'01 4runner or... *gasp* '03 Pathfinder?

[4runrun]

Yes, I know, it's a 4runner forum...

But after a lot of looking I see I can get an '03 Nissan Pathfinder for about the same price as an '01 4runner.

An reasons why the 4runner should be my choice over the Pathfinder? Especially when the pathy would be newer?

They both look decent but I know people here will be able to point out the real differences...

Thanks!

 

[Tanker]

Gasp

Hey 4runrun, I just came out of an 03 Pathfinder which I bought brand new. The plan was to eventually convert the Pathfinder to my utility vehicle and buy a very nice car for the weekends. Unfortunately the Pathfinder began rapidly nickle and diming me after only a couple of years. The final straw was when my Mechanic called me under the Pathfinder to show me a cheap piece of rusted through pipe installed between the tail pipe and the muffler. He asked why Nissan would have such a cheap connector between the two. He knew, we placed a call and found out in order to replace the rusted through piece one has to buy the entire tail pipe. That was it for me I went back to where I started from which is Toyota. Out the door they both have their pluses, but two years down the road you'll feel the difference in the drive and weight of your wallet. My two cents go with the 01 Toyota. Just think of all the mods you can install.

 

[numba1runna]

My friend has an 02 pathfinder and it totaly blows, that things always in the shop for something. Go with the 4runner. Long term I guarantee that you will be much happier. Especialy a couple of years down the road when the pathfinder is in the junkyard and the 4runner's just hitting the prime of its career.

 

[dwm2112]

To make a fair assessement I think knowing the mileage, prices and such on each would be helpful. I can tell you I had an 02 4Runner that I traded on our current 04 and I honestly think that was the best vehicle we every owned. It was solid, performed flawlessly, and really never left me for wanting anything. The V8 offering is what prompted me to leave it behind but I never found the 02 wanting for power. My wife prefers the 04 but for me the 02 was the better of the two...

 

[TRBenj]

Ill play Devil's advocate here.

My dad has an '01 Pathfinder and its been a great truck. He looked at the 4Runner at the time, but it cost quite a bit more and was down 60hp compared to the 3.5 VQ motor (240 vs. 180). The PFinder drives great and hasnt given him any serious problems. The exhaust issue must be a common one though- the pipe has failed between the muffler and resonator. Other than that, no issues to report. Its done its share of towing our 3500lb boats too. 95k miles and going strong.

While Ive heard nothing but good things regarding 3rd gen 4Runner reliability, Id go with the newer, more powerful Pathfinder for equal money.

 

[boston_kevin]

You have some trade offs to consider... The Pathfinder lacks the ground clearance and some of the backseat leg room. The 3rd gen 4Runner is underpowered (compared to the 3.5L engine in the Nissan), and possibly a little more utilitarian in the cabin. I looked into the Pathfinders, but for a family or 5, the back seat was just too tight.

If you want something that is more streetable, the Pathfinder is probably a better choice. If you want something with better off-roading capability and easier to modify, go with the 4Runner.

 

[peter78]

I am thinking about getting another vehicle and I have been kicking around the idea of gettting another 4Runner and I noticed those suckers sure are high.

First off, you are looking at a 2003 Pathfinder, which I think is the last year for that model. It was made in Japan and had a has a rating of better than average for reliability by Consumer Reports. It does not have a frame, slightly smaller trunk and some not so good crash tests. Overall, I thought it was a good truck, it has a great engine, of course it requires premium fuel, which kind of sucks.

I have a 2001 4Runner. I am still on the same set of brakes. It is still like brand new, I have had one problem, the antenna, that is it. Consumer Reports rates the 2001 as much better than average in reliability, it has good crash test ratings all around. The ride will be worse than the Pathfinder. My whole family wants to drive the 4Runner. I figured why not get another one and I admit I am a little put off by the high prices. Still after owning one, I see why the value is so high.