Fair Pricing / reliability on Xterra.

[Jgrider16]

Hi there -

Still vehicle shopping. Sold my Touareg for a more sensible DD and looking for something affordable but capable for family adventures, light towing, and snow when my FWD doesn't cut it. Had been looking at yotas but seems like I can get a newer Xterra for about the same price. I've always loved the styling (better than toyotas). I know Toyota has the reputation for durability but see plenty of older Nissans around.

Wondering if anybody can comment on the durability of Xterras in particular as the miles add up. Any common / big ticket maintenance items to look for while shopping? What is a fair price on 2nd gen Xterras. There are several in my area (Colorado), looking for Offroad package with manual trans, with prices ranging from $10K - 15K. All with 80-120K miles. Obviously depending on condition, but assuming in good shape what should I be paying. Thanks!

 

[Jgrider16]

Also ... can anybody with direct experience comment on the rear seat and cargo space, particularly in comparison to a 4runner. I have 2 kids with carseats and all their junk to haul around.

 

[Jgrider16]

Any significant difference between a 2006 and an 07? I'm looking at 2. Similar miles ... $3000 price difference.

 

[Adventure IQ]

Love my x......two car seats fit nicely, cannot fit a third, but two nicely....close to 200k on mine.....the timing belt needs to be changed at 100k.... Can be light in the rear for traction. Just starting to build my wife's 2wd x....if I was getting one again, would do 4wd

 

[drbandkgb]

www.xterranation.org will have info on both Gen 1 and 2

Gen 1 is more truck like.. but lacks the power it really needs.. 160-220 hp.. But its a torquey little think.. 4wd is a nice manual T case..
Has a couple issues but nothing too major.. Timing belt / water pump needs to be changed out every 105k, and exhaust mani will crack..
I have owned 2.. These are nice because of the price.. 3 -5k will buy you a very nice little Xterra.. and if you keep it stock the only major
upgrade I would do is tires.. BFG KO's or GY Duratracs..

Gen 2 is a really nice SUV.. but these have a few issues shared with the Frontier and Pathfinder.. The Radiators can crack... This is a issue in the AT transmission..
The tranny lines run thru the radiator and can crack mixing with the coolant.. This can kill the transmission.. There is a simple fix for this... By pass the cooler lines running in to the transmission and run a separate cooler. This will cost about $80. These tend to crack at the 100k mark..

Now the good... The Xterra has a 4.0 V6 that puts out 261Hps.. These is a perfect match for the size of the Xterra.. The Gen2 came in a few different models..

X- Basic S- above basic SE- Plush and Off road or ProX4 (same model name change) They all have power locks and such.. all the changes are pretty basic besides the OR/ProX4

ProX4 comes with a factory Rear E-locker.. This is sweet on any trail.. You also can get a 6 speed manual tranny too..

The Gen 2 prices can range from 8k to 30k.. Year is the Key..

 

[nasko]

hey Jgrider, there is another site that has a ton more info - thenewX.org . I find the second Gen X a lot more comfortable than the 3rd gen 4runner I had, rear space is fine with two car seats, trunk is as big if not bigger than the yota. Performance of the engine is great, I can't comment on durability, I bought mine with 130K km and only have put another 3K or so. It does not have a timing belt, but a chain. The pulleys of the chain are known to wear off, but mine are still the original and fine. Difference between years is slight/cosmetic. As mentioned above, radiator is a known problem for the yearly years. There are a few complaints for clutch wear, but mine is original and still works fine. Those are off the top of my head. Really like it, compared to 1st gen X, 3rd and 2nd gen 4Runner I think it is significantly more comfortable, better fuel economy and a nicer truck over all.
Cheers

 

[GHR]

I have a 2002 5spd supercharged since new, 140000 km (86k miles) and zero issues to date other than regular maintenance.

 

[ryandavenport]

I completely agree on thenewx.org as being a viable resource for 2nd gen Xterras. It is the only site out there specifically for 2nd gens, and it contains the most comprehensive information of all of the sites. I use thenewx.org for vehicle information and write ups, and then I use clubxterra.org to go wheeling due to it having more members in my area.

The auto transmission isn't an issue for you since you are wanting a manual. The 05-06 Off-Road and Manual Transmission models came with a 2-spider gear setup, it is weaker than the 07-present 4 gear setup. I would opt for a 2007 if I were you. It has been debated multiple times, but it always comes ahead as the year to own. 2008-present has a computer that doesn't work as well with a tune, which makes the 2007 better for engine modifications and horsepower addition too. The 4.0 goes a long way, but it appreciates help after adding lots of weight to your rig with armor, new tires, and trail gear.

I have 140,000 miles on my 2007 right now, and the only things I have had to replace so far have been U-joints in the driveshafts, fluids, tires, and brakes. Also, it takes a lot of fuel, but that is to be expected of a 6000 lb tissue box.

Good luck in your search and feel free to ask more questions!

 

[Jgrider16]

Thanks for all of the info. Will definitely help in shopping. I can get an 06 X w 110k for about the same as a gen 3 4runner. Now year to year might be a fight, but I think this is a no brainer.

 

[Jgrider16]

Great Info

What do you think about a 2006 w/ 110k miles for $9250? This is compared to an 03 t4r w/ 150k. Or an overland ready 99 t4r.

Can afford some mods and fixes then.

I completely agree on thenewx.org as being a viable resource for 2nd gen Xterras. It is the only site out there specifically for 2nd gens, and it contains the most comprehensive information of all of the sites. I use thenewx.org for vehicle information and write ups, and then I use clubxterra.org to go wheeling due to it having more members in my area.

The auto transmission isn't an issue for you since you are wanting a manual. The 05-06 Off-Road and Manual Transmission models came with a 2-spider gear setup, it is weaker than the 07-present 4 gear sfretup. I would opt for a 2007 if I were you. It has been debated multiple times, but it always comes ahead as the year to own. 2008-present has a computer that doesn't work as well with a tune, which makes the 2007 better for engine modifications and horsepower addition too. The 4.0 goes a long way, but it appreciates help after adding lots of weight to your rig with armor, new tires, and trail gear.

I have 140,000 miles on my 2007 right now, and the only things I have had to replace so far have been U-joints in the driveshafts, fluids, tires, and brakes. Also, it takes a lot of fuel, but that is to be expected of a 6000 lb tissue box.

Good luck in your search and feel free to ask more questions!

 

[Jgrider16]

BTW ... Thank for all the info from the Nissan people. Posted similar questions on the yota thread in ExPo and 0 responses so far.

 

[ryandavenport]

That's not a terrible price. Do you have any links to it? Is it the Offroad and manual you wanted?


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[drbandkgb]

Craigslist is a great way to see what Xterras avg in your area too.. You will see them high and low..

 

[nasko]

Price wise I can't comment on what is fair or not in Colorado, but here in Ontario, Canada I sold my 1999 manual 4runner SR5 (in pretty good shape for the year with 220K km, no locker) for $6100 and bought a manual 2005 base model Xterra for $6500 (130K kms). May be I was lucky, but there are several X's around $7500-$8500 here with 150K kms. I liked the 4Runner, but there is no comparisons. One is 1996 technology, the other is 2005 and it shows, if you do not drink the 'Yota coolade. Cheers and good luck with your search

 

[skibum315]

Where in CO are you? It seems like the Xterras command a bit of a premium here on the front range (I'm in Lakewood) ... so don't be afraid to expand the search to nearby states.

Otherwise, I think folks have covered most everything to think about.