Prisoner's dilemma...FJ Cruiser or Xterra?

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PapaSmurfj80

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As some of you know, I sold my 80 not too long ago and am having seller's remorse. I just couldn't justify putting major money into maintenance and mods that FAR exceeded the value of my original purchase price. Then I started talking to the insurance agent and the smallest accident would likely end in them totaling the vehicle. I know you can buy it back and all that...but anyway, it is sold and gone. So...

As a means to replacing the FJ80, I have always been interested in the FJ Cruiser and the Xterra as newer model alternatives. I know that the FJ and Mr. T's superiority far outshines the Xterra...no question there. But, it looks like you can get a Xterra for <$10k and 30k miles vs the FJ at double the price. So, what to do? Both fit my needs as to what they will be used for, but I don't want a big honkin car payment for a rig that I would be afraid to take on the trail. Problem is that I really like the FJ a whole lot.

I know a lot of you graduated from Xterras to LCs. Any thoughts? Are the Xterra's junk? Have been lurking on their forums as well as the FJ forum here. And advice to sway me one way or the other would be appreciated.

Also, if you would like to donate your 100 series free-of-charge to my dilemma, that would be appreciated as well.
 
My wife is working on her second Xterra. Her first was a gutless wonder--2002 model. Other than that it was a good truck. The second, a 2007 is the one we own now. We got the SE, top of the line model and then added aftermarket leather. It's 4x4, auto, and has stability control and side impact airbags. The 4.0L motor is a typical Nissan motor, not much power down low, but will run like a scalded dog in the upper RPM's. Mixed driving it gets about 19mpg, strictly highway at the speed limit we had a tank at 24.2. The Rockford Fosgate radio is nice, the sub woofer really thumps. It's MP3 compatible, has a 6 disc in dash player. Build quality on our particular truck is pretty good, fit and finish is nice. But, friends of ours have the same year model and they have a squeak in the cabin that they can't find, and the dealership doesn't want to look for.

We originally looked at the FJC also. We have kids, so we had to go with the 4 real doors. Thought that was a smart decision, but I'm not so sure now. The back seat of the Xterra is damn near useless except for small children. The rear wheel wells bump into the hip room big time. Bottom line is that two carseats is all that fits. Which sucks since I have two kids in carseats, and one more. It's a 4 person rig with the carseats. The back doors are small and the opening is even smaller, almost impossible for a full grown man to get back there. I'm not convinced the FJC would have been any worse, even with the half door.

Ride is adequate, about right for such a short wheel base, which means it bumps and jolts pretty good over expansion joints when compared to a car. Compared to my Dodge trucks and our Excursion, I'd say the ride is firmer and probably better. The steering is heavy to the touch, but the thing is quick to wander. It takes alot of attention to drive it--good thing or bad thing, your decision.

My biggest pet peeve other than the back seat is the doors. The stops don't hold the doors open at all on our driveway which is admittedly steep. None of our other vehicles have this problem, and I can't tell you the times the damn things have hit me in the back of the legs while loading kids in. Or worse how many times I"ve smacked one of the kids heads on the door as it unexpectedly closes. The other annoying thing is no outside temp display on the trip computer.

We got a good deal on the Xterra, ordered it exactly how we wanted it for $500 under invoice, and then another $2000 rebate off invoice.

All in all it's not a bad vehicle at all, especially for the money. My wife loves it, but I wish we'd taken an extended test drive of the FJC.

I guess I'm saying, if the Xterra works for you and your needs, go for it. It's not a bad vehicle at all.
 
I just sold a nicely modded '08 Trail Team FJ Cruiser for an 80 series. I liked the FJ but I was afraind of destroying a new truck on trails. The FJ is a nice ride. Lots of power- my 6-spd man would bark the tires on a dry road, it's FT 4WD like the 80s.

Back seat isnt that bad, but the half doors can be annoying at times.

Cargo room is smallish compared to the 80. I always found it small-but I carry a medic bag and a full set of fire gear, plus tool bag and stuff so Im probably the exception on carrying stuff all the time. The FJs have alot of aftermarket support right now. I had a set of the Springtail Solutions racks and that helped with cargo management.

Ive seen nice used FJs with decent miles in the mid teens-also some already modded ones for that price. The FJ seems to do better off road, especially once lifted. I had the ICON lift with 33x12.50 tires and it will wheel.

If you havnt yet check out Toyota FJ Cruiser Community. Lots of good info. Also see the supporting vendor section for an idea of the possibilities.

My only reason for selling was the amount of money tied up in it and my fear of seriously damaging a new truck. I was able to sell it for pretty close to what I had in it (closest I would ever be) so away it went. i now have a paid for truck that I wont mind about breaking.
 
One more in the mix...Tundra

Thanks for the comments, I am leaning more and more towards the Nissan from what I've read. I have TWO carseats and I think the FJ will just be too much of a hassle. From what I've read, the 07 and up Xterras presented much fewer "issues" in regards to build quality where as the FJ's are solid out of the gate.

I keep tormenting the :princess: with all of this car talk and she says to stick with toyota regardless. I used to have an 02 Tundra (before the quad cab was introduced) and that was the best truck ever. With the economy in the toilet, I am seeing the Tundra 4 doors with good mileage around $15K. The car seats would fit, but she won't drive a pickup.

Anyway, I think I can get all the mods with Xterra within a short time of purchase whereas the cost of the FJ will push those pretty far out.

Who knows...the problem is that I love all cars!
 
How much are those '07 and up Xterras going for?

I know some local techs from the Nissan dealer and between the two they would say go Toyota. Nissans arent what they used to be. Plus the FJ is more capable.

I have the same problem of loving all cars-drives my wife crazy. After selling the FJ I looked at Dodge Ram Power Wagons, 62 series Cruisers, 80 series Cruisers, 40 series and buy a car for going to work etc. She was about ready to divorce me when I finally decided on getting an 80. Then it became Land Cruiser or LX450. I had fun with the search-she didnt.
 
nissans cost less for a reason. I had an xterra a few years ago, I think it was a 2001. it looked tough but that was all it had going for it. It literally got stuck in damp pine straw on level ground. have you seen the 100 series in the classifieds in NC?
 
Yes, I saw that 100 series and like it a lot. I just can't justify making payments on a vehicle that has greater than 60K miles. I actually intended to replace my 80 with a 100 series but the cheapest I could find that fit the mileage criteria was in the $28k-$30k range.

Any maintenance problems with the xterra? Did it get stuck in 4wd?

BTW - I have been seeing you comment a lot in the classifieds, are you looking at replacing the 92 as well?
 
bhmmapping said:
nissans cost less for a reason. I had an xterra a few years ago, I think it was a 2001. it looked tough but that was all it had going for it. It literally got stuck in damp pine straw on level ground. have you seen the 100 series in the classifieds in NC?
Click to expand...


I would second looking at that 100 series in NC. For 9500 that is an awesome deal.

If that doesn't strike your fancy, I might be able to work out a deal with you, so you can buy my awesome LX450 and I can buy that 100.

Well, it probably won't work out b/c I would want too much for my truck. But worth a shot anyway.
 
PapaSmurfj80 said:
Yes, I saw that 100 series and like it a lot. I just can't justify making payments on a vehicle that has greater than 60K miles. I actually intended to replace my 80 with a 100 series but the cheapest I could find that fit the mileage criteria was in the $28k-$30k range.

Any maintenance problems with the xterra? Did it get stuck in 4wd?

BTW - I have been seeing you comment a lot in the classifieds, are you looking at replacing the 92 as well?
Click to expand...

My wife's 2002 Xterra would occasional be tough to get back out of 4wd (just put it in reverse and back up about 10 ft, it was fine), and though they advertised it as shift on the fly, it was far from it.

The 2007 has had zero issues like that at all (28,6XX miles so far), and drives like it did when it was new. Drove it at least 500 miles in 4 Hi on a trip to NM during the winter last year.
 
I have to be completely honest here, I know the Xterrra's can go offroad, I've wheeled with a handful, but if you looking at one then please don't think it is the quality of an 80 even if the 80 has 200K on the clock. Land Cruisers can be ignored for years and still be reliable vehicles in the right hands, Xterras can not. All it takes is crawling under both rigs to see why there is a difference in quality.
Stick with Toyota at least.
 
I would rather push my Toyota than drive a Nissan.

Even though you ruled out the FJC, the traction controls make it a more capable vehicle in stock condition.

Since you have kids, I would go with a 100 series or a really nice condition 80 series. I have two friends and their wives both drive Land Cruisers and they are extremely pleased with its ability to haul kids and their gear.

Before you go make a mistake and buy an Xterra, at least look at the Highlander.
 
PapaSmurfj80 said:
Looks like the 100 in NC is sold, but this looks interesting...

---1997 Lexus LX450---
Click to expand...

Nice looking truck. Hard to tell by the pictures and I think the ad is a little misleading, but I do not think it has lockers.

So on that note, I think the price is a little high, but maybe not that bad considering the mileage. There are a couple good 'mud' guys over in the ATL that might be willing to check it out.

Actually, I am going to the ATL this weekend for easter. Interesting.

Also, bummer on the 100 in NC being sold. I would have sold my LX450 for the ATL 450 price and went - bought the NC 100.
 
Last edited:
I am not really thinking about selling my 92, but have also owned a 97 and can tell you that they are two entirely different vehicles. I wouldn't rule out a nice late model 80, don't overpay just because of low mileage. Maintenance is more important than mileage with the 80 series. Maintenance is more important than mileage with the 80 series.

You really should see if Eric will let you drive his pink panty mobile, um I mean lx450. It is a perfect example of a well maintained high mileage 80. I would guarantee it drives better than any xterra with 20,000 miles.
 
bhmmapping said:
You really should see if Eric will let you drive his pink panty mobile, um I mean lx450. It is a perfect example of a well maintained high mileage 80. I would guarantee it drives better than any xterra with 20,000 miles.
Click to expand...


Hey now....that is capital P, Pink Panty mobile...and lets not forget it.

Thanks for the comment.
 
yea my dad hooked me with my 80 no service history but its way better than the i suzie q cupcake i had between toyotas hey dont let your dad talk ya into anything the thing needs so much work mechanically
 
I'm a fan of Nissan cars, but the Xterra wasn't good to us. My wife had one of the first generation ones and it was a pile. New motor at 1800 miles due to coolant leaking out of the porous block, after that oil cap kept falling off, finally convinced the dealer to replace the valve cover and that was fixed, then it started overheating at 50k miles. I get pissed off at thta thing then and traded it for my previous '99 4Runner-man was that ever a good move.

I would say NO to the Xterra and either get an FJ or if four doors are desired get a 4runner.
 
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