Just got a 07 xterra

[pfcrayb]

So a while ago I was asking about what suv to buy and now my wife just bought a 07 xterra x automatic. For right now it is going to be staying stock for the most part since it is her daily driver. I would like to know what to watch out for. It has been serviced at the dealer where she bought it. From what I have read nissian fixed the trans cooling issue with in the radiator, I could be wrong. Also what would be the first "mods" that we should do. We plan to use it for "light" off highway driving, just going camping. Since we live in CT i know there are not a lot of trails and good remote camping to be had. I think we plan on going to the vermont overland rally next year.
Thanks,
Ray.

 

[Maddmatt]

Hi Ray,

Welcome! I'm fairly new to Xterra ownership myself (have been driving a '10 just since March) but I already love it, and I am along time Toyota fanboy.
-Your dealer should be able to tell you if A) your unit was subject to the trans cooling issue and B) if it's been resolved. As for mods, with just light wheeling in mind a set of good tires is probably more than you need. The more than ample power and short overhangs make these trucks pretty capable trail rigs right out of the box.

I've put 13k miles on mine in the last 9 months, few trails but lots of snow driving, we ski every weekend - and I've had zero problems and only one complaint. The ride on the highway is great, but that comes at a price. When I've got the family of four loaded up for a week of skiing, so all the clothes (wife and 2 teen/pre-teen daughters - unless you've been there you can't imagine the amount of stuff) PLUS ski boots, ski outfits, etc.... and that's more than the rear shocks can take. Definitely starts to bottom out on speed bumps and gets a bit 'wallowy' in the back.

I'm considering air shocks, but will hold off for awhile.

Otherwise, - I ran my 3rd gen 4-runner to 251k miles, but I love this truck more.
-Matt