Outdoor Adventure USA

So, my 04 F-150 4x4 is getting a bit long in the tooth (163k miles) and I want something newer and lower mileage for the longer trips I make. I also want something smaller and easier to live with as a daily driver.

I've decided a small SUV is the right ticket for me to fill my needs as a daily driver, weekend sports support vehicle (mostly hiking and cycling), and outdoor adventure vehicle. I don't plan to crawl any rocks but do want a vehicle that can perform well and stay together on rough dirt roads. Oh, it will also occasionally haul around a Golden Retriever.

What's the verdict on FJ Cruiser vs the Xterra? I'm sure either will suit my needs off road but what about reliability and quality? The Xterra seems to offer more bang for the buck and, unlike the FJ, can be ordered with a Nav System. But is it built as well? One thing that concerns me about the Xterra is it's high rate of depreciation. In contrast, the FJ seems to do much better in that regard.

What do you folks think?

The FJ Cruiser and the Xterra are both excellent vehicles; either would probably serve your needs, but they do have different strengths, which I think are worth considering before you decide.

Let me start with full disclosure - I have been a professional mechanic, fabricator, systems designer, and customizer for vehicles, and more specifically off-road vehicles, for almost 40 years. I have had the pleasure of taking apart, repairing, and upgrading virtually every 4WD vehicle available over the last 5 decades, so my experience has definitely influenced my biases and opinions of what are better or lessor vehicles. I currently own an FJ Cruiser, and have owned a long string of Landcruisers - none by accident. That said, here's what I think.

The Nissan Xterra is a fine 4WD sport utility. It was designed to compete with the more expensive Toyota 4Runner, providing a good, stable platform for less money. The Xterra, and most Nissans, have reasonably reliable service records, and are pretty well built. The Toyota FJ Cruiser, as well as most Toyotas, are IMHO among the finest constructed vehicles on the planet, regardless of price. Their reputation, and resale values, are well deserved. There is no accident the FJ Cruiser, despite being a low production vehicle, retains the highest resale value of any vehicle sold in this country. It is built like a brick, and offers off-road performance that has no rivals in it's price range, or pricing much higher, too. Every panel can be taken off and reinstalled without issue, and everything functions as it was designed, traditionally for ridiculously long periods of time.
The FJ does has limitations; some consider its visibility to be poor, fuel mileage is not great, and storage space is limited. The Xterra has more HP, better fuel economy (theoretically, at least), and more storage space - as well as 4 full doors for easier passenger entry and exit.

From an aftermarket perspective, the FJ wins hands down. Most manufacturers have ignored the Xterra, whether you are looking for protection, suspension, or aftermarket goodies of any type. This is due to demand; very few folks who have Xterras use them off-road - not unlike Range Rovers, G-Wagens, and many Landcruisers. The FJ was marketed directly to the off-road audience from day 1, and aftermarket demand and support shows that. While not as varied as the Jeep aftermarket support, options for most Toyota 4WDs are prevalent, allowing you an easier time to tailor the vehicle to your personal needs.

Bottom line to me - if you prefer a vehicle with more space, lower initial cost, and you are not inclined to do more serious trails or modifications, the Nissan Xterra would be an excellent choice. If you are more interested in a tank-tough off-road vehicle, with reasonable street manners, unmatched reliability, and lots of aftermarket support to outfit it for anything you might want to do, the FJ would be the winner, hands-down - and I did put my money where my mouth is

Thanks for that info, CruiserLarry! Good stuff and very helpful.

I'll be test driving a 2014 FJ later today.

I have had the 2nd gen Xterra 4x4 OR since 2005. Its a love hate relationship. My next vehicle will be a Toyota Tacoma or 4runner. Do yourself a favor and get the FJ. Aftermarket and resale value are much better.

Fetus wrote:I have had the 2nd gen Xterra 4x4 OR since 2005. Its a love hate relationship. My next vehicle will be a Toyota Tacoma or 4runner. Do yourself a favor and get the FJ. Aftermarket and resale value are much better.

What don't you like about the Xterra?

The front differential on the Xterra is a known weak point. It hasn't failed me yet though.

I had a relay fail me on the freeway and cause me to stall. Luckily, I was close to the shoulder and was able to get off the road without getting hit. I ended up taking a window washer relay and putting it in and limping home. Turns out there was a recall that I didn't get the notice for until after the fact.

Nissans are notorious for having timing chain guide issues. Mine went bad and I'm in the process of getting it repaired. The dealership wanted over 2 grand to fix it. I have a mechanic doing it for half. Google Nissan and timing chain. There is a class action lawsuit and they just recalled the Juke.

I have an issue with the evap on the gas tank and I have the parts, just not the time to fix. The catalytic converter went bad in Cat 2. Oil pressure sensor went haywire.

However, my truck is 9 years old and at 160,000 miles. It's paid for and at this point, I'll drive it into the ground. I'm about to throw and OME suspension kit and AAL on it.

James

It was great to see you back. Any chance there is a Borrego Fest appearance in your future (October 10-12, 2014)?

Actually I'm doing a trip to Zion, Toroweap, and North Rim of Grand Canyon those dates. Will have a HF rig with me if that works.

HF works very well, and for that matter, so does APRS and VHF. Depending on where you are, there are quite a few repeaters that you will be able to hit, especially from the rim.

Post some pics when you return. Good luck!!!

Well, I picked up an FJ today. Pretty cool truck. I'm looking forward to hitting the trails with it.

Thanks for everyone's advice/info.