinders, 2004 or less have better reliability issues. No frame on the older ones, but a great engine.

The 4Runner has a much better than average reliability for 2002, heck from 2001 to 2006 Consumer Reports gives all of them much better than average. The 2002 4Runner is a rough rider, the engine has what is now considered fairly low horse power by todays standards, 183 HP, (it does run of regular grade gas though). The 2002 will have the same room as a 2000 model. The biggest difference is VSC on the 2002.

Prices are high for the 4Runner, even for the last generation model, if you like the Pahtfinder, that may be the way to go. I would think the biggest advantage is relibility for the 4Runner, but you are going to pay for it.

I agree.

Although i don't like the look of the new pathfinder, i would pick the 05 over the 3rd gen 4runner. the v6 on the new pathfinders get about 270hp.:bugeye: Plus i would just go for the newer stuff for the more modern styling/ exterior, but thats just me. But i do like the interiors of the 3rd gen 4runners, much better than the cheapy pathfinder interior. I was also looking at a pathfinder, 3rd gen 4runner, and a 4th gen 4runner. I didn't get to try any of the 05+ pathfinders though. If you comparing it to an 4th gen 4runner, then its no contest.

Are both vehicles the same price?

even steven why would any of the 4runner guys bash you?

Why not take a look at everything you have and decide yourself? I don't think we could choose for you, it's up to you. Try out each and see what you like, i don't think you can go wrong with either. 50-65k is nothing for a toyota or a nissan if it's taken care of. I prefer toyota over nissan, atleast in my area it just seems like a better brand. Do you really need reasons to go with toyota, i would say they must be doing something right because they rank above nissan in the midsize SUV resale category. I think the 4runner, especially the late 3rd gen would be a more proven (reliable) vehicle than a new redesigned 05 pathfinder, but thats just me.

Because this is a 4Runner forum, so I'm supposed to stick up for the 4Runner.

But peter78 had a good point--in terms of reliability, I'd lean toward the 4Runner (ANY generation) over a Pathfinder. That's not to say the Pathfinder is bad in terms of reliability, but I don't think it's in the same league as the 4Runner.

Depends on what you want ....

05 Pathfinder is more of a suv / mini van cross over from my driving experiences. Good for streets (IRS) , mall hopping , family trips , ect....

02 4Runner ( and current 4th generations ) are one of the few truck based SUV's left , great off roaders , built like tanks and yes do ride like a truck , including the 4th gens , great for all of the above and much more .

Whatever your needs are , no one can really answer that except you.

I do love 3rd Gen 4Runners !!!!

I think that buying a 5 year old 4 runner is a fine idea if you know the owner. Doesn't matter if you find some one who takes care of their vehicles now but if they ran the vehicle into the ground and then prettied it up to sell it, you're screwed. If you are buying the SUV because you need a vehicle buy the pathfinder, or get over the new (awesome) look of the 4runner and get one of those. Its smarter to buy a SUV that will last longer since you get an SUV to mash around in. if you get an old one and you take perfect care of it... it's still closer to needing a new everything! could be a money pit.

I'm not comparing offroad skills or anything, but isn't the new pathfinder built on the same platform as the nissan titan?

If the Pathfinder shares a platform with a Nissan truck, it would be the Frontier. My brother has an 05 Pathfinder. If you have a large family, go with the Nissan. The 3rd row folds into the floor and it has good acceleration. On the downside, it uses premium gas and only gets about 15mpg.

Toyotas are more dependable and quiet. I bought my 06 4runner after driving both 4runners and Pathfinders. The Toyota rode more comfortably and the acceleration is good even with the V6. The 4runner sits higher and feels more like a truck with a firm but smooth ride. Sorry I don't know much about 024runners to compare.

I've had 3 Nissans in my lifetime and all have been good vehicles. I know nothing about the Toyota's or the 4Runner. I only have around $19,000 to spend so if you look at the two they are priced around the same for those year models. It tells you for one that the 4Runners hold their valve very well!!! But I just don't know that much about the 4Runners so that is why I'm asking here. I will make the final decision as I've driven a 05 Pathfinder but only driven a 2000 4Runner with 120K miles. Ther are not many 4Runners for sale around this area. Not a good ride but it was also on a carlot that sells used cars with high miles. I was looking at the 2003 4Runners as I may be able to find one at a good deal but anything higher is out of the question. Just looking for feedback on the 4Runners like you have given here and they help...keep them coming if you have any insight.

Pathfinder? I think Nissan should rename it Pavementfounder since off road isn't one of it's higher attributes anymore.

jonesek, you might want to research the crash test results for the 02' 4Runner, '05 Pathfinder and the '03 4Runner if safety is a factor in your buying decision.

http://www.safercar.gov/