so school me on xterras
- Thread starter the59sound
- Start date
the59sound
Observer
For what I want I wouldn't need a locker. I'd still have the jeep so that will be my wheeling rig. The xterra I see myself using it as a camping rig. So small lift little bit larger tires that's about it.
Sent from my RM-845_nam_vzw_100 using Tapatalk
Sent from my RM-845_nam_vzw_100 using Tapatalk
mortonm
Expedition Leader
Save your money for gas and beer. Get the best shape low mileage first gen you can afford. You can fit 32" tires (265/75R16 or 235/85R16 or 32 x 11.5R15) without a lift. Plenty big enough for what you would want to use it for.
Take a look at my build thread if you want. I haven't done anything huge with it but it's a great truck and very capable and functional basically in stock form.
Allof75
Pathfinder
Regardless, larger tires, and more power still allow greater capability. But I'm not arguing that point further, for the OP's purposes, a first gen with a PML and tires would do quite nicely. Get a rack upgrade and call it a day. Or again, check out R50s- more power, smoother ride with more refinement, same capability, and cheaper for the features.
mortonm
Expedition Leader
I agree with this as well, you would either get the same engine, or a better one, same running gear etc, i think they sold quite a few more so they should be cheaper.
I would drive both and see what you like the most
Allof75
Pathfinder
This. Very cheap, and way underrated 4x4s. See what you like, in my case if I hadn't have found a pathy I was going to go xterra.
mortonm
Expedition Leader
I was a little hung up on the "real frame" stuff and is the reason I ended up with an Xterra. Looking back there was no reason to be worried, I dont do anything near enough to be worried about it. I would happily own an R50 as compared to my WD22
I think the Jeep Cherokee's have long since dispelled that unibody vehicles cant be good off road.
LR Max
Local Oaf
I drove a 1st gen and a 2nd gen for work. Both trucks stock.
Both are awesome. I always felt like the 1st gen was perfect for 2 people + gear. Back seat was marginal for carrying others. That truck was a V6 with manual trans. Very enjoyable to drive but I always felt like the engine had "ample" power. It had enough to get the truck moving but if you hooked up 2,000lb trailer to it, it had trouble.
Off road it was great. I thoroughly enjoyed it (geology work). Rear limited slip did its job.
The 2nd gen brings the win. Bigger truck, more room, more power. Not as nimble as the 1st gen but better all around. The engine was straight ballsy and the 6 speed shifted like a dream. I wasn't a fan of the low range gears as it didn't feel low enough to me. However the low range gears are probably fine if you go with an auto. Towing was better and it handled loads a lot easier.
If the truck is going to be a 2nd vehicle and you want to do a bunch of trips and not carry a bunch of crap, get a 1st gen. Do a little lift, rebuild the front suspension, do some other maintenance, throw a rear locker in and tires, go. The truck is small enough to be nimble on the trails which is nice. However for a daily driver, hauling the kids + gear or high altitude driving, get the 2nd gen.
Just my uneducated opinion. I do feel like the current model Xterra is probably the best SUV in its class for actual off road use. I'd rather wheel one than a jeep. Simpler and cheaper than a rover. Everything else in the class doesn't even have low range. I told my dad to get one to replace his aging Tahoe.
Both are awesome. I always felt like the 1st gen was perfect for 2 people + gear. Back seat was marginal for carrying others. That truck was a V6 with manual trans. Very enjoyable to drive but I always felt like the engine had "ample" power. It had enough to get the truck moving but if you hooked up 2,000lb trailer to it, it had trouble.
Off road it was great. I thoroughly enjoyed it (geology work). Rear limited slip did its job.
The 2nd gen brings the win. Bigger truck, more room, more power. Not as nimble as the 1st gen but better all around. The engine was straight ballsy and the 6 speed shifted like a dream. I wasn't a fan of the low range gears as it didn't feel low enough to me. However the low range gears are probably fine if you go with an auto. Towing was better and it handled loads a lot easier.
If the truck is going to be a 2nd vehicle and you want to do a bunch of trips and not carry a bunch of crap, get a 1st gen. Do a little lift, rebuild the front suspension, do some other maintenance, throw a rear locker in and tires, go. The truck is small enough to be nimble on the trails which is nice. However for a daily driver, hauling the kids + gear or high altitude driving, get the 2nd gen.
Just my uneducated opinion. I do feel like the current model Xterra is probably the best SUV in its class for actual off road use. I'd rather wheel one than a jeep. Simpler and cheaper than a rover. Everything else in the class doesn't even have low range. I told my dad to get one to replace his aging Tahoe.
maust
Member
I had a 13 Xterra but sold it as my old 96 Cherokee proved to be more capable and reliable. For most trails the Xterra is fine but for more aggressive terrain I would choose a built Cherokee.
DesertFront
CONFUSED!
I would recommend a 2010 or newer with the Pro-4X package . . . AWESOME!!!!
XTorrey
Observer
With a budget of $4000, I don't think OP will be in the market for a 2010 or newer Pro-4X.
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
Only potential downside to a first gen is range. I believe a first gen's stock fuel range is like 320 miles. Add lift and tires and that goes down.