In the market for used 4x4 for off-roading. Couple of questions about the 4Runner.

[vision-quest]

Hey dudes and dudettes. I'm moving to the US and need a new 4x4.

I'm looking to spend around $20,000 for a car under 65k miles. The two main options that are leading are the Nissan Xterra (I can get a 2011-2012 fitting my needs for about $20k) or a 4Runner (more expensive, so I could only get a 2006-2007).

If I were to go the 4Runner route, is there any must have trim? I see the SR5 is the most common, but I'm also seeing Limited and Sport editions.

I will be using this for off-roading around Colorado and the rest of the West USA/Canada. I'm an outdoors photographer so I often like to head down the unknown roads to find some cool stuff that hasn't been shot as much.

Thanks for any assistance in advance!

 

[Sharpie330]

For 20k you could get a sweet built early 4 runner, 95 and older. And where it lacks in creature comforts that a newer runner would have, it way more than makes up for it in off road ability.

If you are actually looking for a daily driver that you can take off-road every once in a while then a 3rd gen runner, early 2000s with a rear elocker and a 3.4l do very decently.

 

[mnofpeace]

to answer your question specifically...i have read many times that the 07-09 Sport Edition models with V8 engines are the absolute pinnacle of the breed.

my 6 cents;
I dont mean to badmouth the Nissan Xterra...but as that is on your list, i would advise that you perform a google search on them and include the words 'transmission problem'...to know if that is something that you want to chance.

It has been well documented that Nissan's midsize SUVs and pickups of that era have a transmission/coolant issue that can, all at once, render the vehicle totally useless. And its not a hit or miss issue, but as i read, even in forums where owners tend to absolutely love their vehicle, it is a WHEN problem...it will happen to all who own the vehicles.

I, too, was in the market for a midsize suv/4x4 for the purpose of winter driving needs for most of this year. And originally i was looking to spend between 15-20k. the Nissans were on my list until i got wind of their problem. the GX470 is the 4runners very capable, leather clad cousin (same running gear, V8 engine, good aftermarket), and for a little more money, you could possibly find yourself a 5th gen 4runner that will do the job and last you that much longer. I have seen many 10-13 model yr rigs for between $22k-26k...

fwiw, i ended up with a left over demo 5th gen SR5 for $28.5 that i am extremely happy with.

Good luck with your search.

 

[vision-quest]

Thanks for the advice guys, appreciated. So is there any main differences between the different trims? I mean, with the XTerra you only really want the PRO-4X (or the older OFFROAD) because they are the only model with the rear lockers. Is there any similar things with the different 4R models?

 

[bimrunner]

Thanks for the advice guys, appreciated. So is there any main differences between the different trims? I mean, with the XTerra you only really want the PRO-4X (or the older OFFROAD) because they are the only model with the rear lockers. Is there any similar things with the different 4R models?

Not sure of every generation but I believe the trail edition is the only ones with the factory e-locker. Not a huge deal tbh as air lockers can be added to any of them. I have a limited with front and rear air lockers.

 

[meRockboost]

You can get a 3rd gen with an e-locker for under 10k with mods all day.

The trail is 2010+ and has the e-locker however their is no trim on the earlier models that has the locker, it was an option so you just have to search Craigslist or the classifieds here.

 

[cjacob316]

Get the 4runner, not the Xterra, better/more reliable vehicle all around.
I used to have an '04 and the 4th gen ('03-09) is just a great vehicle. I had an SR5 and loved it, Limited had a v8 and leather, I'm not really sure what the sport offered. I toyed with the idea of getting a v8 4th gen for off roading, the only real downside I could see is that the v8 has a timing belt while the v6 has a timing chain. You can easily find a quality 4th gen for less than $15k leaving you plenty of money for mods. Mods are easy to find for the 4th gen as well.

 

[cjacob316]

here you go
2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4!!!

don't be afraid of mileage, I had one with 100k more miles than that and the only repairs I had to make were brakes and a $30 idler pulley

 

[meRockboost]

Personal opinion: Nissan is the Japanese Chrysler. Just don't.

 

[vision-quest]

Thanks again everyone, super helpful :bounce:

I really do want to stay under 70k with the miles though. I will be doing a LOT of driving around the West and Canada for my photography and hope for the vehicle to last me many many years without hassle.

Any reason to choose either specifically the V6 or V8 engine or are they both equally good?

 

[cjacob316]

Thanks again everyone, super helpful :bounce:

I really do want to stay under 70k with the miles though. I will be doing a LOT of driving around the West and Canada for my photography and hope for the vehicle to last me many many years without hassle.

Any reason to choose either specifically the V6 or V8 engine or are they both equally good?

A timing chain is better than a timing belt, but the V8 is a bigger engine, so you have to make your decision. It's not a huge V8, but still bigger than the V6. How many miles a year are you thinking?

 

[Burnzy]

Xterra are nice. My brother has a 2011 Pro 4x, that thing is bad ass. The transmission problem earlier mentioned was for the 2003-2008 model years if IIRC. The transmission cooler lines ran through the radiator and over time a lot of them corroded and allowed coolant into the transmission..... Not a good combo. Most of those occurred due to poor maintenance and/or using the wrong coolant. Anyways, I have a 4Runner and love it. The build quality is much better, it's a vehicle that performs great off road and on the pavement. On top of that the 4Runner will hold its resale value WAY better than an Xterra. If you go the Xterra route, stick with the "newer" models. If you go with a 4Runner it doesn't matter, it will be great as long as it has a good maintenance history. My. 02

 

[vision-quest]

A timing chain is better than a timing belt, but the V8 is a bigger engine, so you have to make your decision. It's not a huge V8, but still bigger than the V6. How many miles a year are you thinking?

Honestly, I probably couldn't give a number.. but I'd expect a drive up to Yellowstone/Tetons, Zion National Park, Canadian Rockies (Banff/Jasper), Montana all yearly over a couple different trips, as well as trips over to the San Juans on occasion, plus daily driving.

 

[vision-quest]

Xterra are nice. My brother has a 2011 Pro 4x, that thing is bad ass. The transmission problem earlier mentioned was for the 2003-2008 model years if IIRC. The transmission cooler lines ran through the radiator and over time a lot of them corroded and allowed coolant into the transmission..... Not a good combo. Most of those occurred due to poor maintenance and/or using the wrong coolant. Anyways, I have a 4Runner and love it. The build quality is much better, it's a vehicle that performs great off road and on the pavement. On top of that the 4Runner will hold its resale value WAY better than an Xterra. If you go the Xterra route, stick with the "newer" models. If you go with a 4Runner it doesn't matter, it will be great as long as it has a good maintenance history. My. 02

Thanks for the clarification on the XTerra. The models I were looking at were the newer 2011/2012 ones. The problem we had with them was the dated interior. We were renting a 2013 X and the interior looked about 10 years old..

 

[cjacob316]

I drove a ton, 120+ miles a day just for my commute to work when I had my 4th gen and it still only put 100k miles in about 3 years, I would have expected mine to get over 300k without issue if I kept it. I had over 240k miles when I traded it in and the only thing that ever broke was a $30 idler pulley. Don't be afraid to put miles on these.

 

[vision-quest]

I drove a ton, 120+ miles a day just for my commute to work when I had my 4th gen and it still only put 100k miles in about 3 years, I would have expected mine to get over 300k without issue if I kept it. I had over 240k miles when I traded it in and the only thing that ever broke was a $30 idler pulley. Don't be afraid to put miles on these.

Good to know, thanks. I was just worried because my current car has had lots of problems starting at only 70k miles. It's currently at 200k and is pretty much dead.

 

[Burnzy]

Thanks for the clarification on the XTerra. The models I were looking at were the newer 2011/2012 ones. The problem we had with them was the dated interior. We were renting a 2013 X and the interior looked about 10 years old..

No doubt about it, they are rather Spartan. The 4Runner definitely has a more comfortable interior.

 

[oljedi11950]

Question for OP how big are you , tall , wide ? 3rd gen has decent seats but narrow , 4th better lumbar not great but better I have 05 & drove to Mont & back good ride . My point being if you're driving a ton well nuff said . Not always about maint. but more to think about . Like was mentioned above V6 4th chain some probs with exhaust manifolds , V8 water pump & belts . Most 3rd gen will have well over 100k so ... should be able to find 06-09 over 70k to 90k no prob just don't get one from rust belt BIG PROB ! Ariz , Cali, Nev ! My 2 cts

 

[vision-quest]

Question for OP how big are you , tall , wide ? 3rd gen has decent seats but narrow , 4th better lumbar not great but better I have 05 & drove to Mont & back good ride . My point being if you're driving a ton well nuff said . Not always about maint. but more to think about . Like was mentioned above V6 4th chain some probs with exhaust manifolds , V8 water pump & belts . Most 3rd gen will have well over 100k so ... should be able to find 06-09 over 70k to 90k no prob just don't get one from rust belt BIG PROB ! Ariz , Cali, Nev ! My 2 cts

I'm 6'1, 185. I'm also hoping to sleep in the back comfortably. Do the seats fold straight down on both the gen 3 and 4?

Sorry I'm a little confused, you're saying not to buy a car from Arizona/Cali/Nevada because of rust?

 

[oljedi11950]

Nope sorry other way round . We're dry , yes seats fold down on all of our gens newer have more leg room . Having had every gen but the 1st it gets a bit crowded in early ones , I'm 6'3" & 3rd gen was cramped , 4th is fine & with these new dog pads awesome as a matter of fact . And not to dis NM & Colo should be good there to ! Hope it helps