Originally Posted by allmotoronly
Recently I was looking into the 4runners. After looking at and test driving the V8 model, I decided against it. I ended up getting a newer Xterra OFFROAD model. It has a V6 with only 5 less hp than the V8 4runner. It also gets good gas mileage and has good off road capabilities. I wouldn't go with a 4runner if I were you. Insurance is also cheaper since it is a V6 instead of a V8. The engine is a VQ40DE, which is a stroked version of the VQ35DE from the 350Z, maxima, and altima. I also test drove a H3 hummer. If you like being able to pass anything faster than a geo metro while at the same time not burning half the oil reserve of saudi arabia, I suggest something else. It's weak and slow, and not much better off the highway than my xterra (according to car and driver) and not as good as a jeep wrangler.
As for the maxima and altima, the altima has more hp than the maxima (until the 2009 maxima). I definitely wouldn't go with a civic. After owning one, I will most likely never own another. It reminded me of driving a gokart.
If you are like me and very picky about cars, good luck finding something you like. I've been through 8 cars in the last 5 years, and I finally found something I like (Xterra). After owning many different cars, and even a full size truck, I found that a small/mid sized suv is the best thing to suit my needs.
Good luck finding something!!
