Looking at my first Nissan

[Verbalkint99]

I have a 2000 XJ will several mods that I love to drive, though issues are starting to compound. It needs an engine rebuild, tranny rebuild, the floors are rotting and the roof is rusting along the windshield. At 220,000 miles its ready for pasture.

I found a 99% rust free 2000 XJ with 120,000 miles. I think I will have fun transferring the mods and starting new. However, I also found a clean 2004 Xterra SE/SC (supercharged with LSD and locking front hubs) with 60,000 miles.

With the Xterra, I will have to keep it stock for a year before I can start modding it.

Which way would you go?

 

[nasko]

I would not go with e SC Xterra. I like/love these trucks, but the SC needs Premium gas and is thirsty SOB. Thats my biggest complain with the Xterra's. Otherwise awesome trucks. I would wait out and see if I can get a NA engine with a manual transmission.
Good luck

 

[drbandkgb]

Xterra 101

2000-2004 3.3 V6 interference motor (Timing belt) Needs replaced every 105k along with water pump
2002-2004 optional 3.3 SC.. Issues... Knock Sensor, kills the SC.. So your not really gaining the SC.. Read up on Clubxterra or xterranation.org about it..
Exhaust manifolds can crack.. Aftermarket headers will fix it.
Gen 1 2000-2004 can run from 3k to 8k.. Really goof Body on frame truck feel to it.. 160-220 Hp.. Pretty heavy for that Hp but I have wheeled them for years and they are solid.

2005-2013 Gen 2
4.0 V6 261 hp Great motor.. Issues.. Auto's can have the tranny cooler fail and mix with the radiator fluid. A simple by pass can fix this issue (Add a tranny cooler)
Its more common on the 2005-2008s Weak front aluminum diff.. Check out thexterra.org or xterranation.org on how and why.. From what I have seen its generally way to much skinny pedal..
The Off Road model 2005-2010 - (Name changed to ProX4 2011-2013) Rear electric locker.
2005-2008s 8-14k 2009-2012 14-25k
Check out all the Xterra forums to read up and see how others have mod'ed these cool SUVs

See which is right for you and your budget

 

[ryandavenport]

I would go with the Xterra, but that is because I own one. I have owned Jeeps before too, and you really can't go wrong with an XJ either. The XJ has so much better aftermarket support than the Xterra, but the Xterra is way more comfortable than the XJ, plus it looks cooler. You can also run bigger tires stock on an Xterra vs an XJ. However, you already have a lot of parts and knowledge in XJ? Are you happy with that? If so, why leave?