Advice on an '03 Xterra

[stick]

As you can see in my signature, I'm a Jeep guy. However, I've always had a thing for Xterra's too. The local dealer has a 2003 Xterra with 79k miles for $10,900. It looks to be in tip-top shape with no blemishes of any kind. Has a new set of AT tires. Runs good and rides pretty good. It is a 3.3L automatic I believe. I think it's an XTE package?

I don't know much about these vehicles other than I test drove an '01 about 4 years ago and I test drove this '03. I was wondering if anyone could tell me some pro's and con's of the '03 Xterra and things I should look for. Was LSD or anything available on these vehicles? WHat is the XLE package? Are the '03s know for having any kind of problems? Does the asking price seem reasonable with 79k miles? It seems a little high to me, but it is in pretty good shape.

Seller's Comments
2003 NISSAN XTERRA 4X4 V6, AUTOMATIC, 4 DOOR, LOCAL TRADE, VERY NICE!! AUTOMATIC, XLE PACKAGE, A/C, POWER EQUIPMENT, TILT, CD PLAYER. GET READY FOR THE WINTER WEATHER, IT'S JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!

 

[stick]

20+ views and no one has anything to say? Jeep guy can't get any love in the Nissan forum eepwall:

:elkgrin:

 

[Creek]

The price seems a bit high for a first gen - even though it's only got 79K miles. You can get a used 2nd gen (05+) for just a little bit more than that. Bigger engine, more interior room

 

[bigreen505]

The price seems a bit high for a first gen - even though it's only got 79K miles. You can get a used 2nd gen (05+) for just a little bit more than that. Bigger engine, more interior room

x2

I'm sorry, I hate to be a buzzkill, but I would not spend that kind of cash on a first gen Xterra. I know they look cool, but IMO they really don't have a whole lot going for them. The second gen (2005+) is simply a better vehicle in every way. It's not that there is anything really wrong with the first gen's (beside the power to mpg ration is totally out of line), it's just the the newer ones are so much better for essentially the same price.

 

[Big Daddy Chia]

x2

I'm sorry, I hate to be a buzzkill, but I would not spend that kind of cash on a first gen Xterra. I know they look cool, but IMO they really don't have a whole lot going for them. The second gen (2005+) is simply a better vehicle in every way. It's not that there is anything really wrong with the first gen's (beside the power to mpg ration is totally out of line), it's just the the newer ones are so much better for essentially the same price.

Actually the 2nd gens have a weak driveline. The First Gens have a weak motor.

 

[CoastalDefender]

Too much $$$.

I'd be in it for no more than $8000

 

[mtnbike28]

Brand new?

I thought it was posted here that several dealers were selling BRAND New Xs for about $16k, I was tempted to go look at that price. That said, try to talk this guy down. I bet he didn't give the owner much for it, saying "nobody is buying SUVs these days" so he probably has room to negotiate. Good luck. PS I like that color

 

[stick]

Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated. Are the '05+ Xterras getting better mpg? I was looking and it looks like the older ones are only getting in the mid teens.

I like the looks of the first gen Xterra better than the new ones, but if the new on is a better vehicle, maybe I'll start looking for those.

 

[Big Daddy Chia]

Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated. Are the '05+ Xterras getting better mpg? I was looking and it looks like the older ones are only getting in the mid teens.

I like the looks of the first gen Xterra better than the new ones, but if the new on is a better vehicle, maybe I'll start looking for those.

I get about 14 or so in city. Best I have gotten on the highway was 22.7. Thats on my 05. Best I ever got in my 01 was maybe 17

 

[stick]

Thanks for the advice folks. I decided to pass this one up.

 

[Creek]

wise decision...there's better deals out there