thinking about crossing over to the dark side...

[Flightmedic]

ey guys new to Toyota forums. I have been a big fan of awd drive cars but now the family is growing so I was thinking about an SUV. I really love the looks of the 4th gen 4runners but have read that people have a lot of problems getting into 4wd. Is this a common occurrence? I am really leaning for the Toyota but am also checking out the xterra and pathfinder. I used to drive a jeep wrangler TJ but wont ever go back to Jeep. The jeep thing is not a good thing trust me on that...

 

[LV4R]

Don't listen to everything you read on the internet.......

Go test drive one and see how flawlessly you can get a v6 into 4wd from 2wd. The v8 is full-time 4wd so you don't even have to worry about it.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Go drive one, you'll love it. The only problem with getting it into 4wd is the user not taking the time to read the manual and understand it. If you're thinking about your baby's mother using it there's nothing to screw up. If you're that worried about it leave it in 4hi and tell her if she's stuck to turn off the VSC until she's out of the snowbank.

Most of the people who have issues don't attempt to select 4lo while stopped in N.

As a fan of AWD you'll love the fact the center diff allows for 4hi or 4lo operations on dry pavement. The X-Terras and all but the Limited Pathy's have just a part-ime 4wd which means no dry pavement ops and lots of descision making when it's slick but not quite slick enough for 4wd.

On the 4th gen T4R there's also a center diff lock for the really slick stuff.

:cheers:

 

[Flightmedic]

cool thanks for the replies guys : )

 

[crooper]

When I got my T4R I was actually worried about handling and I was pleasantly surprised on how well this thing corners (especially since I installed the Energy suspension sway bar bushings). I've gotten the traction control to engage a few times while being a bit too aggressive -- which felt a little weird -- but overall I'm very impressed. The on-the-fly 4wd-hi shifting while driving is really smooth. I haven't done anything requiring a locked center diff or 4-lo though.

 

[Falls]

Go drive one, you'll love it. The only problem with getting it into 4wd is the user not taking the time to read the manual and understand it.f.

:cheers:

Exactly !!

Also all wheel drive is different than a 4wd system.
Cars have AWD systems , I'm sure maybe a few luxury suv's or crossovers . The v8 4R has a full time 4wd system active all the time. The v6 has a 2wd option and can be selected to run in 4wd if desired .
Both have the nice option of a locking center differential and a 4lo selection.

The Nissan Xterra would be your choice and competition for the 4R if you like the type of rugged type vehicle that can off road. The Pathfinder although nice , since it's restyle is limited to driving in bad weather and has an independent rear suspension and it really limited to on road use or maybe a smooth dirt trail.

 

[Uneek]

It's not a "problem" per say. It's just how the transfer case works/engages. The gears have to match up exactly before 4WD engages, thus some times it'll take slight persuasion by either accelerating or decelerating slightly.

I put mine in 4WD when I anticipate it'll be needed ahead of time. A few times, I switched over to 4WD because it just started to snow, but it never took more than 20-30 seconds to complete the change. At a standstill, mine sometimes engages right away other times, roll a few feet forwards or backwards.

The only time this would be an issue is if you find yourself in a situation where you were in 2WD and you now need 4WD. V8 4Runners don't have this issue (being full time 4WD). :

 

[[DT]]

I am really leaning for the Toyota but am also checking out the xterra and pathfinder.

The Pathfinder is the comparible offering from Nissan - we considered one. The V8 is a bit more stout, the prices are a bit cheaper with the same equipment (at least at the trim level you would compare to a T4R Limited).

There was just not the same level of satisfaction and reliability from all the online research we did, and in checking one out in person it didn't feel as "tight". The switch gear seemed cheaper, the seating surfaces not as high quality, etc. I think you'll see this reflected in the used market (where 4Runners hold their value really well).

 

[4boer]

I was planning on getting a Pathfinder and test drove maybe 4 of them (05 and 06) this Summer. I noticed on at least 2 of them that the brakes seemed weak. The reason I was looking at a SUV is to tow a 5k lbs boat setup, so brakes were a bid deal.

 

[neoflex]

I previously had my wife in a Grand Cherokee and my old TJ for a short while and now a 4 Runner and it has been great for her and she absolutely loves it. I honestly think there is no comparison between the Xterra and Pathfinder when up against a 4th gen Runner. My buddies wife just got an 08 Xterra and the thing is night and day compared to my wifes 4Runner. He even says he wishes he listened to me and went with the Yota. I have never been a fan of the Pathfinder so I am biased on that end but with dealers hurting the way they are now you can pretty much walk in and tell them what you want to pay for the vehicle so now is a good time to jump on one. When we were choosing between vehicles we were trying to decide between the 4 Runner and Pilot. My wife drove both and was no longer interested in the Pilot. I wanted her to choose between these two simply because it was these two trucks that I have never had to cut someone out of before. They always seem to hold up well in accidents.
Unfortunately she tagged a deer last week but the truck held up well. $6700 in cosmetics but no structural damage and she was not hurt in the least. She has been *****ing the last couple weeks though saying she can't wait to get her truck back because the Altima she has as a rental drives like crap compared to her Urban Runner.

 

[Uneek]

The Pathfinder also has an independent rear suspension (IRS). Probably more comfy on-road, but not as good off-road.

 

[Flightmedic]

cool thanks for the replies guys probably going to keep my car now and trade in the wifes accord for a new pathfinder in February when her lease is up. Had a hard time getting rid of my car now I get the best of both worlds!!