4th Gen 4Runner vs 2nd Gen XTerra

"MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig" (MR2_FTW) 11/20/2018 at 15:49 • Filed to: None

0

16

In my ongoing search for a tow-capable daily driver replacement for my Matrix this spring, I think it’s coming down to these two.

Requirements:

Less than 135k miles

$10 ,000 budget

4wd only

So on to the pros and cons! Because I love lists!

2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Pros:

Toyota reliability (except for a few issues I’ll get to)

Strong resale

More comfortable ride/better interior for daily driving comfort

Bigger aftermarket

Available with V8 that can tow 7,000 lbs

4Runner Cons:

Way, way, way more expensive to buy. Like, double the miles for the price.

Auto only

A few common issues, all are expensive to fix (headgaskets on early V6, cracked manifolds on V8, rampant frame rust, trans wire harness wicks ATF to the ECU, brake master cylinder is a $1,000+ part)

Xterra Pros:

Much cheaper, can get sub-100k mile examples for well under $10k

Smaller truck, easier to park for occasional trips to the city

Manual trans

Tows 5,000 same as V6 4Runner

Less bells and whistles, less to break

Yellow looks rad as hell

Less prone to rust

Xterra Cons:

Cheaper interior is less nice to daily

Leaf spring rear end is harsher for daily driving

Reliability not as good, but common issues are at least cheaper to fix (IPDM is a couple hundred bucks, timing chain tensioners are time consuming, but cheap, manual trans trucks don’t have the radiator issues the autos are famous for)

I’d love to get some more input from you guys!

Matt Nichelson > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 11/20/2018 at 16:13

0

I personally like the 4Runner better. You see more of those still on the road in decent shape compared to the Xterra and for good reason. 

HammerheadFistpunch > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 11/20/2018 at 16:18

1

the 4runner (especially the V8) tows like a freaking champ. but good looking with those requirements. I searched and searched for the cheaper cousin to the 4runner (gx470) and ended up spending about 16500 on a 135K example. Still...what a great tow machine. the VQ 4.0 in the Nissan is stout too, and the axles are up to the challenge, but I hear the automatic transmission doesn’t really like towing.

Tows my 3500 lb camper without a sweat at high altitude (love the self leveling air suspension and adjustable dampers)

And handles the 6500 lb boat with grace.

though only locally.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 11/20/2018 at 16:40

0

I test drove a Xterra Pro-4X manual that I probably would have been plenty happy with before buying my Tacoma. 

Nothing > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 11/20/2018 at 16:45

0

What about a Pathfinder V8? 

AM3R, lost another burner > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 11/20/2018 at 17:03

1

For some reason I really like Xterra’s. The fact you can get one with a stick is even better. 

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Nothing 11/20/2018 at 17:08

0

I just never really like the Pathfinder like I do the Xterra/4Runner for some reason. 

Shift24 > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 11/20/2018 at 17:41

1

Im with @ HammerheadFistpunch . I Bought a GX470 at the end of summer and it puts the 4runner to shame how much better it is.

I was in a similar situation on looking for a tow rig/offroader. I looked at the Xterras but just not as nice and the guides are worry some. I wanted a SUV that I didnt have to tear apart to fix.

Fourth gen 4runner interiors are awful. The 4.0L v6 is underpowered. At least the one in my buddies 05 Ext Cab Tacoma felt like a dog. And it has less weight. All f an no guts.

GMT800 (Tahoe/Yukon or Suburban) are bullet proof but again not a fan of the interior and GM fit n finish . But that LS v8 though.

Ford- ha no

Jeep Grand Cherokee are something to consider but Chrysler quality and transmission woes.

Honda Pilots are something to consider. The trans are greatly approved 06 and newer. Just need to replace that radiator as soon as you get it. And t heir AWD system is better than people give them credit. Also has locking dif.

Granted the 4runners and GX use timing belts but after my last debacle with chains and guides on my 540i, Im sticking to belts.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 11/20/2018 at 17:54

0

I agree with Hammerhead, look at the GX470. You should be able to find a 03-05 one for way less than your budget, although man the interior and head unit will feel dated. Still better than the xterra, though, and there tends to be fewer frame rust issues (though you’ll have to replace the air suspension if not done already).

Otherwise I’d say xterra that’s well depreciated and manual if that’s a thing you care about. I didn’t like driving one because it was so painfully slow and rugged (not in the good way). It just felt like it was worse than the sum of its parts, but it’s just as reliable as the V6 4Runner. 

Michael > HammerheadFistpunch 11/20/2018 at 18:03

0

You and I spent exactly the same amount for exactly the same miles

HammerheadFistpunch > Michael 11/20/2018 at 18:18

0

The going rate i suppose

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Matt Nichelson 11/20/2018 at 18:48

0

To be fair the 4runner outsold the Xterra 2 to 1 at the lowest, so that’s part of it.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 11/20/2018 at 18:50

0

All the electronic bells and whistles on the L exus give me the heebie jeebies for when it inevitably breaks. Plus I really don’t want a leather interior, as I’ll be driving dogs around, and third row will just get in the way when I try and sleep in the back for 2-day track days. It’s a great vehicle, I’m just not sure it’s what I’m looking for.

GoodIdeaAtTheTime > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 11/20/2018 at 18:57

0

I have an Xterra. I should have gotten a 4runner. Get the 4runner. 

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > GoodIdeaAtTheTime 11/20/2018 at 19:02

0

Why so?

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 11/20/2018 at 20:00

0

Can’t help you with the leather...personally I prefer leather for dogs because it’s easier to clean.

There aren’t that many electronic gizmos, especially if you can find a non-nav unit. But they’re hard to find. Other than that and the doomed air suspension, the GX and 4Runner are almost the same.

The third row seats pull out. Store them or sell them. 

GoodIdeaAtTheTime > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 11/20/2018 at 20:26

0

My Xterra replaced a Land Cruiser, so I have some animosity about that. Anyways, the 4runner is much more comfortable. Reliability and longevity is worlds above the Nissan (and I work for a Nissan subsidiary) as well . At current mileage my Xterra feels worn out and old, a coworkers 4 runner with double the mileage feels like it is still new (207,000 vs 401,000) and my Xterra was better cared for. He has a V8 and gets better fuel mileage than my V6. It just does everything better. I like my Xterra, but what if...