Pathfinder vs 4runner

[HOTRODSTU77]

Hey guys need some input.

Looking to get myself a new daily that might see some light overlanding. Only planning to spend 3-5k on it. Been really thinking of a 2000-2005 pathfinder or 4 runner. I know that changes models slightly with the Trucks but that's the age range that fits my price point.

Wondering if you guys and gals could give me some tips as to what specific year's and trim packages I should be looking for.

Thanks in advance!

 

[36degreesNorth]

Pre 05 Pathfinders are unibody vehicles and very little aftermarket support the 05+ as very similar to the Frontier,Xterra and there are some good options for armor lift ECT but still not as popular as other options.

the 4 runners are a great platform to build from with lots of resources parts and support when something goes wrong,

 

[HOTRODSTU77]

Thanks any specific year or trim that I should be looking for?

 

[36degreesNorth]

I'd go more for condition maintenance and price at this point as those matter more then the model or year with vehicle 15+ years old.

 

[HOTRODSTU77]

I'd go more for condition maintenance and price at this point as those matter more then the model or year with vehicle 15+ years old.

Fair enough. Just meant if certain trim levels or years came with better features or a better engine or drivetrain or something

 

[HEYElliott]

Take a look at the 4Runner Canada or Ontario facebook page, it seems like I see vehicles posted there often. I think youll have a hard time finding an older 4runner within that price, I got my 2008 SR5 for over 10,0000... a few months ago.
Maybe even a similar year Xterra would be a good option if you can manage a slightly smaller footprint vehicle.

 

[HOTRODSTU77]

Good to know thanks man. I’ve just been keeping an eye on kijiji and have seen some decent 4runners for under 5k

 

[Horse Soldier]

3rd gen and up, gen 2 had lack of power and other issues. After market support is great. I believe 1996 and newer. And if that is not enough Top Gear could not kill a Toyota hilux.

 

[Badger13]

96 and newer or pre 96 with a 3.4 liter engine swap

Sent from my SM-J727T using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Badger13]

96 and newer or pre 96 with a 3.4 liter engine swap

Sent from my SM-J727T using OB Talk mobile app

My 4runner is a 92, with the 3.0 pig of an engine.
Can't get out of its own way

Sent from my SM-J727T using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Stratz]

Definitely would pick the 4Runner. Pathfinders unibody with a 4Runner is body-on-frame. That's why I picked a 4Runner over a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Plus that there seems to be a lot of support and aftermarket availability for 4Runner. But at the end of the day it truly depends on what's the best fit for you.

 

[Lindenwood]

I'd pretty much say no contest. But, be aware, a $5,000(USD) 4WD 3rd gen 4runner is probably going to have 160-200k miles on it, depending on the condition. This isnt inherently bad, but I would personally expect to put a good $1000-1500 into preventative maintenance and fluid changes to avoid any neglect-related problems (i.e. oil and water pumps, radiator, thermostat, all belts, etc). Not that most of those are particularly prone to failure, but you never know if they had habits of 20k-mile oil changes and such. That said, a well-maintained 4Runner is probably good for an easy 300k+ without ever leaving you stranded (though, I am getting close to 150k and 17ish years and will be replacing the fuel pump as a preventative measure).

One caution: be very meticulous about rust on a vehicle that old in the northern states or Canada. I would venture that once you get more than 6-8 years old, and especially once the vehicle has changed hands, people start getting a bit lax on the underbody treatments. You can really be burned if somebody does a good treatment right before you sell, leaving you with a rusted up rig that is a PITA to work on, but otherwise looks decent at a glance.