3rd/4th Gen 4runner or Xterra? Which would you get and why?

[Kindred.Wanderlust]

Congrats on the Runner. I was going to provide some input as I have a 4Runner, and have participated in a lot of offroad events with Nissan Frontiers & Xterras.

One thing I have noticed is quality of parts. It made me believe there is a reason why a 4Runner cost so much up front compared to an Xterra. My friends would point out that for the price of the Runner, they could really mod out their Xterra. But I have seen a lot of breakage and a lot of work going into their rigs. For example, many do a Titan swap up front. When we were on the trails, my then completely stock 4Runner was easily navigating stuff that some modded Xs and Frontiers (same platform) struggled with.

I love my 3rd gen, but definitely more parts out there for the newer models. Lot of disappointment, haha.

 

[theoutbackdream]

Congrats on the Runner. I was going to provide some input as I have a 4Runner, and have participated in a lot of offroad events with Nissan Frontiers & Xterras.

One thing I have noticed is quality of parts. It made me believe there is a reason why a 4Runner cost so much up front compared to an Xterra. My friends would point out that for the price of the Runner, they could really mod out their Xterra. But I have seen a lot of breakage and a lot of work going into their rigs. For example, many do a Titan swap up front. When we were on the trails, my then completely stock 4Runner was easily navigating stuff that some modded Xs and Frontiers (same platform) struggled with.

I love my 3rd gen, but definitely more parts out there for the newer models. Lot of disappointment, haha.

Thanks!

After reading that.. I'm incredibly glad I didn't resort to saving my money on a newer, cheaper Xterra...

 

[KD7WCD]

Sounds like the decision is made but as the Xterra bashing continues one last comment.

I have less than $1000 in "modifications" in my Xterra and have a lot more of the 140k off payment than most. I have watched my buddy with his 4Runner (3rd Gen I think) replace axel and suspension parts relatively while my Xterra is still mostly stock. She climbs like a mountain got and has gotten in and out of places I should have never been to start with.

How far you'll go and how far you'll get is not as much about the brand as it is about choices one makes both on and off the trail. [emoji111]



Sent from my XT1650 using OB Talk mobile app

 

[DanR]

Having worked as a Nissan tech, followed by working in a Toyota-centered shop, the Xterra have fewer failures. I've replaced countless starters, steering racks, alternators, axles and seals, master cylinders, oil seals/gaskets, and fuel pumps on 4runners.

The extra money for the Toyota pays for some interior room, and the name. That said, they are both nice, extremely capable vehicles.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using OB Talk mobile app

 

[KAWR_4x4]

Ive never owned an Xterra or a Nissan for that matter. I have not owned a 3rd or 4th gen 4runner either, but I did just get a 5th gen and it is an amazing car. Of course an older 4runner will not have all the bells and whistles that a 2015 vehicle has but it still has similar character. Look, research and think about it. It comes down to what you are going to use the car for and your budget of course. Either vehicle will take you places, good luck!