3rd gen, 4th, or Xterra???
Jan 23, 2009 | 05:00 AM
#41
Congrats on your decision! I think you'll be happy with the V8, my dad loved it (as did I). Can't wait for pictures! Are you going to use the money you saved to do some small mods on it?
Jan 23, 2009 | 05:35 AM
#42
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From: Tennessee
Nice!! You will be definitely glad you picked up a 4th Gen. That's a great price, too. If you're looking for a trailer for the off-road, look at the Chasers. http://www.adventuretrailers.com/chaser.html
Good luck on your trip!
Good luck on your trip!
Jan 23, 2009 | 05:57 AM
#43
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From: Calgary, Canada
First of all, thanks!!! Helpful advice graciously offered. It looks like the consensus is to go 3rd gen, and I'm leaning that way. Are there particular issues I should know about the '02 model year?
I had the impression the 4th gen. is way wider. It just looks large to me for some reason. Here's the actual difference according to edmunds.com:
Width: 70.9 vs. 75.2 inches.
Turning Rd: 38.1 ft. vs. 37.4! Not too shabby!
'74 Bronco I have the most experience wheeling in: 69" wide, <20 ft turning radius (92" wheelbase). But punishing on long trips even at 16 yrs. old.
How often do you 4th gen. guys wish your ride was just a few inches narrower in the mountains? Are there trails you just don't take that you would take a 3rd gen. on? I haven't ruled out the 4th gen yet. I have a dealer connection that will get me one off lease at cost.
Based on your confirmation of what I already felt, I did finally rule out the Xterra. I had already eliminated the FJ (wife said no way could we live with that "claustrophobic back seat") and, sadly, an LC (fuel penalty as a DD & size just too great) even though I've always wanted one.
Thanks again! The decision is getting closer and I'm getting a little less frustrated and a little more excited!
I had the impression the 4th gen. is way wider. It just looks large to me for some reason. Here's the actual difference according to edmunds.com:
Width: 70.9 vs. 75.2 inches.
Turning Rd: 38.1 ft. vs. 37.4! Not too shabby!
'74 Bronco I have the most experience wheeling in: 69" wide, <20 ft turning radius (92" wheelbase). But punishing on long trips even at 16 yrs. old.
How often do you 4th gen. guys wish your ride was just a few inches narrower in the mountains? Are there trails you just don't take that you would take a 3rd gen. on? I haven't ruled out the 4th gen yet. I have a dealer connection that will get me one off lease at cost.
Based on your confirmation of what I already felt, I did finally rule out the Xterra. I had already eliminated the FJ (wife said no way could we live with that "claustrophobic back seat") and, sadly, an LC (fuel penalty as a DD & size just too great) even though I've always wanted one.
Thanks again! The decision is getting closer and I'm getting a little less frustrated and a little more excited!
Cheers
P.S. We have an 04 V8 Ltd. Runner and love it. Highway mileage isn't too bad, but definitely better than my fj80 with the 4.5litre.
Last edited by denpacc; Jan 23, 2009 at 06:17 AM.
Jan 23, 2009 | 05:24 PM
#44
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From: Louisville, KY
Here she is...
I appreciate the warm welcome and all the congrats. The more I drive it the more I like it so far, and I can't wait to get the tires dirty (although it's got the OE Duelers on it now). I took her down by the Ohio River and snapped a few this evening.
First planned mod: sliders. I'm thinking it makes sense to leave the Duelers on her until I get back from Alaska this summer. It's about 9,000 highway miles roundtrip.
-John
--------------
the missing sig
First planned mod: sliders. I'm thinking it makes sense to leave the Duelers on her until I get back from Alaska this summer. It's about 9,000 highway miles roundtrip.
-John
--------------
the missing sig
Jan 23, 2009 | 07:02 PM
#45
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From: Tennessee
Sliders first? If you're going to be doing trails that require sliders, you'll definitely need better tires and a lift, no doubt. Probably a front and rear bumper, too. And maybe a winch. 
But seriously, you'll want to get a lift before the sliders, IMO.
Also, might be helpful to look at this thread regarding the proper use of the ATRAC system.
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25
But seriously, you'll want to get a lift before the sliders, IMO.Also, might be helpful to look at this thread regarding the proper use of the ATRAC system.
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25
Jan 23, 2009 | 07:14 PM
#46
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From: Dayton, OH
That's a beautiful 4th gen you got yourself, and I know you will enjoy it for many years to come.
I think it was a bit foolish to ask these guys about an Xterra though. A bit hard to get an unbiased opinion on other brands here. Folks here would nit pick a Ferrari to death.
I think it was a bit foolish to ask these guys about an Xterra though. A bit hard to get an unbiased opinion on other brands here. Folks here would nit pick a Ferrari to death.
Jan 23, 2009 | 08:18 PM
#49
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From: Louisville, KY
It kind of fits halfway between a 4th gen and an FJ in terms of stock off-road capability and comfort as a DD. Also, my wife approved of it based on the practicality of the layout and inexpensive price.
But my gut was telling me to go Toyota and I guess I was wanting some confirmation for that feeling as well as more facts to base my decision on. My wife & I are both really happy it worked out the way it did.
Jan 23, 2009 | 09:30 PM
#50
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From: Louisville, KY
Sliders first? If you're going to be doing trails that require sliders, you'll definitely need better tires and a lift, no doubt. Probably a front and rear bumper, too. And maybe a winch. But seriously, you'll want to get a lift before the sliders, IMO.
Also, might be helpful to look at this thread regarding the proper use of the ATRAC system.
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25
But seriously, you'll want to get a lift before the sliders, IMO.Also, might be helpful to look at this thread regarding the proper use of the ATRAC system.
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25
The thing is that I want sliders AND an OME lift AND larger, better tires, but I can't afford all at once. I'm thinking to start with the sliders and possibly a skid plate or two prior to the Alaska trip and lift it and put new tires on it afterward. I don't think I'll need the added clearance on the trip and it might save me 2 mpg to drive on the OE tires.
? Jk
Jan 24, 2009 | 05:10 AM
#53
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Posts: 6,002
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From: Spring Valley, CA
First off, I'm glad you are not considering the Xterra anymore. My mom used to own an '02 Xterra supercharged and we had considerable problems with it. In the end we just got rid of it at a loss so that we wouldn't have to deal with it anymore. Plus that thing was just slow, you had to run premium fuel, AND it was a gas hog. My '98 4Runner is faster and gets better gas mileage. Now she drives an '08 Highlander
Anyway, as to 3rd or 4th gen, I don't have any experience with the 4th gen, but IMO Toyota got it right with the 3rd gen. Not too cushy, rugged, and I honestly think it looks a LOT better than the 4th gen. Either way though, you can't go wrong. If you're looking for refinement, I'd say stick with the 4th gen, but if you want to customize a little down the road, go with the 3rd gen.
Anyway, as to 3rd or 4th gen, I don't have any experience with the 4th gen, but IMO Toyota got it right with the 3rd gen. Not too cushy, rugged, and I honestly think it looks a LOT better than the 4th gen. Either way though, you can't go wrong. If you're looking for refinement, I'd say stick with the 4th gen, but if you want to customize a little down the road, go with the 3rd gen.
Jan 24, 2009 | 05:34 AM
#54
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From: Burlington, VT
I think xterras are decent trucks too, but they aren't as refined or polished as a 4th gen 4runner, nor as comfortable. And an 08 highlander is a totally different car. Not a truck, an overgrown station wagon, a car. 4th gen runners are still very capable trucks, they just have a bit too much body cladding and stuff for its own good, but a little bit of modding will take it a long way.
Oh, and I agree with getting sliders first. Mangled pinch welds are no fun
Oh, and I agree with getting sliders first. Mangled pinch welds are no fun
Jan 24, 2009 | 05:40 AM
#55
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From: Tennessee
Ozzie - How are you bursting his bubble? He never mentioned the Highlander. The Highlander is not an off road vehicle. Unibody, IFS/IRS, etc. They're not in the same class as the X or the 4R. As far as the X vs 4R, it's personal preference, but IMO, the 4R is built better. Reliability wise, there is no comparison between Toyota and Nissan. that's just the facts. I'm not trying bashing Nissan. Off road capability, they're both very capable. I do like that the X comes with a rear locker, but so does the Trail Edition 4Runner. The only disadvantage of toyota is that they are more expensive. But at the same time, you pay for quality and that's why you see so many older Toyotas still out on the road today, including yours.
Jan 24, 2009 | 05:45 AM
#56
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From: Tennessee
The only thing about getting sliders first is that if you get a lift later on, you might have to take off and re-weld the sliders back on. Plus, I think the biggest off road disadvantage of the 4th gens is the ground clearance. I say lift or tires first, then sliders. Tires might hurt the mpg slightly, but IMO, well worth the extra toughness and traction, especially if you're traveling in some very remote places. I'd even get an OBA system installed.
Jan 24, 2009 | 08:37 AM
#57
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From: Louisville, KY
Just an installation issue? Are bolt-on sliders an option?
Jan 24, 2009 | 09:48 AM
#60
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Posts: 442
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From: Salt Lake City, UT
dont mean to bust your bubble, but my grandma has an 08 highlander... POS. id rather her get an xterra. flame suit *engaged*. ill buy toyota up until maybe 2002-2003, whenever they decided to change body styles. seems the quality went the same way as the attractive body style. for all you nissan haters, the Xterra is a GREAT truck.
But I'm glad you "engaged" your flame suit.
