Confusion, looking for another rig, need advise.

[oldmopars]

I really love the Montero, I had 2 about 15 years ago. I had a 90 4 door and a 88 or 89 2 door. I loved them both. However the Montero has not been sold in the US since 2006. This means that any I find will be high mileage. Parts both stock and aftermarket are slim to non and the gas mileage is no better than the Nissan or Toyota.
At this point I am not finding a better vehicle that meats my needs than the Xterra Pro-4X. I just now need to decide how much I want to spend. I have found some really low mileage ones (28K-50K) for just over $20K, or ones with 100-130K for under $15K. Either is going to require a long term commitment and I have a track record of very short term relationships with cars(well over 100 vehicles owned). However, I have been married only once and for almost 30 years. So, its just cars.

 

[Itacal]

I have driven an Xterra since 2005. I currently drive a 2015 Pro-4X and I would not trade it for anything. No major issues with either of them, until my 2005 SE needed a new engine or a rebuild after 275K miles. That being said, my wife has a 2017 4Runner TRD Pro and it is amazing! Granted, they are expensive and I wouldn't trade my Xterra for it - after driving one for 15 years, it is extremely comfortable to me - but you get a lot of bang for your buck with a 4Runner. I've never taken the 4Runner on the trails, but in the ice and snow, the 4Runner outperforms the Xterra.

You can't go wrong either way. It's really gonna come down to what you are comfortable with and comfortable in ... I love my Xterra, but don't get soured on the price of a 4Runner, they are worth it!

 

[oldmopars]

Well its all about the budget. I would like to spend under $20K. Maybe a little over if I had to. 4Runners in that price range are 200K miles or 20 years old. I need something with under 100K and newer, I just can't get there with a 4Runner.
I have also driven a lot of Frontiers and love them, I drove a Xterra and it drives the same.

 

[oldmopars]

So, I am rarely ever the analytical type when it comes to vehicles, I have been more passion driven in the past. But, as I get older I am starting to look at things a bit different.
Running the numbers has got me to do some rethinking.
A "Newer" 4Runner is just not going to happen. Anything with under 100K miles is going to be over $30,000. Out of my budget.
The Nissan Xterra is fantastic and I love it, for about $20,000 I can get well under 100K miles and just over 100K is around $13-15,000.
However, This means that I will have to spend +/- $300 on a car payment, at least another $50 on my insurance, and still need to spend about $125 each month in gas.
My Suburban, while 30 years old, has all new running gear in it (Engine, trans, brakes, tires, accessories, etc). It is payed for and requires basic insurance. It will cost me $250 each month in gas.
With all of that the Suburban will cost me $225 less each month than the Used 5-7 year old Xterra. It seems like I would be better to use that money to buy things I want for the Suburban, or use it for gas to go on long trips. $225 will take me 750 miles, every month.
I was never going to sell the Suburban, but now I am thinking adding anther vehicle is just my ADD looking for the next "project".

 

[J.W.]

So, I am rarely ever the analytical type when it comes to vehicles, I have been more passion driven in the past. But, as I get older I am starting to look at things a bit different.
Running the numbers has got me to do some rethinking.
A "Newer" 4Runner is just not going to happen. Anything with under 100K miles is going to be over $30,000. Out of my budget.
The Nissan Xterra is fantastic and I love it, for about $20,000 I can get well under 100K miles and just over 100K is around $13-15,000.
However, This means that I will have to spend +/- $300 on a car payment, at least another $50 on my insurance, and still need to spend about $125 each month in gas.
My Suburban, while 30 years old, has all new running gear in it (Engine, trans, brakes, tires, accessories, etc). It is payed for and requires basic insurance. It will cost me $250 each month in gas.
With all of that the Suburban will cost me $225 less each month than the Used 5-7 year old Xterra. It seems like I would be better to use that money to buy things I want for the Suburban, or use it for gas to go on long trips. $225 will take me 750 miles, every month.
I was never going to sell the Suburban, but now I am thinking adding anther vehicle is just my ADD looking for the next "project".

Most sensible thing I’ve read today. If you have a perfectly running rig that’s paid for, keep it. Sure it may drink a bit more gas but your company is paying you mileage so you won’t lose out bad on that deal. Heck, ride that R1100 to the airport when the weather is nice and you’ll come out ahead! But in all seriousness, I think you would regret shelling out 20k for a new batch of possible repairs. If the Suburban starts nickel and diming you, that is when you should start looking for another vehicle.

 

[diabetiktaco]

I'd be shocked if you saw 17 mpg out of an xterra. I had one for a while it was a pig on gas but a lot of fun. I would think the cherokee trailhawk would be a good option. Resale on them is low but stay away from the 2014's. They had a ton of bugs (I had one also).

 

[Billiebob]

the 2011+ Subaru's have a real issue with oil consumption. It is well documented, and there is a class action lawsuit

As did the late '80s Toyota V6.... There is an anomoly for everything. One could say Firestone tires are crap after the Ford debacle. Or rear gas tanks are death traps after the explosive Pinto problem. Three Subarus in the past 20 years, all sold with high mileage, we never added oil between oil changes, never left a drop of oil in the garage either. Never washed the engines.

First gen Forester, Legacy with the hot six, now a loaded Crosstrek. All my wifes cars. Flawless autos, never a warranty issue. Fabulous service.

 

[oldmopars]

As did the late '80s Toyota V6.... There is an anomoly for everything. One could say Firestone tires are crap after the Ford debacle. Or rear gas tanks are death traps after the explosive Pinto problem. Three Subarus in the past 20 years, all sold with high mileage, we never added oil between oil changes, never left a drop of oil in the garage either. Never washed the engines.

First gen Forester, Legacy with the hot six, now a loaded Crosstrek. All my wifes cars. Flawless autos, never a warranty issue. Fabulous service.

Thanks, you are right. However my reason for not wanting a Subaru has more to do with the fact that it just would not be the kind of off road vehicle I would want it to be without a lot of mods, by that point it would get the same gas mileage as the Xterra and wear out parts faster.
The Xterra came factory with 265/75-16 tires, I could never get there on the Forester, just not possible, yet it is the stock size on the Pro-4X. So, factory designed to run that size.
We have 3 Subaru's, so I have nothing against them. The one I am driving right now has 190,000 miles and it still runs great, but has started to leak oil and it needs a lot of other things and I don't love it enough to spend any money on it. It also belongs to my daughter, I am just using it till we sell it.
So, that is why I am going to just put any money I have into the Suburban and just make it the best it can be, and be happy. It is my 6th Square Body Chevy, I love them and know them.
I will have about $800 a month "Fun" money to spend on my truck and trips after all is said and done. If I have a car payment that would be much less.