Considering purchase on '07 Xterra

[TheOneKnownAsMe]

Hey there!

As the title states, I'm looking at purchasing an '07 Nissan Xterra. It's a 1 owner vehicle, and spent most of it's life in Arizona. It says "Off Road" on the trim, so it would appear to be the off-road package (but I didn't check to see if it had the rear-locking diff. Will check it tomorrow.), but it does have the controlled hill descent switch. Interior is in great shape, but the rear cargo area has clearly been used to transport stuff, as it is scuffed up a fair bit.

The only problem is it is rather high mileage, about 150,000. However, that seems like a lot for 7 years, so I'm assuming the majority of it was highway mileage. The used dealership has it listed for $9995.

I was just wondering if there are any things I should check out. I've done some research, and I'm aware of the SMOD issue (Strawberry Milkshake of Death), so I'll be checking that out.

Other than that, what's the overall reliability on these things? Is there anything else I should look out for? Is it worth it for that price?

Looking forward to what input you have!

 

[richard310]

I'd check out thenewx.org to get more info regarding the 2nd gen Xterra's. You'll get a faster response there as well.

As far as the price is concerned, it seems about average to me from a dealership but the mileage is a bit high. I'd see if they'd haggle with you or keep searching for a lower mileage truck.

The 2nd gen X overall is a great and very capable vehicle compared to its rivals in both price and power. It definitely is an underrated vehicle and I find that those who do get one tend to love it. Take care of the SMOD and the truck will last you many more miles.

 

[Blaise]

Are you shopping for an automatic transmission vehicle only? The SMOD is only for those, I just purchased an '06 Off-Road with the 6-speed manual.

FYI, if you buy a manual you also get a Dana 44 rear differential, but you lose the hill descent control, which I find silly. I'd take the bigger axle any day.

FWIW, I just spent a month shopping for these, and I bought a private party '06 6spd with a 2" lift and brand new tires for $7500. I'd say you should be able to get what you're looking for for no more than 8500.

Mileage is not a problem, just make sure the timing chain/guides have been changed/updated.

I've only had mine a week but I'm absolutely smitten. It drives like a brand new truck even with 140k on it. It's crazy how bad (good) the depreciation is on these things. An '06 Rubicon would cost $20k+ lol...

Here's mine...

 

[IceCap4runnerORP]

I loved my '07 Xterra Off Road, like a dummy I sold it, missed it enough to buy another X...

 

[RonapRhys]

I don't remember the timing chain being an issue - the timing belt on the Gen1s, however, needed to be replaced right at 100K miles or else.

I've been running an 07 since 07 and have 135k miles on it, no issues. It's the OR package. Probably the easiest way to confirm whether or not it's an OR is to look for the Diff Lock switch in the dash. If it exists, it's likely an OR. You could even test it to make sure it works (I would, just to be safe).

As noted above, thenewx.org is a great place for advice. Also, xterranation.com or .org.

If you're in Utah or thereabouts, we also have our annual goneMoab event - May 17-22 this year, I believe. Probably will have 120 Nissans there this year.

 

[Blaise]

I don't remember the timing chain being an issue - the timing belt on the Gen1s, however, needed to be replaced right at 100K miles or else.

I've been running an 07 since 07 and have 135k miles on it, no issues. It's the OR package. Probably the easiest way to confirm whether or not it's an OR is to look for the Diff Lock switch in the dash. If it exists, it's likely an OR. You could even test it to make sure it works (I would, just to be safe).

As noted above, thenewx.org is a great place for advice. Also, xterranation.com or .org.

If you're in Utah or thereabouts, we also have our annual goneMoab event - May 17-22 this year, I believe. Probably will have 120 Nissans there this year.

I believe the issue is actually the timing chain guides wearing out. Mine were replaced by the dealer around 100k, along with the chain.

 

[Dmski]

Timing chain guides can be an issue but so far so good on mine. As for the mileage, I'd say its high for the price, but mileage isn't a real big issue on these as of yet. When I was looking there were plenty in the 10k range that had right around 100,000 on the clock. The VQ40 is a great engine that makes excellent power. I have an auto 2006 SE which doesn't have the rear locker and love it. Should I have waited for a rear locker? Maybe but for what I do its perfectly fine. Do the trans bypass (done and in my build thread) and then you are good to go!