We are about to purchase a reasonably priced suv and we have narrowed our search to either a 2002 Toyota 4runner or a 2004 nissan pathfinder.

Mechanics have told us all sorts

1. Run from the 3.5L engine in the pathfinder, its problematic
2. 4 runner has a better suspension set than the pathfinder
3. dont buy a 4runner, it has a ball joint problem

To mention a few. So can i please get informed opinions from members of the house.

Which car would you pick and why

I will take the newer 04 pathfinder

Toyota 4runner is a better deal anytime anyday. Check consumer report ratings of the 2 SUV. Pathfinder is far behind in reliability and cost of maintenance. Go for the 4runner

Go for 4runner for durability, reliability, mechanic handling, ground clearance level, after use resale value.

Personally, similarly priced, I'd pick the 4runner only because its the bigger of the two. Size=space. Other characteristics are similar, engine displacement, reliability and so forth.

Raymie:
Personally, similarly priced, I'd pick the 4runner only because its the bigger of the two. Size=space. Other characteristics are similar, engine displacement, reliability and so forth.

The engine in the pathy Platinum is 3.5L V6 15/19 MPG. The 4Runner's a 3.4L V6 with 15/18 MPG
For comfort and luxury, the pathy wins, for utility, both are off road capable but both have a RWD mode for tarmac, however, the pathy has better road manners and handlesbetter on road.


Although both designs are dated, I'll pick the pathy cos it still looks more recent, and it is.

I used an Infiniti QX4 which is basically a pathy for one year without any palava.

Most will say go for 4Runner as it is toyota and all toyota is reliable (hear say) but if I am to choose between the two, the pathfinder wins not only because its got more luxury than the 4Runner, it has this uniqueness and savvy swagger when you pick the right colour (white, wine, black, silver) when you get inside the pathy 03/04 platinum (special edition) then you feel heaven on earth.

I can only choose the 4Runner for its sporty look, anyone you choose, you are sure of unmatched reliability.

Luxury of ride does depend on trim. I've ridden in both vehicles, Limited and Platinum trims and they possess similar bells and whistles. One thing I agree with yhu @Lomomike, is that the Pathfinder does have better road manners. However, the Path cannot 'oppress' like the 4runner since it is more or less regarded as a 'baby jeep'. They're both sturdy vehicles nonetheless.

lomomike:


The engine in the pathy Platinum is 3.5L V6 15/19 MPG. The 4Runner's a 3.4L V6 with 15/18 MPG
For comfort and luxury, the pathy wins, for utility, both are off road capable but both have a RWD mode for tarmac, however, the pathy has better road manners and handlesbetter on road.


Although both designs are dated, I'll pick the pathy cos it still looks more recent, and it is.

I used an Infiniti QX4 which is basically a pathy for one year without any palava.

The way you analyse cars makes me happy unnexessarily.

Raymie:
Luxury of ride does depend on trim. I've ridden in both vehicles, Limited and Platinum trims and they possess similar bells and whistles. One thing I agree with yhu @Lomomike, is that the Pathfinder does have better road manners. However, the Path cannot 'oppress' like the 4runner since it is more or less regarded as a 'baby jeep'. They're both sturdy vehicles nonetheless.

Lol @ 'baby jeep', what would people call xterra and xtrail if pathy is called such?

jodeci:


The way you analyse cars makes me happy unnexessarily.

Lol, My oga, why na? You suppose happy all the time o

lomomike:


Lol @ 'baby jeep', what would people call xterra and xtrail if pathy is called such?

The Xterra till 2005 had been bigger (taller & longer) than the Path of same year. Where I stay, any SUV perceived to be smaller than the Toyota Highlander by as little as 1 inch is a 'baby jeep'.

4runner bc its a toyota product u can't compare toyota to nissan


Kazeens ve a cordial rship with toyota products u kw

Sentiments apart any of d two will serve u well sha but I will go for 4 4runner sha

Raymie:
The Xterra till 2005 had been bigger (taller & longer) than the Path of same year. Where I stay, any SUV perceived to be smaller than the Toyota Highlander by as little as 1 inch is a 'baby jeep'.

Going by the manufacturer's ranking, the Pathy was and is above the xterra and xtrail.

dechandel:
Pathfinder

should I buy for you?

lomomike:

Going by the manufacturer's ranking, the Pathy was and is above the xterra and xtrail.

True dat. But in 9ja our ranking is size oriented most of the time. That's why the 1997-2005 Pathfinder is regarded as small compared to her xterra counterpart despite the former being more kitted.

ogawisdom:


Kazeens ve a cordial rship with toyota products u kw

This got me laughing.

Shugaboi:
should I buy for you?

thanks sultaan nurey lomomike and everyone else for their input.

The 4runner came off as our pick especially as we had gone round and found out that dealers were asking for too much money for the pathfinder.

We had started off considering the pathy cos we were told we could get it for way less money than the 4 runner.

Anyways lo and behold, on thursday night, we stumble on a 4runner in the middle of the road with its right front wheels torn off.

So now we are not so sure about our pick any longer.

The search continues.

OyelSheik:
thanks sultaan nurey lomomike and everyone else for their input.

The 4runner came off as our pick especially as we had gone round and found out that dealers were asking for too much money for the pathfinder.

We had started off considering the pathy cos we were told we could get it for way less money than the 4 runner.

Anyways lo and behold, on thursday night, we stumble on a 4runner in the middle of the road with its right front wheels torn off.

So now we are not so sure about our pick any longer.

The search continues.

Yes you are right, I have also seen that 4Runner doing shoki dance like honda, I have also seen golf, V-boot and a lot of cars so if I follow what I see, I doubt if I will buy a car. Just get the 4Runner since it is in your price range, maintain it well and it will never disappoint you. As for the pathy, the 03 and 04 goes for between 1.4 and 1.8 especially those with DVD screen if that's too much u can settle for the 01 and 02 model they are cheaper.

Any car can have their ball joint fail. Those parts are expected to be lubed regularly, inspected and replaced as needed.
In general the 4runner should be a better and easier truck to own but since Nigerians will always pays more for Toyota I thought it will be better to get the next best thing since it was 2 years newer

Every car comes with its peculiar issues. The EOD/DC is known for her ball joint issues, yet she still sells like pure water in Nigeria. Until yhur post, I honestly haven't yet come across any 4runner with ripped off wheels. Go for any of the two. They're both sturdy vehicles . I reecommend either platinum trim for the Pathfinder, or the 4runner Limited, whichever is cheaper for yhu to acquire. Best of luck.

Pathfinder all the way, been using one for the last four years without trouble aside scheduled maintenance and filling my gas once, I haven't had issues that would take me to a mech. Plus it's got better balance than the forerunner, and does better gas mileage

Buy the lowest mileage one that passes a prepurchase inspection.

Nothing ruins a leather seat like tears from crying.

If u are still a very young guy with swag why on earth would you think of buying the 4Runner...lol. The Pathfinder is a luxurious rugged SUV. Interior wise, Pathfinder win. That Balljoint issue is very correct with the 4Runners.

please i need an advice on toyota 4 runner 2005 or 2006 , i plan to buy next month

gentlered:
If u are still a very young guy with swag why on earth would you think of buying the 4Runner...lol. The Pathfinder is a luxurious rugged SUV. Interior wise, Pathfinder win. That Balljoint issue is very correct with the 4Runners.

You may be right but I've seen a couple of young guys driving a well maintained 4runner and they looked great in it

Flagilator:


You may be right but I've seen a couple of young guys driving a well maintained 4runner and they looked great in it

4Runners look sportier than Pathfinders, imo.
Pathfinders are more luxurious.
Both cars are reliable. The VQ on the Pathfinder is just as impressive as the 1GR on the 4runner.


Big factor is Nissan electricals. Nigerian used Pathfinder doesn't hold value at all, good for those who have competent mechos that can revert the car to factory standards.

I'd buy any of them, tbh. There's not much separating them.