SUV Help: 4Runner or Pathfinder?

[tusk212]

I've come to the realization that living in PA I need a vehicle with 4wd. Ive been looking at both the 4Runners and Pathfinders. Right now I am leaning towards a 4Runner but both are still in the running. Im looking at the 2004 or newer models in both flavors. Whats your take on these rigs? Which would you choose and why?

[Gutshot John]

Aren't you just loving the snow? I haven't seen a Western PA winter like this since I was a kid.

My friend had a 1969 4Runner which was a classic 4wd.

For sentimental reasons the 4Runner is my choice and is actually going to be our next vehicle (we just paid off our other and my wife doesn't want a payment for a while) but I think you'd be very hard pressed to find a more ubiquitous and reliable 4wd.

Nissan makes very nice SUVs so it would also be a good choice.

If you're looking for a city car especially a Subaru Impreza type is awesome. We just paid off a 9-2x which was the Saab equivalent and it's been a fantastic car and a lot of fun to drive. It goes through Pittsburgh snow like butter. It even has decent ground clearance and handles pretty well off-road but I've not taken it seriously overland. The upside is you can park it anywhere.

[tusk212]

John, The snows getting old. I travel around 95 miles round trip 4 days a week over Cresson mountain (gets pretty hairy). It has snowed everyday last week. My Dodge Stealth is no longer getting it done and getting up there in miles. Ive had to hijack my wifes Rav4 for all last week and she is not real happy about it so its time to make a change.

[Gutshot John]

I travel around 95 miles round trip 4 days a week over Cresson mountain (gets pretty hairy).

I know exactly the road you're talking about. Driven it many times myself and its no fun in this weather. A 4Runner would be a great vehicle for that stretch of road.

I don't think you'll regret either choice so I suppose much of the choice is determined by the deal you can get.

[rob_s]

The 4runner model just changed for 2010, so you might find deals in the previous gen.

[Irish]

I would suggest posting this question in the Gearheads thread. Lots of people subscribe to that and you will get a wealth of information. Have a good weekend.

[tusk212]

Forgot to mention. Im looking strictly at buying used.

[Gutshot John]

Forgot to mention. Im looking strictly at buying used.

I've ridden in a lot of used 4runners with hundreds of thousands of miles.

I have no idea of the cost involved in maintaining it over that period only that I see it in 4runners more than any other SUV.

The Tacoma is essentially a 4runner so you might get a better deal there.

[thorm001]

I drive an Xterra. It is a lot less fancy than the Pathfinder.
Between a Pathfinder and 4runner, I'd get the 4runner.
I guess I was swayed by this article about the 2010 edition
http://www.fourwheeler.com/roadtests...ail/index.html

[skyugo]

4runner for sure... toyota trucks are world class... nissan is uh.. meh.


i'm gonna pick up an 80's runner shortly.