HotBacon

Help me choose between the following rides (2000-04 only):

Toyota 4runner
Nissan Xterra
Nissan Pathfinder
Mitsubishi Endeavor

I'm looking to replace my 97 Isuzu Rodeo, but am having problems finding body styles of mid-size SUVs that I like. Any help is appreciated!!

My99

Xterra's a great truck, I won't lie. It's a little "lower" classed than the 4Runner, and it's a great bang for the buck. They're not bad offroad either. They don't have quite the ground clearance, nor do they have near the room on the inside. 4Runner will cost you more, but also I think will reap better rewards in form of fit and finish and durability in the long run. 4Runner offers a little more power.


Pathfinder's are alright rigs I guess, I've never driven a later model. They have much better power than the 4Runners. They have poor off-road manners compared with the 4Runner and have poor resale as well. This will be to your benefit when you buy, to your disadvantage when you go to sell. As far as a track record, i'd say about the middle of the road. Beats a domestic in terms of reliability.


Mitsubishi indeavor is not even in the same class as these others. I'd never buy a mitsubishi unless it were an EVO.

shazaam

runner .. if your comapring same class it would be the montero sport .. not the endevear .. endevear is more in line with the highlander.

SLC Punk

Since you are on a Toyota board, there will be a majority of us recommending the 4Runner.

The Xterra's are ok, I thought they were underpowered and the interior was cheap.

I would never buy a Mits (except the Evo and DSM).

boogyman

tacoma! (maybe with a camper shell?) or a double cab if you want the seats.

sorry.. i'm a little biased.


-Russell

HotBacon

I figured I'd get steared toward the runner (which is kind of what I was looking for ). How about years to look for? I love the look of the 4th generation body but think I might fit my budget (<$25k) a little better in the 3rd. I read about the V6 in the 4th gens is a little shady right now. Any major differences in the sr5/sport/le models?

SLC Punk

I say go for a 99 or 00 4Runner with the rear locker.

ayoung101

go with 3rd then. if not earlier. (i've never been a big fan of the 4th gens)

rimpainter.com

I bought a sweet 2000 4Runner 4x4 SR5 (no locker) on ebay for $15K. It had 18K miles on it.

I would get a 00 4Runner with locker.

My next rig will be a X-Terra since Toyota does not make 5 speeds anymore. I would also consider that, but only the SC'd version.

My99

Okay... first off that's not typical He got a steal!

However, I agree, pick up a 99 with relatively low miles and a rear locker. You won't be disappointed. Use the search button on here to look up some info you might find useful. I found mine (Limited with locker) with about 75k for less than $15k last year, in EXCELLENT condition.

There's no real significant differences between the models besides engine choice and tranny. Limited's all have leather power seats and automatic climate controls. Then there's little stuff like power options (sunfroofs, rear heaters, etc.) and such. The main thing I cared about was finding one in good condition that you could tell the owner had taken care of it, as well as one with a locker, b/c that's a fairly rare and coveted option that I wanted. It's sort of hard to find an SR5 with a locker, but I did find one, just wasn't fast enough to jump on it.

Good luck on whatever you decide. I have yet to hear anyone who was diappointed that they choose a toyota over the alternatives. It's not the most powerful rig, doesn't ride the best, doesn't necessarily have the bling of an escalade, but if you need good reliable transportation that can get you to the workplace and back comfortably, as well as to the cabin in the backwoods without a sweat, it will fit your needs as well or better than any other on the market.

2001Millrunner

if you'd like more power and little more gadgets inside, i'd go with pathfinder, they haul ass but not as much offroad capability. 4runners&Xterras have more of the "rugged" look to it in my opinion

86_4runner

go with a 4runner you cant compare any of the others......i guess you can say i only like toyotas

MY024runner

Sorry fellas a little clueless on what a locker is and what does it do?Thanks in advance

Mossback74

The locker (Rear differential lock) is used off road in stick situations. It locks the rear wheels so if one loses traction, the other will still turn.

Check out How Stuff Works

There will be a button next to the steering colum that says:
RR
Diff
Lock

Mossback74

PS get a 99 or newer 4Runner!!