Drove 2 4R's(Still Looking)

[reidcc]

Hi All-

I am the current owner of a 99.5 Pathfinder with 101K, and its still great except mybe some weak springs/shocks/struts. I feel the need for a change.

I wanted to try a newer(2005-up) Pathfinder and Xterra, a Pilot, and a 4R.

I tried an Xterra SE with the new 4.0 motor, and it was very nice, stable, and a commanding view from the drivers seat.

Yesterday- I had the opportunity to try a couple different 4R's. The first was a 2005 SR5 in Stratosphere Mica with 16K on it and the asking price was $26K. It had the Moonroof, the 17" wheels and tires, and privacy glass, and V6 with Tow Hitch. Oh- and it had the hood scoop as well. It caught my eye immediately. During my drive- I noted how low I felt(viewing the road ahead), and how weak(or rather how car-like) the suspension was. It wasn't tight enough for me.

Next up was a 2004 Sport Edition in White- same options except no privacy glass. This had 29K and the dealer wanted $28K. It was pretty marked up and scratched in the rear cargo area, and didn't show as nice as the SR5. Of course I am biased- as I am not a fan of white. During my drive- I noted the profound difference in Suspension(yes I know it has X-Reas)- and how good it felt without impacting ride quality much.

My question is- given the price difference between the two and the visuals- I am more inclined to go for the SR5, even though I love the ride of the Sport. I am sure I could find some cheaper Sport models as well, and for not much more than the $28K- I could get a new V6 Sport.

Anyway- if I bouht an SR5- what could I do to it to get the same feel as the X-Reas suspension(tightness) without impacting ride quality much?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[sharp4runr]

Wow, both those prices seem a little high. When I bought my truck in 2004 brand new I paid about 30.5k out the door. This was for a 2004 V6 Sport Edition. The used SE with 29k is going for 28k? Man, I can sell my truck since it has less miles for about that much too! lol

The only suspension mods I know of that will get near the XREAS are coilovers from Donohue or OME. Plus you'll get a lift while going that route.

 

[Falls]

I think you should eliminate the Pilot as it is more of a car than a truck, The 4R is built off the truck chasis of the Tacoma , it shares alot of components with the Land Crusier also , which are both great off roaders. I too wish the 4R sat up a little a little higher and felt a little more stout/truck like , but I can tell you it's one great truck with excellent resale value ( as you can see ) with excellent off road abilities.

I would see what you option's are as far as buying an 06 Sport. I bought an 06 sport ( Xreas is std. on sport's) loaded with most option's and was out the door for $31k + change. Sticker was $35,886.00

Good luck in your search

 

[rook]

Anyway- if I bouht an SR5- what could I do to it to get the same feel as the X-Reas suspension(tightness) without impacting ride quality much?

Thanks,
Chris

The SR5 is a good choice if you plan to modify your truck. From posts I've read, coilover suspension upgrades will provide similar ride and handling characteristics as the XREAS system. It'll cost you around $750-$1200 for the upgrades depending on what you decide to go with. Plus you will have ride height adjustability. Looking at the difference in the prices between the two trucks you are considering, coilovers may be a good upgrade for you.

 

[Atomic 4Runner]

4R listed here

Since you are looking at trucks priced around $28k, you might check out a listing on here at: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=18391

 

[Expat]

The very first question to ask is what is your intended use?

If you plan on offroading and want to mod. the suspension, don't waste time on a truck with XREAS as you'll just have to remove it, unless you intend on getting just a lift using spacers. Spacers work to give lift and you can still use XREAS. The spacers won't help an un-XREAS truck feel XREAS-ed tho.

If you want it mostly for onroad, go for the XREAS and be done. Playing around with suspension can be costly and time consuming to get what you want.

Of course if you just HAVE to have the best and money is not too much of an option, then I'd suggest get an un-XREAS truck and spend a few thousand $ on suspension to get a lift, improved flexability, handling, and looks.

Cheers
Mark

 

[NViejeP]

The new xterras are NICE. I was in your shoes a few months ago, except this was myt first car and I didn't really care about how it drove, just how it looked. I could've gotten a cheaper and less mileage Xterra but I went with the 4runner.

 

[reidcc]

Thanks Guys-

I did go look at another 04 Sport today- Black with 23K on it- from a Honda dealer outside of Worcester. This one won't be Certified. I didn't bother talking to anyone, nor even opening it. Had too many chips off the hood and scratches through to white.

As much as I love the dark solid colors(Salsa Red, Stratosphere, etc) I am really starting to think of Silver for not showing a lot of scratches or dirt.

I still gotta get a Pathfinder out on the road- but its pretty hard to find the SE Off-Road model around here. Used 05's with the OR- are going for nearly $27 or $28K. Xterra SE's- I would think would be down around $23- maybe $24K.

I just figured what 22 or 23K would cost me a month- and I may have to wait for Raise time in July.

If I'd have to go Coilovers for that kind of money- just to approach the feel of X-REAS, I am just better off getting a Sport instead of an SR5.

Chris

 

[Falls]

Go for the Sport !!