LC or Xterra

[HachiBoi93]

Hi, I know this is an LC forum but I'd like to ask your advice on the following,
I need a large SUV to go over landing in for photography work as well as leisure exploration with my wife and one that can comfortably fit my "large" 110lb Akita(dog) and a possible 150lb newfoundland(dog) in the future. The car would also be my daily driver.

I'd like a LC but everything I have found seems to be above my budget if I try to stick with lower mileage as a priority and steer clear of rust. Realistically I could afford to buy one cash for about $6-7k possibly $8K if I push it. The problem I see is that cars in this range have mileages of over 200k and again we are talking about 20 year old SUVs.

My other consideration was the Xterra. My dad owned one and he drove it to hell and back. I could afford a newer Xterra 4x4 (2007-2010) with my budget which might ensure either more longevity or less breakdowns in the long run .

The final option would be to finance an even newer 2014-2015 Xterra PRO-4X which would probably give me more peace of mind in terms of reliability up front. I live in an apartment so doing my own mechanical work would probably not work for either SUV.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[95Fantasma80]

You are in Los Angeles so within 100-200 miles you have dozens of options to scour also consider a GX470 to open up some more options, and if you are patient can score a sweet deal. Aim for the lower end of your budget to have some extra cash for extras and don't worry about the mileage what's important is the maintenance.

Also sticking to lower end of budget allows to set aside 1-2K for base lining and try to find something where owner took care of the big ticket items already (timing belt, radiator, CV's, steering rack) just to make sure you won't have any huge baseline bill up front.

If can't do maintenance, RPM garage in IE has great reviews to take care of any upgrades, issues or baseline.

 

[MongooseGA]

Do you have anything factored in to your budget for repairs beyond the $6-8k for the purchase? You'll need to. If not, you can't afford a 100 right now. I wouldn't expect less than $3k additional to bring any cheaper, higher mileage 100 up to just daily-driving snuff. Do a search in this forum, it's been discussed a ton. Mileage isn't really an issue in and of itself with these, but maintenance is huge. A higher mileage truck with all the maintenance is going to run a lot more than one without it.

Being unable to do your own work would be a big concern. A lot of the work these trucks need is easily DIY-able, but pricey when you start talking to mechanics. Parts are generally not inexpensive, but not ridicuous either. You're talking about over-engineered, over-built, world-roaming, luxury vehicles. They will last forever but they won't be maintenance-free or dirt cheap to keep in good shape.

IMO, an Xterra isn't really comparable. I percieve it as a throw-away car and the 100 as one that gets handed down through family because they keep going. Do I remember the earlier Xterras having head gasket issues?

 

[SocalLCruiser]

First, you've probably come to the wrong forum to ask which is better. We'll all say the LC is the way to go. However, with not having a place to do at least some of your own work, a newer vehicle is probably the way to go. The majority of the 100 series LC have close to 200k on them by now and unless you can be sure that the major maintenance items have been addressed, you'll be spending a lot to have it done. If the vehicle you choose has been maintained and major services done, 200k is not a big deal.

Seeing that you are also in CA, you should be able to find a clean, rust free LC. If you're not in a hurry, good ones do pop up from time to time.

Personally, I have a 2003 with 204k that I would not hesitate to drive anywhere. It runs and drives as well as when we bought it in 2003! Keeping it running and driving well has come with a price tag since I rarely do the work myself.

The Xterra and Land Cruiser are 2 totally different class of vehicle. The Xterra probably gets better fuel economy. but lacks in other areas. Since you stated that it will be a daily driver, fuel mileage should come into the picture. While these Land Cruisers can go anywhere, they almost always get stuck at gas stations!

I've personally never driven an Xterra but have ridden in one. It was nowhere close to being a Land Cruiser. As for the Xterras off road capabilities, there was a guy that had one and wanted to come along with a few of us in 100 series (Lexus 470 and Land Cruisers) and a Jeep. 2 of the 100series were bone stock. The Xterra was also bone stock. He was struggling on things we didn't even think twice on. But in his defense, his tires were not very good and it was wet. Also, he admitted to not being very experienced.

Either will fit your dogs and gear. But the LC will probably do it easier. Go drive a 100 series, even one you determine you wouldn't buy. It sounds like you've spent some time in the Xterra and probably know what they are like. Listen to your gut. Then...... buy the LAND CRUISER!

 

[TorchRedTulsan]

A year and a half ago, I bought my first LC in San Diego for $6k with 190k. Had the seller drop it off at a shop to do the timing belt and heater t's while I flew down from Seattle to pick it up. I drove it back 2k trouble free miles. It's been my daily driver for 20k miles. Only problem I've had was a $60 ignition coil failure that took 10 min. And I still love driving it every time I get in it or even see it.

 

[clay763]

The Xterra is not in the same league as a Cruiser. IMO, Nissan does not offer a decent 4x4 in the states (nothing like the Patrols...). If you are considering financing a newer Xterra, you should look at a 4Runner or FJC, especially if reliability is your concern. You could drive a 4Runner or FJC for 60,000 miles before anything more than an oil change is really needed. The FJ may look smaller than the 4Runner, but you will love the washable interior with 2 large dogs in the back... use a roof storage container for all your gear.

If you can't do your own wrenching, I would not advise an older vehicle. Find a good used or certified late model Toyota, use the heck out of it and never worry about it.

 

[re_guderian]

My other consideration was the Xterra. My dad owned one and he drove it to hell and back...

... I could afford a newer Xterra 4x4 (2007-2010) with my budget which might ensure either more longevity or less breakdowns in the long run .

These two statements are at odds, and reflect a misunderstanding of modern vehicle reliability, and especially Land Cruiser reliability. Don't fear the miles...

 

[TorchRedTulsan]

These two statements are at odds, and reflect a misunderstanding of modern vehicle reliability, and especially Land Cruiser reliability. Don't fear the miles...

Maybe I'm missing something. He said his dad had a reliable Xterra. The Xterra he can afford is newer than the LC he can afford, with the implication being newer=lower miles and possibly better. While I can understand comparing Xterra to LC reliability presents problems, I'm not seeing where his statements are at odds with each other or that he has a misunderstanding of modern vehicle reliability

 

[JunkCrzr89]

If you are considering financing a newer Xterra, you should look at a 4Runner

This.

 

[ramangain]

To the OP: What are they saying in the Xterra forums?

 

[elk]

The Xterra isn't a bad truck. It isn't an LC. The fit and finish are a level lower, but it will run 250-300k on the motor without issue. If you can't find an LC to suit, it will still serve you well. Gas mileage is more in line with a 4Runner. The aftermarket is decent if you choose to build it out. It is not intended to have the same service life, but it is a durable truck.

In full disclosure, I think highly of Nissan's Frontier platform. I like that you can get a manual and a locker. The 6spd has a bit of a quirky feel, and I have a personal beef with Nissan's steering wheel and interior. Go test drive both.

 

[BearDog17]

A year and a half ago, I bought my first LC in San Diego for $6k with 190k. Had the seller drop it off at a shop to do the timing belt and heater t's while I flew down from Seattle to pick it up. I drove it back 2k trouble free miles. It's been my daily driver for 20k miles. Only problem I've had was a $60 ignition coil failure that took 10 min. And I still love driving it every time I get in it or even see it.

damn that sounds like a hell of a deal. May i ask how you found it? Also, I’ve never bought anything that wasn’t local where I could go see the car, how do you make sure it’s okay if you are out of state?

 

[TorchRedTulsan]

damn that sounds like a hell of a deal. May i ask how you found it? Also, I’ve never bought anything that wasn’t local where I could go see the car, how do you make sure it’s okay if you are out of state?

I'm a bit research obsessive. I'd scour any car selling format multiple times per day. Craigslist, forums, dealer sites, etc. I happened to find this one on Auto Trader.
I've done it a couple times. I posted a request here in the local clubhouse section. A member checked it out, test drove it, and called me to tell me his thoughts. He took pictures of potential problems and I posted them here to get more feedback.

It was a good deal, but not exactly a steal. The seats were absolutely trashed. Some of the service history was unknown. Faded paint and some surface rust. All things I was okay with given the entry price. I could space out the cost of those kinds of things

 

[CloudCity]

XTerra is a great, durable rig and much cheaper point of entry. It is not even close in terms of build quality os a Cruiser. I like the Nissans and have considered buying one a few times in my life but the truck like feel never quite got me there. Have you driven a 100-series yet? That might answer many of the questions.

I do really like the suggestion of a GX470 tho, kinda hits right between the two, durability and near capability of the Cruiser, lower entry price and the biggest downside is losing the tailgate to a swing-gate. You can do some of the basic repairs and maintenance in a parking garage if your landlord allows that, but if not any 4x4 with any age will have some unexpected (and some expected) needs. If possible spend a bit up front for an inspection at a qualified garage that knows or specializes in the vehicle you're taking them. That's important and will easily pay for itself.

 

[97 AZ LC]

I like Xterras and think they are quite durable. I would get a base 2wd stick shift though. The automatic transmissions have some problems. Also the timing chains don't seem to last as long as the 4.7L timing belts.

 

[krice118]

If budget conscious get a GX470. Cant beat it

 

[geanes]

As others have suggested above, consider a GX470 for sure. They share a LOT of parts with 4Runners which means greater availability and wider variety of parts at potentially lower cost. I wouldn't hesitate to get a GX frankly. I hate the "cargo door"....but, that's just me.

 

[D21FJ60]

The Xterra isn't a bad truck. It isn't an LC. The fit and finish are a level lower, but it will run 250-300k on the motor without issue. If you can't find an LC to suit, it will still serve you well. Gas mileage is more in line with a 4Runner. The aftermarket is decent if you choose to build it out. It is not intended to have the same service life, but it is a durable truck.

In full disclosure, I think highly of Nissan's Frontier platform. I like that you can get a manual and a locker. The 6spd has a bit of a quirky feel, and I have a personal beef with Nissan's steering wheel and interior. Go test drive both.

This is a fair assessment. The manual and locker are the ONLY reasons to consider an xterra, but youre in L.A. so do you really want a manual?

For reference, I picked up a 99 with almost 300k on it for $3k. The steering rack is in desperate need of replacement, the suspension is competely shot, interior is thrashed, some HVAC controls dont work, AC is busted. I found some used wheels and tires to replace the 10 year old ones that were on there. Oh and the radiator and hoses should probably done sooner than later.

Plus side is PO did the tb/wp a year ago and brake master cylinder 16 years ago.

However I am in the DC area so mine also has rust, and market around here is most cruisers are gone quick irregardless of condition.
I can turn my own wrenches and also have a very active, knowledgeable club and 2 very skilled land cruiser shops nearby. And a driveway to park it in.

I hope this gives some assistance. I too agree look for a 4runner as opposed to the xterra. If you are looking for more power than the v6, the 4th gen had teh 4.7 as an option. With your cash amount you can find one, and remember maintenance and rust is more important than miles.

Or put some down and get a 5th gen t4r because those are very good vehicles out the box.

 

[95Fantasma80]

To the OP: What are they saying in the Xterra forums?

A little detective work and landed on this, seems like same poster:

Let's see what the xtrerra guys are saying.

Xterra or LC

Hi I'd like to ask your advice on the following, I need a large SUV to go over landing in for photography work as well as leisure exploration with my wife and one that can comfortably fit my "large" 110lb Akita(dog) and a possible 150lb newfoundland(dog) in the future. The car would also be...

www.thenewx.org

 

[uHu]

....I'd like a LC but everything I have found seems to be above my budget if I try to stick with lower mileage as a priority and steer clear of rust. ....
My other consideration was the Xterra...

Get the Xterra and leave the few proper cruisers left to those who do not doubt. Remember that "Low miles" for a cruiser means under 300k. Rust is a bigger problem than miles, / if northern.

PS
As it is for work, wouldn't it make sense to get a vehicle that will give you maximum time for photography, a platform which is "overlanding proof", even if you have to invest a bit extra. Is the profit dependent on how remote you can travel in safety? One good thing with the cruisers (up to th 100 series at least) is that they are "field servicable" to a high degree, with very little need for special tools, in case you have a mishap.