Looking to buy an early 2nd gen Xterra (2001-03) what should I look out for?

[JeremyT101]

Hey guys/girls.
I had posted in the toyota section a while ago regarding 3rd gen 4runners. I had my heart set on buying one of those, but it just seems around here the prices are ridiculous and they appear much larger from the outside then they feel inside. A guy wanted 7k for a 1999 4Runner with 360k(km mind you), but that was just too much for me. After doing much reading online (and the article on here about the top 10 overland vehicles) I settled on the Xterra as the actually great value option. There seem to be a lot around where I live (southwestern ontario), without excess amounts of KM on them, and at reasonable prices.

That being said I plan to take this truck on a 12,000km overlanding trek this summer and so I want to make sure she's safe and sound. What should I be looking for in trucks of these years or are there better years of the Xterra? Is this even a viable option? What kind of aftermarket parts are there out there for these. I would just be looking basically at tires, a small lift, and a few other minor things down the road to help it off road, but not make it a monster.

Thanks so much for your help!

Edit - Ah crap, I mean to put first Gen. Sorry! its definitely 1st.

 

[Caoboy]

In for tips! I'm in the same boat as you...every Toyota around my area is beat up, over priced, or just not what I'm looking for...

 

[RonapRhys]

I'm not a Gen1 guy (07), but the biggest thing that I've heard of is the timing belt. It's an interference engine (not sure on the supercharged versions) and if the belt goes, your engine is in a bad way. The belt should be replaced at 100K miles. As long as that's done, you should be in good shape.

I think. More 1st gen guys can help with that.

Also, try some of the different xterra forums. http://first.thexterra.org/ or xterranation.org would be good places to get advice, too.

 

[scrubber3]

I used to have a 2002 model. I used it mainly for beach excursions as it had firestone destination ATs on it. Loved that rig! My Monty is IMHO, a more capable truck on the trail and the starting price was much lower. I just liked the stance in the Xterra better though. The roof rack was a huge plus and the rear passengers sat higher. I would gladly drive another one. Too bad you weren't looking for one in 2009 or I would have sold you mine. I am still looking for one that I can possibly fix up for my woman to drive on the trails with me. The Xterra feels more stable on the highway than my Montero does.

 

[nasko]

first post here so bear with me,
those trucks are pretty solid once you cover a few issues, namely:
-if you are putting bigger tires you might benefit from and Idler Arm brace (not expensive)
-the supercharged engines require premium gas and have a very fragile knock sensor, which when it brakes is a $50 part online or ~$250 in the dealership (here in TO) labour to do replace it is quite a bit if you give it to a garage, could be relocated fairly easy and very inexpensive (thats what I have done and it seems to work well so far)
-the exhaust manifold usually go pretty fast on these (passenger side mostly) which is fairly easy to replace in about 2-3 hours or so.
-timing belt which was mentioned is pretty important too (as it is in most cars) and fairly expensive if you buy it locally
that's about it, I like mine and was in your boat for a truck and went with a 2002 with roughly 135k km for 5000 which I thought was a fair price. Have done all the items I mentioned and have taken it to a few camping/fishing trips in the Muskoka, as well as a trip to the Maritimes.
Cheers and good luck

 

[JeremyT101]

Awesome guys! Thanks for the replies! I didn't know that it was an interference engine (my current car thankfully is not), so I will have to make sure that I find out about that. I have been looking at the supercharged ones, but with the cost of premium fuel these days, plus the extra drain on the gas milage, I don't see it being worth it for me right now. If i lived up in the mountains somewhere, it might be an option, but living close to sea level with only some trips up to mountains I'm thinking the standard 3.3L V6 should be just fine. Ill keep my eyes opened for a good deal around here, gotta sell my car first, or maybe sucker someone in who wants to get rid of their big SUV and get into a smaller car for a sweet trade.

 

[drbandkgb]

The Gen 1 is a solid 4x4. They have a timing belt that is due to be changed out every 105k And they have exhaust manifolds that can crack.. Other than that they really have no other known major issues..
Check out Xterranation.org for some tips.. Its a great platform to build from.. I have owned 2
My current.. 2000 Xterra XE 4wd

LINK to that build

And my old build
2001 Xterra XE
LINK to build

Look up 4x4parts.com for Xterra related parts..

 

[Tkdx00]

drbandkgb summed it up pretty well. The timing belt is the issue, every 105K. You might let it slide a few over but those things seem to have a milage counter. I'd change the Water pump at the same time since you're in there. They seem to begin to show signs of wear around then. I didn't change mine but now I wish I had, bearings are sounding off.

Oh yea, there have been a recall by Nissan that should have been / should be done for free. The Fuel sender unit, I did nime before I knew about the recall, it's a simple switch out).

Other than that...the X is an outstanding capable vehicle. Especially the GEN1's (hehehe I got 1). When maintained properly...will last many many many yrs.

 

[drbandkgb]

Awesome guys! Thanks for the replies! I didn't know that it was an interference engine (my current car thankfully is not), so I will have to make sure that I find out about that. I have been looking at the supercharged ones, but with the cost of premium fuel these days, plus the extra drain on the gas milage, I don't see it being worth it for me right now. If i lived up in the mountains somewhere, it might be an option, but living close to sea level with only some trips up to mountains I'm thinking the standard 3.3L V6 should be just fine. Ill keep my eyes opened for a good deal around here, gotta sell my car first, or maybe sucker someone in who wants to get rid of their big SUV and get into a smaller car for a sweet trade.

The SC is 220 HP but you would never know it for all the headaches.. Like mentioned the KS (Knock sensor) is a pain..Its a debated issue on if it really effects the Xterra.. I like the Gen 1.5 2002-2004.. I hope they bring that look back to the Gen 3 2014 Xterra

 

[mortonm]

Looks like you were in the exact situation I was in about 2 months ago.

I am from Oakville. Growing up my family had three 4runners...and 88, 92 and 96.

When it was time for me to look for a used vehicle naturally I gravitated towards the 4runners, however I found that for the price I could get a lower mileage Xterra vs the 4runner with essentially the same capability.

Mine is a 2001 SE, it had 151 000 km on it when I picked it up for $6000.

Since then I havent done much, a few maintenance items, changed all fluids and repainted the grill plastic (huge difference by the way).

I have, however, tossed on a set of 235 85 R16 BFG ATs

I think it is a great size for this truck, its a couple inches bigger than stock. the Xterra is small enough looking that a skinny tire like this suits it quite well. I didnt have any major fitment issues. It rubbed a little bit on the front mud flap, so I took the knife and heat gun to it and no problems. I plan on doing a PML in the summer.

Here are a couple pictures (sorry they are Cell phone)

if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask

 

[mmitchell57]

I'm about in the same boat. Due to some issue with the WD21 i've run into and not sure are going to get fixed, I'm looking for a vehicle and I believe the xterra will be it. I'm looking at the first gen's. I was curious if there was much variation in the years. It looks like I just need to look for a v6 and a maintanance log if possible. I'm going to go looking tomorrow. I've seen 4 gen 1's around town. Oh well, we'll see what happens.

 

[drbandkgb]

The Gen 1 2000-2001 are all pretty basic.. The Gen 1.5 2002-2004 The front lights and bumper changed and the inside was freshened up.. and the Gen 1.5 had a SC option...
They all came with a 4 cyl or a V6.. HP went from 160 -170 220SC

 

[Allof75]

I'm in the same boat as you also. I test drove a gen 1 a week ago and fell in love! Very planted/sporty feeling, tons of room, and pretty easy to sleep in. Plus the rack is nice to have from the factory, and its simplicity is a nice feature.

Also, I think I found it on a Nissan forum, but the timing belt kit is not too expensive, at least here in the US. I plan on doing it myself if I were to get one, so that certainly helps the overall cost, if you're in a position to do so. Anyway, here's a Link

I think they're awesome vehicles with pretty much the same capability of the 3rd gen 4runner minus the inflated cost.

 

[Darth Element]

I know I'm bringing up an old thread, but I too am looking at the Gen 1's and figured my questions may help someone else out. I see the timing belt should be taken care of around 100k, anybody know the average cost of this at a shop? Its not something I'm willing to do on my own and the vehicles in my price range have from 70k - 90k miles so it will need to be done sooner rather than later. I found a gorgeous 2000 w/ 89k miles on it that I am hoping to look at this weekish, anything I should be looking for up front? I will bechecking out some of the Xterra specific forums, but wanted to ask here as well. There are some beautiful rigs on this site! Heres to hoping this truck works out so I can get it more camping and touring friendly. Cheers.