Help choosing a Nissan

[Nichxestes]

I posted on this forum a while back. I had a 2001 Pathfinder but sadly had to sell it. I've got my money for another car now and I'm looking to buy another Nissan as I really liked my pathfinder. I've always liked the look of the Xterra but I was wondering. For someone like me, teenager, skateboarder, does a lot of driving and traveling, which would be a better choice? A first gen Xterra or an R50 like I had before? Any input is greatly appreciated. My budget is around $4-$5k

 

[mortonm]

on road stuff the R50 will likely be better (better handling and driving characteristics, nice ride)

For light offroading both would be pretty close.

Xterra is a little easier to lift and fit bigger tires. The engines and running gear are very similar (the later pathfinders do have a nice engine upgrade) and there isnt much difference in fuel economy.

Pick what you like and what you can afford, hopefully works out better for you this time!

 

[Nichxestes]

Is there a gas mileage difference between the two?

 

[mortonm]

In all practicality not really. The 2001 + Pathfiners (with the 3.5 VQ engine) I believe are rated slightly than the earlier pathfinders and Xterras which both share the same 3.3 L engine

 

[Nichxestes]

So gas mileage and range shouldn't be a factor in my decision right?

 

[mortonm]

Your gas mileage will vary more between drivers, there isnt really an appreciable difference between the two.

If both are 4WD and have the V6, they will be almost exactly the same.

 

[stioc]

I have to be careful to not ruffle too many feathers here but here's my take on it

1. Suspension/ride/comfort: the xterra is a bit more truckish in terms of the suspension and chassis design and thus the more rugged ride. The R50 is a uni-body design with a more modern suspension.
2. Modificationability (I made it up and had fun with it): The xterra is much easier to modify from mild-to-wild because there are many aftermarket choices available. The R50 can also go there with the sub-frame drops, lockers etc too though, just the choices are limited.
3. Engines: The 2nd gen xterra is pretty nice but in your budget you'll be looking at the 1st gens I would think. On the other hand you may be able to find a 2001+ R50 which gets you a pretty cool VQ engine. The first gen X and the first gen R50s are both pretty comparable engine wise though.
4. Gas mileage: Not sure because it varies so much but check fuelly.com to get an average

For someone like me, teenager, skateboarder, does a lot of driving and traveling, which would be a better choice?

I didn't see anything about off-roading or overlanding or expeditions...so if that's not a big part of the plans there are much better options out there that will give you a much better gas mileage.

 

[Allof75]

I didn't see anything about off-roading or overlanding or expeditions...so if that's not a big part of the plans there are much better options out there that will give you a much better gas mileage.

This. Among the other comments, which were spot on. In terms of mpg, from what I've heard it seems that on average Xterras get about 1mpg better than my 02 pathy, which sucks fuel down at roughly 13 city and 17-19 highway. When it comes to r50 vs Xterra; drive both and see what you like. I personally preferred the pathy, but an Xterra is certainly an excellent choice too.

If you don't plan on going off road much, (hoping I won't get burned at the stake for this) get a Subaru. Better mileage, AWD for snow and most adventuring, and still lots of room for your interests. If the places I go weren't as remote, I'd be driving one myself.

 

[wreckdiver1321]

If you don't plan on going off road much, (hoping I won't get burned at the stake for this) get a Subaru. Better mileage, AWD for snow and most adventuring, and still lots of room for your interests. If the places I go weren't as remote, I'd be driving one myself.

This! You'd be amazed the number of places a Forester with good meaty tires will take you. If you want the ultimate all around/light exploring rig, get an earlier Forester and slap on a set of slightly oversized all terrains, like General Grabbers or Cooper AT3s. It'll get you almost anywhere, have plenty of space for stuff, and still get over 22 mpg. In the city. Nice and comfy on the road too.

 

[Nichxestes]

I was thinking of Subarus but I wasn't so sure. Mostly cause all my friends drive civics/gtis/rsxs(fast little things) but I like a slightly larger car that can go places, don't care too much about speed. Anyway and a Forester or Outback would fit better driving along with those guys. Are Subarus expensive to maintain/do they last as long as a Nissan does?

 

[Nichxestes]

I was definitely wanting something more along the lines of a Pathy or Xterra because they're roomier and more rugged. Anything in between a Forester and those two?
Edit: I keep adding to this and it's makin me feel a lil bad haha. But also(I may get heat for this) I didn't want something like a Forester cause they're kinda mom-car looking. I want somethin bigger and more rugged also for the looks as well as the performance off road.

 

[mortonm]

I was definitely wanting something more along the lines of a Pathy or Xterra because they're roomier and more rugged. Anything in between a Forester and those two?
Edit: I keep adding to this and it's makin me feel a lil bad haha. But also(I may get heat for this) I didn't want something like a Forester cause they're kinda mom-car looking. I want somethin bigger and more rugged also for the looks as well as the performance off road.

In the end it's your car and your money. Get what you want for any reason you want it. As long as your happy you made the right decision regardless of what anyone else says or thinks

 

[Allof75]

I was definitely wanting something more along the lines of a Pathy or Xterra because they're roomier and more rugged. Anything in between a Forester and those two?
Edit: I keep adding to this and it's makin me feel a lil bad haha. But also(I may get heat for this) I didn't want something like a Forester cause they're kinda mom-car looking. I want somethin bigger and more rugged also for the looks as well as the performance off road.

Unfortunately in your price range, something which fits that in between gap is a tough find. (Still not sure if they've made anything both compact and rugged to date). My main reason for offering the subaru is that it combines a level of ruggedness, extreme practicality, and without the downfall of more standard SUVs- mileage. You can lift them, and with some careful modification easily leave that "mom car" stigma behind. My, and really all R50s and most Xs, are usually mall crawlers in their previous lives, it's what we do with them now that makes them 'rugged'.

That said however, if you're looking to avoid a "mom image" like the plague then you may want to look into a small pickup like a ranger or frontier. In my area, the frontys are usually cheaper, and can obviously be modified into something more. If you're keeping an SUV then check out the 2nd gen monteros- they're very capable, inexpensive, big, get good mileage, and are surprisingly luxurious. About a 95-96 SR or a later 97-99 model with the winter package will net you a locker, and they can fit 33s without a lift.

Staying in the Nissan family, your only option in that price range, for the most part is the pre-facelift R50, which there is nothing wrong with, lots of cool builds on here and has the same suspension etc as the facelift models. You could also go for the later WD21 Pathfinders, which will net you airbags, but a low price and a very similar ride to the xterra. If you're looking for some more luxury per dollar, then I very highly suggest the infiniti QX4.

 

[wreckdiver1321]

Allof75 is about spot on here. Monteros are a good one. A hidden gem is the Isuzu Trooper. Roomy, reliable, and capable. Pretty good aftermarket too. I would definitely suggest a WD21 as well. You could get a 1st gen 4Runner, but then you'd be a Toyota snob and that's unacceptable just kidding. Another option is a Disco 1, but you need to be willing to work on it quite a bit to enjoy that one.

As far as pickups go, a D21 Hardbody or D22 Frontier is a fantastic choice. If you can get hold of a crew cab, it would be a great choice.

I still think a Forester is a great choice. And here's why:

Mom car? I don't see one.

With a little work they're pretty sick. And it never ceases to amaze me what they are truly capable of. They will go a lot of the places my Frontier will go. And they're more or less bulletproof. I routinely see them for sale with nearly 300k on the clock. I've driven a few like that, and they were still as strong and smooth as the day they rolled out of the factory. Maintenance is pretty cheap, as well as upgrades like lifts, etc. Bumpers would have to be made, but that's about it.

But, as mortonm said, it's your money, so it comes down to you in the end. As long as you're happy, that's what matters. Don't let anyone tell you different. I'm just throwing out what I think would work for you.

 

[DesertFront]

If it were me there would be no hesitation. XTERRA