The Nissan Path

[palmerwmd]

But then i realize that at a fraction of the cost the R51 is easily its equal.

The current Gen 4RUnner is still based on its 09 redesign despite the "refreshs"

A good condition R51 is still quite competitive with a brand new 4Runner in every category except curb appeal.

That is all
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"Rifle first, Rifle last, Rifle always"

2012 V6 4WD, in Grey over Grey

[smj999smj]

My issue with the 4runner and the Tacoma has always been the seating position and the bottom seat cushions. They aren't a very comfortable vehicle for anything more than a local trip. Parts also tend to be more expensive, on average, than Nissan parts. I'll stick with my R51!
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2006 Pathfinder LE VQ40DE AWD, aftermarket radiator, Airlift 1000's, Bilstein HD rear shocks, Doug Thorley shortie headers and mid-pipes, Magnaflow 12580 muffler, aFe Momentum GT CAI w/ dry filter, XTP plenum spacer, Superchips Flashpaq tuner

[00pathySE]

No VQ power...forget it!!
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2006 R51 Pathfinder LE

[underworld1001]

Agreed with 00pathySE. I had a 06 G35 back in the day and I gotta say, the VQ has got some balls when you floor it. Not only that it sounds great as well. Can't tell you how many people I've had in my truck who's surprised it's a V6.
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2011 SV V6 - BF Goodrich KO2 LT265/75 17-C, StopTech slotted rotors (934.42044), AEM DryFlow drop-in air filter (28-20286), free air box mod, Xtreme Truck Performance IMS (http://extremetruckperformance.com/?page_id=6), Bilstein 4600's (F-24-197427 / R-24-197434), Moog springs (F-81280 / R-81119 ), CSF aluminum radiator (7029)

[ShipFixer]

I wanted a 4Runner but the seats are always too low to the ground. Can't get comfortable driving one. I've rented the latest Highlander on surfing trips and like it a lot, but it's not going to replace the Pathfinder as it's, well...a Highlander. It probably suits my needs better than the Pathfinder in 2018 but I don't like the idea of rolling up to the top of the mountain in one.

And now that I've had IRS in the Pathfinder with Bilsteins and whatnot for so long, riding in a friend's XTerra, 4Runner, or Tahoe down the highway just feels like too much of a compromise.

In Saudi Arabia, my government vehicle was a 2011 Ford Expedition with IRS and I liked the way it handled a lot. The engine however was badly underpowered and the traction control was ancient compared to the Pathfinder; one slight bump and it would seriously dial back throttle to compensate. If the new Expedition with the Ecoboost V-6 drives more like the Pathfinder...maybe someday.

Ford Explorer Sport has pull like the Pathfinder but doesn't quite drive like it...which some Bilsteins and other parts would probably fix. Mileage is about the same so it would be a one for one replacement in cost :-/ I rented a regular Explorer for a week and liked it, but the engine is super pedestrian.

Never, ever the R52. I also looked at Muranos when I got the Pathfinder but that CVT business doesn't do it for me.
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2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4: XTP Intake Manifold Spacer, PRG motor mounts, Moog springs, Bilstein shocks, Air Lift 1000, PRG Delrin steering rack bushings, CSF all aluminum radiator.

[weaver]

On the 4runner: I was looking into those last fall (similar model years as R51) and every one I looked at had SEVERE rot on the frames or 2-3 layers of undercoating. Did some digging and found a MAJOR manufacturing flaw. Apparently the frames made in Mexico (contactracted to Dana IIRC) had botched processes in the 2nd &3rd coats of the anti-corrosion treatments. Therfore, frames, mounting points (for everything: susp,steering, body, fuel etc)were rotting, seriously compromising the safety of the truck. Owners had things breaking and falling off. Many weren't safe for the road, so they were "gronded". Folks had a truck they owed thousands of $ on and they could'nt drive them.(Sounds familiar,hmm...) Last look NHSB was looking into it and people were circling the wagons for a class action suit. No recall, no alerts on issue. Same issue on Tacomas, but Toyota offered to replace frame if owner paid 1rst $1000! It's not that a mistake was made, it's what's done about it (or not done in this case) Manufacturers (and people) need to be held accountable. I sure as heck am! Do it right. Check your work. Stand behind it. Simple, not frickin rocket science. I won't EVER even glance at any Toyota just because of they way they left people's rear in the wind.
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08 R-51 SE VQ40DE 4wd stnd, restoring to stock and slightly upragrding.D.O.P. 1-19, so far:spectra rad,all LED;(excld hls)t-stat,cooler lines, skid plates,resv tank,TPMStrnsmtrs, upgrading corroded hardware;list:Air 1000, Bilstein shocks, 7pin trailer conn,lighting & switching mods, various restos,MX-7000 light bar,new exhaust

[smj999smj]

Toyota did do a recall on some of the trucks. I had a 2003 Tacoma before my 06 Pathfinder and did receive a recall. In my case, my frame was in great shape, so they just had to clean it up and spray on a rust preventative coating. But I have seen frames on other Tacoma's and 4Runners that were severely rotted and ready to break! The recall did provide provisions for frame repairs and even replacements, depending on the extent of the damage. I believe the recall was voluntary, if I'm not mistaken, and had a time limit. Coincidentally, Nissan had similar problems with its Navara frames, which would rot and break right where the cab and bed meet; it hasn't been an issue on the Frontiers.
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2006 Pathfinder LE VQ40DE AWD, aftermarket radiator, Airlift 1000's, Bilstein HD rear shocks, Doug Thorley shortie headers and mid-pipes, Magnaflow 12580 muffler, aFe Momentum GT CAI w/ dry filter, XTP plenum spacer, Superchips Flashpaq tuner

[weaver]

I need to correct myself. It's the NHTSA doing the investigation on 2002-2011 4runners. A lawsuit has been filed in DC late last year if I'm remembering right. Tacomas, Tundras and Sequoias were recalled. 05-2011 Tacomas recalled for the frame rust in 2016, but the 4Runner only had limited unpublicized service campaigns, and by the time people found their issue the clock had run out. Just seems sneaky on Toys part. I could be wrong, this is just what I remember.(NOOO, never wrong, not me! hardy har har) Thanks for the reply and info.I didn't know about the Navaras, WOW. My family has been involved in many Nissan recalls over the years and Nissan has always done the right thing, one of the reasons I finally got my Pathfinder this year
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08 R-51 SE VQ40DE 4wd stnd, restoring to stock and slightly upragrding.D.O.P. 1-19, so far:spectra rad,all LED;(excld hls)t-stat,cooler lines, skid plates,resv tank,TPMStrnsmtrs, upgrading corroded hardware;list:Air 1000, Bilstein shocks, 7pin trailer conn,lighting & switching mods, various restos,MX-7000 light bar,new exhaust

[underworld1001]

[smj999smj]