4Runner vs Pathfinder

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 4Runner vs Pathfinder

Posted: 10/13/2004 1:14:08 PM EDT

I'm looking at getting either one, probably a 95 with just under 100k miles. From experience which do you think is better? Thanks.

Posted: 10/13/2004 1:17:51 PM EDT

[#1]

I'd go with the 4runner as they keep their resale value better than the pathfinder.

assuming you get the 4 banger in the 4runner, its a better engine than the 6 and you can do damn near anything you neeed with it.

the pathfinders v6 is a whore to work on from experience and I'm not even sure if they came with a 4 cylinder. if it did its more than likely a KA24E or DE the same as the pickup and the 240SX, which in itself is a good engine.

either one is a good vehicle but you'll get more out of the 4runner later on.

Posted: 10/13/2004 1:20:18 PM EDT

[#2]

Kenin, Get the 4-runner!

Posted: 10/13/2004 1:33:04 PM EDT

[#3]

4Runner gets my vote.

Posted: 10/13/2004 1:35:26 PM EDT

[#4]

Posted: 10/13/2004 1:35:41 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
I'd go with the 4runner as they keep their resale value better than the pathfinder.

assuming you get the 4 banger in the 4runner, its a better engine than the 6 and you can do damn near anything you neeed with it.

the pathfinders v6 is a whore to work on from experience and I'm not even sure if they came with a 4 cylinder. if it did its more than likely a KA24E or DE the same as the pickup and the 240SX, which in itself is a good engine.

either one is a good vehicle but you'll get more out of the 4runner later on.

Nissan 3.0L V6 (VG30DE) is a good engine. mine has 175k on it with no major problems.

Posted: 10/13/2004 1:37:37 PM EDT

[#6]

It's unanimous, 4runner.

I've owned both and the toyotas hold their value better for a reason.

Also gotta say the best toyotas were made prior to 1990, build quality wasn't as good in the '90s,but still much better than nissan.

Posted: 10/13/2004 1:38:59 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
Quoted:
I'd go with the 4runner as they keep their resale value better than the pathfinder.

assuming you get the 4 banger in the 4runner, its a better engine than the 6 and you can do damn near anything you neeed with it.

the pathfinders v6 is a whore to work on from experience and I'm not even sure if they came with a 4 cylinder. if it did its more than likely a KA24E or DE the same as the pickup and the 240SX, which in itself is a good engine.

either one is a good vehicle but you'll get more out of the 4runner later on.

Nissan 3.0L V6 (VG30DE) is a good engine. mine has 175k on it with no major problems.

I'm not saying its a bad engine as my 86 300zx had one as well, I hated working on that damn thing. granted its easier to get around on in the truck chassis its still not as simple as the I4 KA24 engine. and parts are also cheaper for the 4 as a side benefit

Posted: 10/13/2004 1:39:18 PM EDT

[#8]

I have a 92 4runner, love it. Id trade in for a Mk IV Supra though.

Posted: 10/13/2004 1:45:55 PM EDT

[#9]

Most of the guys I know love the Toyota.

Posted: 10/13/2004 2:24:48 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
4Runner gets my vote.

+1

Posted: 10/13/2004 2:29:39 PM EDT

[#11]

Yota - no question.

Posted: 10/13/2004 3:04:54 PM EDT

[#12]

Hey Randy, why don't you use my real name.

Thanks for the help, guys.

Posted: 10/13/2004 3:13:57 PM EDT

[#13]

I read up on the Pathfinder, and they have issues with the exahust manifold studs breaking.

The Toyota 22R I-4 is a damn fine engine; not as good as my Jeep 4.0L I-6, and I don't care for aluminum heads, but nevertheless it's a fine engine. Can't speak to the V-6. I think that all of the light Japanese engines have aluminum heads.

Posted: 10/13/2004 3:14:26 PM EDT

[#14]

Dealer technician for both over the past few yrs.

Get the Toyota.

The Nissan has a lot of parts issues, I've put a lot of Ox sensors on them, a couple cats, not that many miles. Had a tappet on a new supercharge V-6, and a couple fuel tank gauge brackets, when the fuel/tank gets warm, the truck will die, re-start cold till it get hot.... the plastic bracket was cracked and shift, opening the fuel pump circuit.

Posted: 10/13/2004 3:22:37 PM EDT

[#15]

I'm loving my 00' Yota 4 runner. It's the 6 cyl. SR5. Damn fine truck.

Posted: 10/13/2004 3:29:18 PM EDT

[#16]

All you have to do is take a look at the aftermarket. Toyota has HUGE aftermarket support, so you can do something simple, like get new floormats or a trailer hitch, all the way to making a monster rock-crawler, and have dozens of dealers and brands to choose from.

I'm pretty sure that there's someplace you can get a dash mat for a Nissan, but other than that, you're on your own.

-Troy

Posted: 10/13/2004 3:30:59 PM EDT

[#17]

Fungula* the 4cyl 4runner the 6cyl sr5 will give you 400,000 with proper maintence.(meaning a timing belt every 100,000 or so) I'm in the process of testing this theory.
Edited to add:---> Actually the ""sagging"" is a recall thing........certain years get fixed for NOTHING by the dealer..... original owner or not!

Posted: 10/13/2004 3:31:06 PM EDT

[#18]

nissan has never made anything that can compare to a toyota or a honda. nissan is better than an american car but will never come close to the toyota or honda.

Posted: 10/13/2004 3:32:36 PM EDT

[#19]

I have a Pathfinder with 150k and no major problems. I don't like the way the Toyota's back end sags, especially on older ones. I think they botched the rear suspension on the 4Runner.

Posted: 10/13/2004 3:58:08 PM EDT

[#20]

Yota.

My pops has an '88, 22RE 4-cyl, 250K. AC drier, rebuilt trans, timing chain...that's it.

The "rear-end sag" is an easy fix. There are a couple of companies that make a fix for this.

Posted: 10/13/2004 4:57:57 PM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:
I have a Pathfinder with 150k and no major problems. I don't like the way the Toyota's back end sags, especially on older ones. I think they botched the rear suspension on the 4Runner.

This is TRUE. They chose a soft spring so that the truck would have a more car-like ride, and as it gets older, it will sag. HOWEVER, there are a number of aftermarket replacement springs to fix this problem.

You can get them here (and if you have a truck, Heep, or 4x4, you NEED this FREE catalog:

Performance Products

-Troy

Posted: 10/13/2004 5:24:03 PM EDT

[#22]

Damn, ask a simple question and get clusterbombed with answers; you guys kick ass. You sound like you know what you're talking about, so the 4Runner it is. That back end does begin to sag, I'll just have to upgrade the springs eventually. Thanks again.

Posted: 10/13/2004 5:32:10 PM EDT

[#23]

I have a pathfinder..a 93..damn thing is bullet proof...

but no aftermarket accessories..

if you are gonna get one..get a 97 pathfinder...

but I'd trade mine anyday for a four runner

Posted: 10/13/2004 5:36:21 PM EDT

[#24]

4 Runner.

Posted: 10/13/2004 5:38:23 PM EDT

[#25]

This isn't even fair.
The 4Runner by a whole hell of a lot.

Posted: 10/13/2004 5:48:40 PM EDT

[#26]

I've got a '99 SR5 4Runner. It think the sag issue was squared away by then. IMO, the new body style blows.

Posted: 10/13/2004 6:02:45 PM EDT

[#27]

If you want a new one, as of 04 'Yota 4Runners have 4.7L V8 from Tundras. Nissan Pathfinder has a new body style in '05 with new 4.0L V6 shared with new gen Frontiers Xterras.

If you really are itching for a used one, I unfortunately have no experience or know anyone who would but I know three websites that can help?

www.vehix.com

www.carsurvey.org

www.autotrader.com

Good Luck

Posted: 10/13/2004 6:31:13 PM EDT

[#28]

Get the runner.Have a 97 damn thing goes anywhere.All kinds of aftermarket goodies

Posted: 10/13/2004 10:58:10 PM EDT

[#29]

Toyotas rep is way over stated! they made a name for its self back in the straight axel pick-up days. They trucks have been on par with the nissan trucks but have never been close to the nissan Z-cars!! If so why would they stop making their Supras?

Posted: 10/14/2004 5:13:29 AM EDT

[#30]

Quoted:
If so why would they stop making their Supras?

How about....Sales numbers?

Posted: 10/14/2004 5:41:22 AM EDT

[#31]

Definitely the 4Runner. I had my last one for 13 years and 180,000 miles. I finally sold it when the front end started loosening up after all those years of off road use. I'm driving a Tacoma extended cab now because I need the utility of a pick up for hauling things (the only thing I found deficient in the 4Runner...can't have everything!).

BTW: I've had nothing but 4 cylinders in my Toyota trucks (three of them now). I don't tow anything so I've never felt at a loss for power when needed. The V6 is stronger, it's true, but I like having the timing CHAIN in the 4 cylinder. I've never had to replace one (try that with a timing BELT).

Posted: 10/14/2004 6:49:45 AM EDT

[#32]

If you plan on lifting the vehicle and placing larger tires on it etc., go with the 4 runner. The pathfinder has a unibody design, so it doesn't have a true frame in the traditional sense. It doesn't lift well at all or very much.

Otherwise they are both great and the patherfinder will probably give you a little better highway ride.

Posted: 10/14/2004 7:11:39 AM EDT

[#33]

'00 4-runner here, 2.7 ltr. 4 cyl . love this thing, after 10 yrs. in a toy. truck this is like riding in a car on the hi-way. oh, 23 mpg. at 75& 80 aint to shabby either.

Posted: 10/14/2004 7:11:40 AM EDT

[#34]

If you plan on lifting the vehicle and placing larger tires on it etc., go with the 4 runner. The pathfinder has a unibody design, so it doesn't have a true frame in the traditional sense. It doesn't lift well at all or very much.

Otherwise they are both great and the patherfinder will probably give you a little better highway ride.

Posted: 10/14/2004 7:22:59 AM EDT

[#35]

Quoted:
I have a Pathfinder with 150k and no major problems. I don't like the way the Toyota's back end sags, especially on older ones. I think they botched the rear suspension on the 4Runner.

.....its a recall issue. If yours sags take it to the dealer, it might in fact be covered.

Posted: 10/14/2004 7:33:02 AM EDT

[#36]

I own a '96 Pathfinder with the 3.3L V6 and a '95 Toyota with the 3.0 V6.

Toyota is more of a truck than a car...the Nissan is more of a car than a truck.

I'd would NOT buy a '95 Nissan. That one has a 3.0 motor, little low-end power compared
to the 3.3 that comes with the '96.

The '96 Toyota's are MUCH better than the '95's (3.0 SOHC vs. 3.4 DOHC)

I bought my '95 Toy used. Supposedly the head gaskets were redone at 48k by the dealer
(recall issue) before I bought it, but they blew out at 112,000 miles.

It's been good (considering I bought it used) but I love my Nissan.

It's only got 60k miles on it and it's like show room new!

Problems:

Nissan.

Needed throttle body carbon clean and fuel sensor at 50k. ($200)
CD player took a dump (radio ok, though)
That's it..

Toyota:

Radiator rebuild ($150)
Elec window switch ($275)
Electric Antenna cable broke ($100)
Tach sticky
Head gasket blown ($1750.00)

I'd get the 3.4L '96 or newer Toy for an "off road/BOV

Good luck!

Posted: 10/14/2004 7:36:43 AM EDT

[#37]

Toyota has a real frame not a unibody more rigid less flex. I owned 2 Gm's prior to my used 98 4runner. I had a 89 blazer and a 93 Jimmy. Even with more miles on the used yota I don't plan on going back. Great vehicle. I just need more snow this year to play in that's all. I never owned a Pathfinder so I am biased.

Posted: 10/14/2004 7:50:51 AM EDT

[#38]

wanna echo what lonewolf said about the 96+ runner. i own (and love) a '98 runner sr5. it's got the 3.4L engine which has been impressive thus far. it has pulled anything i've hooked it up to, and it'll go through some gnarly mud holes without spinnin' a tire.

the 3.0 engine that toyota used before 96 did have a history of blowing headgaskets. that was a turn-off for me, but i understand that it may have been a recall thing- so check it out for yourself.

one thing that i like to do when shopping for vehicles is to check out online forums on that vehicle. www.yotatech.com is a good one for toyotas, i don't know of any for nissans- which says something to me. i was comparing the runner with the jeep cherokee and the forum thing really helped in my case.

4runner all the way.

Posted: 10/14/2004 11:32:45 AM EDT

[#39]

Quoted:
Toyotas rep is way over stated! they made a name for its self back in the straight axel pick-up days. They trucks have been on par with the nissan trucks but have never been close to the nissan Z-cars!! If so why would they stop making their Supras?

Posted: 10/14/2004 11:44:06 AM EDT

[#40]

Quoted:
wanna echo what lonewolf said about the 96+ runner. i own (and love) a '98 runner sr5. it's got the 3.4L engine which has been impressive thus far. it has pulled anything i've hooked it up to, and it'll go through some gnarly mud holes without spinnin' a tire.

the 3.0 engine that toyota used before 96 did have a history of blowing headgaskets. that was a turn-off for me, but i understand that it may have been a recall thing- so check it out for yourself.

one thing that i like to do when shopping for vehicles is to check out online forums on that vehicle. www.yotatech.com is a good one for toyotas, i don't know of any for nissans- which says something to me. i was comparing the runner with the jeep cherokee and the forum thing really helped in my case.

4runner all the way.

Dude, as a '99 owner, which is effectively the same as a '98, go to the dealer, get a replacement antenna mast, and replace yours ASAP. If you wait until it actually breaks (which it will), you will have to remove the whole assembly and fish out the broken pieces. To replace an unbroken one, just unscrew the chrome retainer and have the motor spit the thing out (make mental note of which way the teeth faced). Replace it with a new one by turning the radio on, then feeding the new one in until the motor grabs the teeth and pulls it in. Then tighten the chrome retainer back. It will be obvious how it works.

I'm going to replace mine every 2 years after the hassle I experienced in fixing a broken one.

Posted: 10/14/2004 11:46:57 AM EDT

[#41]

thanks- sounds like a good idea- i'm a dick about maintenance, so i'm always lookin' for something else to do. how much does the mast run?

Posted: 10/14/2004 7:42:26 PM EDT

[#42]

Quoted:
thanks- sounds like a good idea- i'm a dick about maintenance, so i'm always lookin' for something else to do. how much does the mast run?

About $35-$45 depending on which model.
And even cheaper if you happen to know the right people.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 4Runner vs Pathfinder

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