The period from 2009 up until production moved out of Tennessee is a good run for the 2nd Gens. Not only for SMOD but other general issues as well, I think an axle got extra spider gears, something with the timing belt chain was fixed, overall better reliability from those years.
When I got my Xterra I was kind of in a pinch for a vehicle as well. I decided to get what I wanted since I had drooled over them for so long, then found a 2011 model with the exact options I wanted (Off Road/PRO-4X and 6 speed) nearby. I bought it and have not regretted it once, it's a rugged vehicle and up to this point has been very reliable. Aside from routine maintenance and modifications I wanted to make, I haven't had to fix anything in 2+ years.