Hey all,

I've currently got a 5spd 1995 4runner and I'm thinking of trading it in. I'm considering getting another 4runner or a Pathfinder. The '95 that I have has a 3.0L V6 but only turns out 150hp. The 2001 4runners have 185hp but the Pathfinders have 240! The 4runner might be a bit larger inside for people, by the pathy has more cargo room. The 4runner has a little more ground clearance. Other than that they seem to be pretty equal. Since I already have a Toyota, I know the ins and out of that brand. Toyotas are heralded for their dependability and quality.

What do you guys think of the Pathfinder? How durable is it? Any major problems....i've seen a lot of people complaining about the brakes. How comfy is it on a long road trip? What do you get for actual gas mileage? Anything to stay away from?
I don't do any serious wheeling...I do a fair amount of camping and hiking with the wife and dogs, so I'm looking for something big and capable.

Thanks

Which Pathfinder are you looking at? New, old, Armada, regular?

If you're looking for older than you'd probably want at least a 96 for comfort, they switched to a unibody that year and were unibody up to 2004.

2005 models are back to a body on frame set up, have 7 passenger seating and a few more ponies. Haven't heard much about them as far as feel, but shouldn't be to bad since Nissan has decided to make the Pathfinder their soccer mom special.

If you want a lot of space then look at the Armada, it's in class with the Yukon.

I was probably looking for a 2001 or newer--something the dealership would have so I could trade in my older 4runner.
The 2001 was the first year with the bigger engine.
I definitely don't need something as big as the armada. I should have said backpacking instead of camping...i like to be able to carry all that I need. Having an SUV for a little room I can understand, but without having 7 people, i don't really see the need for the armada.