MotoXRacer1551
New member
05+ Xterras are way out of the budget. I would love to have one though.
3rd Gen 4Runner or '02-'04 Xterra?
- Thread starter MotoXRacer1551
- Start date
rdgt4r
New member
That sucks, FWIW my sisters 2001 had a huge head gasket problem at 90k with impeccable maintenance. Whats important is long term reliability.
MotoXRacer1551
New member
Xterra or 4runner?
Gumballf355
New member
I wish someone would do toe-to-toe comparisons of both... I'd like to see how they stack up. In my limited experience (I've sat and ridden in both) I think the 4runners look better and have better overall build quality. I like the exterior styling of the 4runners and ride better on and off road. Not sure about the off road capability however I did notice that the 4runners seem to handle rough terrain better than the xterras too with less interior rattling. On road manners of the 3rd gen 4runners was far improved from an Xterra.
rdgt4r
New member
Xterra
Posting on another forum then cross referencing the threads is going to stir up trouble. You'll get biased opinions either way, so why bother? Just do your research and you pick between the two.
Both are great vehicles with excellent aftermarket support, so you really can't go wrong.
Both are great vehicles with excellent aftermarket support, so you really can't go wrong.
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
I think it looks like a big Jeep Liberty...
yuck. I dont like the way the wheels look so squished up into the body, and it looks oddly proportioned... I find it to be of the likes of the Pontiac Aztec on styling.
The 4Runner looks more "manly" if you will, and like read before, more capable. The 02-04 Xterra doesn't compare IMO. The X has way too much plastic, too.
(stealing your picture, Ron) A stock 99 SR5 (my favorite model) looks much more pleasing to the eye, just look at it.
Of course this is my opinion and you're entitled to your own. As per experience with other forums before, the people who start to complain, make personal comments specific to your ride, and ***** like 10 year olds are usually the ones who are inferior in choice, IE, Xbox vs Playstation. XBOX kids always always always start to flame, and well I'd be pissed too if I was 10 years old.
yuck. I dont like the way the wheels look so squished up into the body, and it looks oddly proportioned... I find it to be of the likes of the Pontiac Aztec on styling.
The 4Runner looks more "manly" if you will, and like read before, more capable. The 02-04 Xterra doesn't compare IMO. The X has way too much plastic, too.
(stealing your picture, Ron) A stock 99 SR5 (my favorite model) looks much more pleasing to the eye, just look at it.
Of course this is my opinion and you're entitled to your own. As per experience with other forums before, the people who start to complain, make personal comments specific to your ride, and ***** like 10 year olds are usually the ones who are inferior in choice, IE, Xbox vs Playstation. XBOX kids always always always start to flame, and well I'd be pissed too if I was 10 years old.
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theizzardking
New member
was reading over on teh other forum (great thanks for starting a forum war)
but from trying to be objective point of view i can see where tehy are both pretty much equal, i just see the prejudice when it comes to reliability...
"My stock X has 135k miles with 0 problems. Reliability is very similar. And tranny problems on Xterras? I think not."
(btw tranny problems do not occur on the 3rd gens, don't know where you got that from, our only known typical flaw is rear diff seals)
135K......that's nothing, that's still a new 4runner for most of us,
hell we didn't even buy our trucks until they had that on them.
Toyota kills in the reliability department on our 3rd gens.
hence the higher resale value.
power
look it's like this,
which one has more power? is like asking which re**** is the fastest? neither really win and both are about the same give or take a bit on any given day. there is no hands down winner in the power struggle.
on road drivablity, that's an ass gauge thing man, technically you'd pick the coil spung one just by the mechanics alone as they do provide a softer on road ride, but again this is a very personal department and you have to decide what feel you like better, some people like trucks better some like cars better (ride quality/stiff/soft).
Take them both on a test drive and see what you like better this is you're choice, it'll devolve in WWIII here if you have us arguing over something as subjective as this.
off road capability
depends on year, not generation, the '99 4runners came with a 1 inch lift, rear diff lock and multi-mode 4x4 ,i'm sure the xterra's have something similar
in a given year..... check the other years out,
this is going to be a vehicle by vehicle comparison as it's all in the options on either, so you can't say crap about this one either as stock for stock generally speaking they are the same, but like i said it's all bout the options that will make one better then the other......
keep in mind you can build anything into a 4x4 rig with enough cash
soo the bottom line is personal preference really, what do you like?
i'm sorry and i know this is going to sound bias but provided the options on both were the same the price was the same, i would still go toyota just cause i know i can get 300K from my motor no problem.
:roadkill:
so just for future reference for internet etiquette, cross posting on forums like this and linking the two is usually bad form man, it causes a sh*t storm 90% of the time.... do i REALLY care? no F'ing way i think it's funny to a certain extent, just the mod gods don't think so when you have fools joining the forum just to fight over this sort of thing...lol
soo ya bring the funny! lol
but from trying to be objective point of view i can see where tehy are both pretty much equal, i just see the prejudice when it comes to reliability...
"My stock X has 135k miles with 0 problems. Reliability is very similar. And tranny problems on Xterras? I think not."
(btw tranny problems do not occur on the 3rd gens, don't know where you got that from, our only known typical flaw is rear diff seals)
135K......that's nothing, that's still a new 4runner for most of us,
hell we didn't even buy our trucks until they had that on them.
Toyota kills in the reliability department on our 3rd gens.
hence the higher resale value.
power
look it's like this,
which one has more power? is like asking which re**** is the fastest? neither really win and both are about the same give or take a bit on any given day. there is no hands down winner in the power struggle.
on road drivablity, that's an ass gauge thing man, technically you'd pick the coil spung one just by the mechanics alone as they do provide a softer on road ride, but again this is a very personal department and you have to decide what feel you like better, some people like trucks better some like cars better (ride quality/stiff/soft).
Take them both on a test drive and see what you like better this is you're choice, it'll devolve in WWIII here if you have us arguing over something as subjective as this.
off road capability
depends on year, not generation, the '99 4runners came with a 1 inch lift, rear diff lock and multi-mode 4x4 ,i'm sure the xterra's have something similar
in a given year..... check the other years out,
this is going to be a vehicle by vehicle comparison as it's all in the options on either, so you can't say crap about this one either as stock for stock generally speaking they are the same, but like i said it's all bout the options that will make one better then the other......
keep in mind you can build anything into a 4x4 rig with enough cash
soo the bottom line is personal preference really, what do you like?
i'm sorry and i know this is going to sound bias but provided the options on both were the same the price was the same, i would still go toyota just cause i know i can get 300K from my motor no problem.
:roadkill:
so just for future reference for internet etiquette, cross posting on forums like this and linking the two is usually bad form man, it causes a sh*t storm 90% of the time.... do i REALLY care? no F'ing way i think it's funny to a certain extent, just the mod gods don't think so when you have fools joining the forum just to fight over this sort of thing...lol
soo ya bring the funny! lol
theizzardking
New member
hahaha, it's kinda funny 98% of x-terra drivers are either 1 of 3 things
1. a chick
2. a dude who thinks chicks dig him (when it's really his truck, aka douche bag)
3. outdoor poser types who display their epic rock climbing skills in a gym
arty:
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
:lol: Also, the self obsessed people who drive BMW's are my biggest pet peeve. They put the indoor rock climbers to shame!
Seriously though, the X's stance reminds me of the liberty, and who can forget the guy who bashed 4Runners when he drove this nicknamed "Big Nasty":
My favorite comment ever:
Posted by: tjohn0617
8/28/2009 7:45:00 AM
hey buddy nice tires. my grandmas minivan needs some new ones so holler if you want to sell them to get something a little bigger
Then later he said:
Posted by: tjohn0617
8/30/2009 5:25:00 PM
well thanks but I think she's needing something a BIT bigger. good luck
Reality is funny, this guy had to do a 2.5 inch lift to fit 265/75/16s, which fit stock on our trucks without modification.
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Clemsonfan15
New member
You definitely started a forum war.
It depends on what you need. If you want a cheaper vehicle with less perks go with the Xterra. The interior won't be as nice (more rattles, etc). The 4runner may cost more, but you definitely get more as well.
I have to believe that the 4runner in long run will give you less problems. There are plenty of 3rd Gen 4runners with over 200k on them.
What size tires can the Xterra fit stock? Someone on the other forum said a 33", which sounds like total bull to me.
The maintenance on the 4runner isn't too bad either. Timing belt every 90,000 miles if you have the 3.4L. Some have problems with the rear axle seals, but not an insane amount. Headgasket may leak, but it's not a common problem.
I think offroad will be a toss up really unless you get a 4runner with a locker. How hard to you plan to wheel?
Aftermarket seems to be able the same for each.
It depends on what you need. If you want a cheaper vehicle with less perks go with the Xterra. The interior won't be as nice (more rattles, etc). The 4runner may cost more, but you definitely get more as well.
I have to believe that the 4runner in long run will give you less problems. There are plenty of 3rd Gen 4runners with over 200k on them.
What size tires can the Xterra fit stock? Someone on the other forum said a 33", which sounds like total bull to me.
The maintenance on the 4runner isn't too bad either. Timing belt every 90,000 miles if you have the 3.4L. Some have problems with the rear axle seals, but not an insane amount. Headgasket may leak, but it's not a common problem.
I think offroad will be a toss up really unless you get a 4runner with a locker. How hard to you plan to wheel?
Aftermarket seems to be able the same for each.
theizzardking
New member
i pretty much quit jeeps when they started going more towards the tinker toy trucks, i was always a zj and xj guy and well between jeep becoming kind of ***** in the middle range stuff and the fact they all break around 150K or so
i had to come over to the dark side and join you yota guys.....i seriously hate the liberties with a passion......
oh yeah and bmw guy...
rdgt4r
New member
i pretty much quit jeeps when they started going more towards the tinker toy trucks, i was always a zj and xj guy and well between jeep becoming kind of ***** in the middle range stuff and the fact they all break around 150K or so
i had to come over to the dark side and join you yota guys.....i seriously hate the liberties with a passion......
oh yeah and bmw guy...
FIST PUMP, FIST PUMP, FIST PUMP. Fer scrow now.
2nd Generation X's, (2005 - present) can fit 33's on stock 16's (285/75s)
1st Gen X's (2000 - 2001: square headlights) can fit 265/75s with a little trimming of the plastic mudflap behind the front tires and (2002 - 2004: round headlights) can fit 265/75/16's no problem. Thats what I run on my 02 Xterra. But I've also got a 3" SL and 2" BL for extra stuffage room
Timing belt life is about the same.. every 100,000 or so
KellyJ
New member
reality is funny, this guy had to do a 2.5 inch lift to fit 265/75/16s, which fit stock on our trucks without modification.
pwnage
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
Very true, the used car sales manager here has an 08 Pathfinder (along with an 06 CL55 AMG), he bought it because he got a good deal. He tells me every time he see's a 4Runner that he'd much rather have one (A 3rd gen for that matter).
My buddy Tony also has a Pathfinder he just bought from his lease, he used to work for Nissan. He also says he'd much prefer a 4wd 3rd Gen.
And last, another friend of mine, David, had an 08 E350 that he was turning in on lease soon. He was looking at midsize SUV's and checked out Pathfinders as well as a few others. I gave him a ride once to pick his car up after hours (at work, we park about a mile away and have shuttles). The next day, he shows up in a black 01 SR5 with leather and all that jazz. He rolls the window down and says "I liked your car so I went and bought one"
I take that last story as a reminder of how easy it was to fall in love with it the first time.
I agree.. most the 2nd gen R50 pathfinders('96-'04) and 3rd gen 4runners are more of a luxury type suv.. the Xterra was made as a everything you need and nothing you don't type of off roader. Sure you could get them with power windows, door locks, sun roof, etc, and the occasional dealer optioned leather seats. None of which I have. I'm happy with my roll up windows, manual locks, 5spd manual, and AC/heat. Less electrical shit to break
: haha
redbeard
New member
The 3rd gen 4Runner is a body on frame design, though the 96-2004 Pathfinder was a unibody (though Nissan tried to call it a "monoframe") construction. All Xterra's are a body on frame. So even if you consider the 4runner more of a "luxury" SUV due to the available features, the X and 4Runner are usually compared more in an off road context due to the body on frame design, and the off road capability. Not that those Pathfinder's can't go offroad, many people just prefer to have the body on frame for it's rigidity(I think that's a word). Its been mentioned in some reviews about these Pathfinders, that it's not as rigid off road. Nissan actually went back to the body on frame for 2005+ Pathfinders in part due to this criticism.
Also out of the box the clearance on the 3rd gen 4Runners, tire size etc more matches up with the Xterra's than these Pathfinders. Don't get me wrong, I think the Pathfinder is a great car. I actually have a 2003 Pathfinder for my wife. Not being a car person, she said the 4Runner feels tougher and more solid than her Pathfinder. She loves her Pathfinder because it's a lower and handles more car like than my 4Runner. To the pathfinder's credit, it's tied with my 4runner for Jeep rescues :biggrin2:
It goes back to what you like and what you want to use it for. Seems the X appeals more to a lot of younger folks due to the looks. I don't think anyone can argue about the longstanding reliability of the 3rd gen 4Runners. I plan on listing my 4Runner in my will, as there is a good chance it will outlive me
Also out of the box the clearance on the 3rd gen 4Runners, tire size etc more matches up with the Xterra's than these Pathfinders. Don't get me wrong, I think the Pathfinder is a great car. I actually have a 2003 Pathfinder for my wife. Not being a car person, she said the 4Runner feels tougher and more solid than her Pathfinder. She loves her Pathfinder because it's a lower and handles more car like than my 4Runner. To the pathfinder's credit, it's tied with my 4runner for Jeep rescues :biggrin2:
It goes back to what you like and what you want to use it for. Seems the X appeals more to a lot of younger folks due to the looks. I don't think anyone can argue about the longstanding reliability of the 3rd gen 4Runners. I plan on listing my 4Runner in my will, as there is a good chance it will outlive me
Pure 98
New member
Sorry had to do it...
<a href="http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l93/evalencia102001/?action=view¤t=IMG_4345.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l93/evalencia102001/IMG_4345.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>this is a Azusa Canyon in Socal, Xterra Off Road
My pick is the FUNRUNNER:thumb3:
To be honest I think a good part of off-roading comes down to the driver.
X's are cool, i like the circle rims.
<a href="http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l93/evalencia102001/?action=view¤t=IMG_4345.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l93/evalencia102001/IMG_4345.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>this is a Azusa Canyon in Socal, Xterra Off Road
My pick is the FUNRUNNER:thumb3:
To be honest I think a good part of off-roading comes down to the driver.
X's are cool, i like the circle rims.
