3rd gen 4runner or Xterra
- Thread starter jman11788
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TCMach
New member
Thats for sure! My buddies got a 2000 xterra thats been lifted and all that fun stuff, whenever it has a rattle or a shake I try to go on the xterra forums like I would with my T4R and it never helps. And there are way less aftermarket component companies
But that being said his is rock solid. Never had a problem with it besides the usual maintenance. I wouldnt necessarily say cheap but its more utilitarian I would say. Also my mom just bought a brand new xterra. no idea how it works as of yet haha
KHoffRunner
Member
I turned down many nicer cars from my parents because I only wanted a 4runner. IMO they look very plastic compared to the 3rd gen and I aways feel like its more of a chicks suv.
The 3.3 in the 1st gen Xterra is a dog and it gets awful gas mileage. Overall, Nissan just seems to have less polish than Toyota does. But Nissans are pretty reliable, just like Yotas.
The 2nd gen Xterra is actually pretty nice, but I'd take a 3rd or 4th gen over it still. I have had a 2nd gen Xterra, 2 3rd gens, and a 4th gen, and the 3rd gen has been my favorite balance between cost and everything else.
The 2nd gen Xterra is actually pretty nice, but I'd take a 3rd or 4th gen over it still. I have had a 2nd gen Xterra, 2 3rd gens, and a 4th gen, and the 3rd gen has been my favorite balance between cost and everything else.
I will be the devil here. I have a very good buddy who I have known for over a decade and he is apart of my solid group of friends that wheel and work on cars.
He has a Xterra and it rocks off road. It has a solid axle front swap and other off road goodies (like a rear and front locker).
That truck ROCKS off road.
I know this is a 4runner forum, but in all honesty, I think the Xterra edged out the runner in stock off road. Only talking stock. Once you start doing upgrades, it is totally vehicle dependent.
The Xterra is a bit higher and shorter, but with a very stable footprint. There have been several times when it edged out on turning in tight areas.
I am, of course, pro 4runner. But, the Xterra is a dang capable vehicle.
Also, he is heavily involved on Nissan forums. I think as 4runner owners, we just are not clued into them; but from my experience... the off road support and 3rd party add on support is just as good.
He has a Xterra and it rocks off road. It has a solid axle front swap and other off road goodies (like a rear and front locker).
That truck ROCKS off road.
I know this is a 4runner forum, but in all honesty, I think the Xterra edged out the runner in stock off road. Only talking stock. Once you start doing upgrades, it is totally vehicle dependent.
The Xterra is a bit higher and shorter, but with a very stable footprint. There have been several times when it edged out on turning in tight areas.
I am, of course, pro 4runner. But, the Xterra is a dang capable vehicle.
Also, he is heavily involved on Nissan forums. I think as 4runner owners, we just are not clued into them; but from my experience... the off road support and 3rd party add on support is just as good.
jman11788
Member
Hey I have looked at some of your pics and how come you have 1 led tail and the other one isn't? I'm just curious. I also did the same thing you did I about gave up on finding my 4runner cause it was very very hard to find, I just said no i'm going to be patient and wait for what I want. I drove 7 hours to get my vehicle, and is well worth the wait.
catalina34
New member
I like the Xterra very much. While the 3.3 is slow, it is very reliable. The 4.0 is a great engine, but I still prefer Toyota's 4 liter for it's smoothness.
The stadium style rear seats, functional roof rack, and rugged interior are great imo.
That being said, no, the Xterra aftermarket support is nowhere near as good as the 4Runners. Additionally, lifting a 4Runner can be done more easily and for less money (don't need to worry about new torsion bars like the X). Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it takes more work to stuff an equivalent sized tire than the T4R. Finally, the Xterras have problems with their front diffs going boom.
I spend a lot of time in the Nissan forums at Expo portal because I am an enthusiast of all makes and models of vehicles, so I feel I'm less biased than many might be. Both are great vehicles, but many of us probably considered the X at some point before buying our T4R's, so our preference is obvious.
thebrandon
New member
I used to have a frontier with the 3.3. Basically the same thing as the ex. The rear lsd in them is pretty impressive to be honest. The front ends are troublesome, and doing anything to the front diff compromises it severely. I had a big problem with my front cv's and hubs constantly after lifting it, and my lift was only about an inch. The main thing was cv joins wearing significantly faster, and the auto hubs not wanting to engage, or getting stuck. The front end does NOT like to flex when off road in my experience, even with the front sway bar disconnected. I feel the 4runner does a much better job at that. Other than the front they are pretty solid and can take a lot of abuse.
KHoffRunner
Member
Haha I cracked the left side one time back in the woods and it was just an extra I had laying around from my '97 so I threw it on to pass inspection, but that is something i need to get matched up not too many people notice it. Good eye.
I had an Xterra Off Road w/ the 4.0L motor and liked it a great deal. It was actually more fun to drive than my 4th Gen T4R Limited; NOT as refined and "nice", but way more fun to drive. If you can get an Off Road, you'll get plenty of torque, a rear locker, and the Rockford Fosgate sound system (only available in the Off Road I think) is the best stock sound system I have ever owned (better than the JBL in my 4th Gen Limited and better than the JBL in my 07 Tundra Limited).
Others have made good points about aftermarket parts etc., and that is worth considering, but the Xterra is not a bad choice in my opinion.
Others have made good points about aftermarket parts etc., and that is worth considering, but the Xterra is not a bad choice in my opinion.
zgensler31
Senior Member
My brother drives a 2011 terra and I'm on my second 3rd Gen. I love mine. He loves his. However mods are much easier and much more available for the 4runner. Looks good performs great. Is built to be rugged. And I'm actually surprised by the street performance. His handles great and is down right fast for a v6 suv. And sounds pretty good as well.
But for.me I went with the cheaper and proven more reliable 3rd Gen. But you won't here me dogging an xterra.
But for.me I went with the cheaper and proven more reliable 3rd Gen. But you won't here me dogging an xterra.
LittleCaesar
New member
A good friend just bought the Pro-4x version with the hill assist and locking diff. A little pricey but nice. If I had to choose between the 5th gen TE (only one I'd buy) or the Xterra Pro-4x, it would be nothing more than a coin flip for me to choose.
Another buddy had a 2001 and got over 270,000 miles on the 3.3l engine until it was crushed by an 18 wheeler backing up.
I have always felt Nissan's interior's were cheap looking, too much plastic. Such was the reason I did not buy a Nismo Frontier back in 06 and instead bought my 4runner.
Another buddy had a 2001 and got over 270,000 miles on the 3.3l engine until it was crushed by an 18 wheeler backing up.
I have always felt Nissan's interior's were cheap looking, too much plastic. Such was the reason I did not buy a Nismo Frontier back in 06 and instead bought my 4runner.
Whitson Metalworks
New member
xterras are ugly
steezemcqueen
Moderator
And they can't flex for crap
zgensler31
Senior Member
Is that because of the leaf springs in rear or something else?
Hepar
New member
I like them. Not sure I'd ever own one, but I do appreciate the fact that they started building a rig more geared for taking outdoors, while other manufacturers build theirs more for going to the grocery store. I have a couple friend with them. One has the 1st gen. It's pretty gutless and the way the suspension is setup makes it next to impossible to improve on. They seemed to get both a little more taken care of down the line.
dgoll75
New member
Well on a similar note, I own both my 3rd gen and a Nissan Armada. Not quite an Xterra, but still a Nissan. Its actually my wives ride. We looked at all the big SUVs and narrowed it down to an 06 Armada (59K) and an 05 Sequoia (69K). Similar prices, mileage and packages. She got the final say, and while I was initially reluctant, she went w/ the Armada. I love my 3rd gen like a family member, but the Mada has fit into our lives very well. True there aren't nearly as many mods. Also no forum for it nearly as awesome as this one. But all in all its a beast, runs awesome, great for our family, and after almost 2 years/16k miles I am happy w/ our choice.
