R50 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Gen3 Mitsubishi Montero vs. Gen3 Toyota 4Runner

[DanF.]

I'm toying with the idea to sell my BMW 540i and purchase a DD 4x4 that would cost around $5,000. My wife owns a 2004 Pathfinder, and my brother owns a Gen3 4Runner, so I've had some experience and driving time with those two, but no experience with a Montero. I'm looking for the pros/cons of each. I'd like to do a mild build on it to give it some better offroad/camping/overland capabilities, e.g. tires, rack storage, lighting, mild suspension, etc... The follow pros/cons are not all-inclussive, and I'd appreciate whatever you guys can add to my list. FWIW, I'm going to post in the three main sub-forums (here, and in the Nissan, and Toyota) to get as much info as I can.

R50 Nissan Pathfinder

Pros: Strong engine, easy to lift 1-2", can still find manual gearbox with low miles, smaller size vehicle

Cons: Not a ton of aftermarket support, tire size limited by IFS, complex engine, not many came with factory LSD


Gen3 Mitsubishi Montero

Pros: strong driveline, very good 4wd system, can still find near-100k mile versions in good condition, lots of interior room, factory LSD

Cons: no manual gearbox for Gen3 models (?), long overall size


Gen3 Toyota 4Runner

Pros: Large aftermarket support, great reputation for toughness, can find manual gearbox versions, some came with rear diff. locker

Cons: most have 200k+ miles by now, seem to rust more, least powerful engine of the three, smallish interior



Again, feel free to add to this list, and share your opinions. I'm 6'2", and lanky, so width isn't a big concern. I like camping/mtn biking/exploring, and have a dog that'll ride in the back.

 

[Scat Adams]

3rd gen 4runner would be my choice and most others on here as well since this is a mostly toyota based forum. Im 6'1 and my 3rd gen was a tad small, but it never really bothered me.

You can find them with low mileage if you search hard enough but just be ready to pay more for it and be ready to buy it immediately if its "the one" as 3rd gen's in good condition are still very sought after.

Good luck!

 

[Dalko43]

Out of the options you provided, I'm inclined to say the R50 pathfinder, since:
1) it's still a BOF SUV (unlike the current versions), does it have a solid rear axle though?
2) more powerful engine, the 3rd gen 4runner is going to feel like a snail in modern-day traffic, but that may not be important to you.
3) not too familiar with the aftermarket support with any of these vehicles, but you should be able to find someone who makes stuff

If you're willing to consider other options, I would recommend looking into the 80 series land cruisers. Very capable, very robust, decent engine (though it's noted for needing work at the higher mileages). You should be able to hunt for some nearing or at the $5k mark.

 

[DanF.]

The R50 is a unibody design, but I can't imagine that it'll be an issue for me. I don't think I'd be needing to lift it much, at all.

Engine power isn't a huge issue. Obviously more is better, right, but my issue now is that I'm only ever using 25% of my car's engine power around town, and it never gets to stretch it's legs. Driving my wife's Pathfinder has never left me wanting more.

I've seen several replies suggesting an older Land Cruiser, but there just aren't enough clean examples in my buying area. I'm in Galveston, TX and out to about Houston is as far as I'd be able to go. I'm not really in a rush either, because I still haven't put up my BMW for sale.

Thanks for your opinions so far, guys.

 

[Dalko43]

The R50 is a unibody design, but I can't imagine that it'll be an issue for me. I don't think I'd be needing to lift it much, at all.

Engine power isn't a huge issue. Obviously more is better, right, but my issue now is that I'm only ever using 25% of my car's engine power around town, and it never gets to stretch it's legs. Driving my wife's Pathfinder has never left me wanting more.

I've seen several replies suggesting an older Land Cruiser, but there just aren't enough clean examples in my buying area. I'm in Galveston, TX and out to about Houston is as far as I'd be able to go. I'm not really in a rush either, because I still haven't put up my BMW for sale.

Thanks for your opinions so far, guys.

I always get that confused...didn't it switch back to a body on frame for the next generation (R51 series)?

Anyways, the pathfinder's engine definitely seems to have an advantage over the others....you may not care too much about engine power while driving around town, but it might matter more when you're trying to tow or carry a bunch of gear for camping trip...which is why I would be less inclined to go with the 4runner.

All of this also depends on what your planned applications are for this vehicle.

Are you simply looking for an adventure/camping vehicle that can get you down some mild dirt roads to the trail head? If so, the pathfinder makes sense.

Are you looking for something that you can modify to your heart's content and do some very technical trails or roads? Then I'd sacrifice some horsepower and go with the 4runner which has a body on frame built for that sort of thing.

If you're looking for the best of both worlds, I still think an 80 series LC makes sense...but you're going to know more about the used market in your local area than I will.

 

[DanF.]

I always get that confused...didn't it switch back to a body on frame for the next generation (R51 series)?

Anyways, the pathfinder's engine definitely seems to have an advantage over the others....you may not care too much about engine power while driving around town, but it might matter more when you're trying to tow or carry a bunch of gear for camping trip...which is why I would be less inclined to go with the 4runner.

All of this also depends on what your planned applications are for this vehicle.

Are you simply looking for an adventure/camping vehicle that can get you down some mild dirt roads to the trail head? If so, the pathfinder makes sense.

Are you looking for something that you can modify to your heart's content and do some very technical trails or roads? Then I'd sacrifice some horsepower and go with the 4runner which has a body on frame built for that sort of thing.

If you're looking for the best of both worlds, I still think an 80 series LC makes sense...but you're going to know more about the used market in your local area than I will.

Great points, all.

 

[CA-RJ]

I absolutely loved my 3rd gen 4runner. I foolishly sold it to buy an 80 Series and now 4 years later, regret that decision. I just recently bought another 4runner (4th Gen). I really wanted another 3rd gen, but to find one with 100k miles or less, you're looking at $10k plus. For a few thousand more, a 4th gen becomes a possibility and (in my opinion) is superior to the 3rd gen. For your budget of $5k, you're going to be looking at ones with well over 200k miles and even Toyotas start to wear out at that mileage.

I don't know much about the other two choices, but they all seem like they would do what you need them to do. I think getting a Nissan with lower miles is the route I would go. If you can fit a 31" tire on one, that would likely be large enough to get you most places.

 

[tanglefoot]

You might also consider a Montero Sport. There are some folks on here who are pretty smitten with them.

 

[DanF.]

You might also consider a Montero Sport. There are some folks on here who are pretty smitten with them.

I had considered them.... but, there aren't any good examples near me, and I think I'd prefer the better* suspension of the Montero. The plus of the Montero Sport is that you can still occasionally find examples with a good 'ole manual gearbox.

 

[BEG]

I think a better comparison might be with the Gen 2 and 2.5 Montero, since these would overlap more years with the R50 and 3rd Gen Runner. Depending on which years and packages you go with, the Gen 2/2.5 gains you BOF, a factory rear locker, solid rear axle, factory body lift (2.5), drive flanges that can be replaced with manual hubs, metal bumpers, rain gutters for mounting racks, sliding rear windows and bigger 3rd row seats, among other things.

 

[Loubaru]

I'd go with the 3rd gen 4Runner or Gen 2/2.5/3 Montero.

I've had a 3rd gen 4Runner for a couple years now and like it. The only downsides for us are the size (could be a little bigger), fuel mileage/range (ended up buying a 5 gallon gas can that goes on the roof rack for longer trips), and power which really isn't that big of a deal. Its super reliable and so far has been very capable on the little bit of off roading we've done. You can also still find low mileage ones you just have to look. I bought my 2000 limited w/ e locker in Portland and it only had ~64k miles on it when I bought it. While shopping for them I also found a couple in the low 100s.

I was also cross shopping the Montero before buying the 4Runner. If we had kids I probably would have went with the Montero or even a 100 series LC.

 

[montypower]

Pathfinder is great for snow or gravel. Anything more then forget it. Personally, I think the Nissan products are far inferior to Mitsu or Toyota in quality and reliability.

Montero: 24 gallon fuel tank - range easily over 400 miles / tank (even modified like mine), rear door spare tire (ideal), auxiliary fuel tank available, 2003+ have excellent 3.8L w/ 5 speed and phenomenal traction control (more capable than most any stock 4x4 - way more than 3rd gen 4runner), comfort: chair like seating (12hr drives are easy), luxury (2ft sunroof, heated seats, leather, climate control, sub, etc), massive inside (larger than 100 series land cruiser). What other SUV has 9.5" ring gear?? Fits 34" tires stock. Factory 4.90 gears.

4runner - I owned a 99 and loved it. Major drawbacks: horrible range (tiny fuel tank), weak motor (unless supercharged), small front diff and rear diff, spare tire mounted under (not ideal), not comfortable (basically sitting on the floor like a car), small interior (very limited storage). Stuff that is great: rock solid motor / transmission, small size is great on trails. I miss mine but would never replace the Montero with 3rd gen 4runner.

For entertainment:

 

[DanF.]

Pathfinder is great for snow or gravel. Anything more then forget it. Personally, I think the Nissan products are far inferior to Mitsu or Toyota in quality and reliability.

Montero: 24 gallon fuel tank - range easily over 400 miles / tank (even modified like mine), rear door spare tire (ideal), auxiliary fuel tank available, 2003+ have excellent 3.8L w/ 5 speed and phenomenal traction control (more capable than most any stock 4x4 - way more than 3rd gen 4runner), comfort: chair like seating (12hr drives are easy), luxury (2ft sunroof, heated seats, leather, climate control, sub, etc), massive inside (larger than 100 series land cruiser). What other SUV has 9.5" ring gear?? Fits 34" tires stock. Factory 4.90 gears.

4runner - I owned a 99 and loved it. Major drawbacks: horrible range (tiny fuel tank), weak motor (unless supercharged), small front diff and rear diff, spare tire mounted under (not ideal), not comfortable (basically sitting on the floor like a car), small interior (very limited storage). Stuff that is great: rock solid motor / transmission, small size is great on trails. I miss mine but would never replace the Montero with 3rd gen 4runner.

For entertainment:

Great video, where is part 2?

 

[austintaco]

I am biased toward the 4runner, but the argument for a Montero does make it a viable option. The 3.4 in the 4runner is fine, but if you do start to build it up, you will probably want to consider a re gear, depending on where you go, what you do, and what you add to the rig. The aftermarket support is readily available, and there are also lots of DIY tricks that might suit your needs too.

If you are looking for any of these vehicles, don't be afraid to travel for the right one. The 4runners are plentiful, but range in options and abuse/use. Try to find that Soccer Mom 4wd from the Dallas area that did not get handed off to the kid for college. Good luck with your search. If you see something in Austin, I would be happy to take a look at it for you, if I am not at work.

 

[DanF.]

I am biased toward the 4runner, but the argument for a Montero does make it a viable option. The 3.4 in the 4runner is fine, but if you do start to build it up, you will probably want to consider a re gear, depending on where you go, what you do, and what you add to the rig. The aftermarket support is readily available, and there are also lots of DIY tricks that might suit your needs too.

If you are looking for any of these vehicles, don't be afraid to travel for the right one. The 4runners are plentiful, but range in options and abuse/use. Try to find that Soccer Mom 4wd from the Dallas area that did not get handed off to the kid for college. Good luck with your search. If you see something in Austin, I would be happy to take a look at it for you, if I am not at work.

Thanks for the info, and the offer.