Help buying a 4runner

[kayaker81818]

Hey everyone, I'm turning 16 in February and I was looking to buy a 1996-2002 4runner ( I think). I was wondering if you guys think that this is a better idea then something like a pathfinder or xterra? Also, are some years better then others quality wise? Another question I had was about the highway driving of 4runners. I'm going to be doing a lot of driving over steep mountain passes. Do they have good acceleration and stability? Thanks for the help.

PH

 

[smallfry]

The 1996-01 are great vehicles and the 3.4 will get you though the mountain passes. Pathfinders and Xterra's aren't all that bad, it just depends are what your preferences are. Drive all three and pick the one that suits your needs the best.

 

[Fo_SheeZy]

4Runner's own pathfinder's and xterra's. But that's just my opinion...

 

[One_96TR4]

I would say there all great vehicles to own. It really depends on what your going to do with them. Price will also be a deciding factor I think. Pathfinders from 96+ will probably be cheapest of the 3 and the xterra and the 4runner most expensive. If you wanna do any serious wheeling then an xterra or 4runner will probably be the ones to choose from. I'd say drive them all and decide what meets your needs best. I will say that I'm happy with my 4runner but if you went on a pathfinder or xterra forum they'd probably say the same .

 

[pat161]

Any year 96-02 would be good, do some research here to find the model year changes. As for driveability, the Runner will do fine, the 3.4 is a good motor and gets decent mileage for what it is. Driving in the Mts the 3.4 will get the job done, but expect regular downshifts to hold your speed, this is in an auto, never driven a 5 speed 3.4. And unless you want to unlock the T/C or hit 3rd every hill forget about cruise control in the Mts.

While I would never encourage a Nissan over a Toyota, the Pathfinder with the 3.5 V6 would be a decent truck. They definitely have more power than the 3.4 and are built on a unibody so may have a better on pavement ride. Off road a 3rd gen will get you further but the Pathfinder does have a lo range and has decent capability, Personally I don't like the Xterra at all and would never even consider owning one. Plus unless you get a new one you will get the old 3.3 V6, reliability wise it is a good motor, power wise it is a little on the weak side, and remember Nissans are quite a bit heavier than a comparable Toyota.

 

[kayaker81818]

thanks for the help guys.