Looking at xterras as a new DD & camping rig.

[Jgrider16]

Look into SMOD ... secondary timing chain can also get loose / noisy.

As above, check out "thenewx.org" for a wealth of Xterra information.

 

[RonapRhys]

15-20 depending on load / conditions. Averaged about 17 with a full load including cargo bag on the roof and 2 bikes on back over $500 miles with mountain passes and lots of wind. Can pull 20-22 if you're careful, but probably won't happen with a load or terrain. Drops quick when you mash the throttle though.

I just drove from Ohio to Moab and back, averaged just over 14. However, I've got about 500lbs or so of armor and wince on the X, 33" Goodyear MT/R tires, and had it loaded down with all of my gear. Average speed I drove was just under 80mph. If I were to stick to the speed limit I could probably get around 15 or 16, maybe.

With stock tires, no armor, and no real load I would get around 20 or so on the highway.

 

[JasonRedwood]

Ill start digging into thenewx.org soon. I was considering a 4th gen 4runner as well... Every car I have owned has been a toyota truck. They run deep in my family but the xterra does seems comparable for 3-4k less. The 100 series just seems too sluggish. The search continues.

 

[Jgrider16]

I was in the same boat. Have had 2 Toyota trucks and still have a 1st gen 4runner. I was focused on a Tacoma or 4runner / LC for a long time until I finally came around to realizing that I could have everything I wanted for less money. I actually think the Xterra is more "fun" than the toyotas, as subjective as that may be.

 

[JasonRedwood]

Been reading up a bit on the SMOD. So if after potentially test driving a used xterra between the speeds of 45-65 I should be able notice if the radiator and or tranny have issues? To prevent future issues I would need to buy a new radiator and external tranny cooler to bypass the internal cooler? I'm new to automatics. I have not come across a thread on installing a external trans cooler. Is it relatively simple or best left to the pros?
Thanks again!

 

[Fzzt]

Bottomed out a lot even on the highway with a full load in the back. I am going to try some airbags for now, but I think eventually a new suspension will be in the works.

Until you can afford new suspension components, these are highly regarded for smoothing out the bottoming : http://www.timbren.com/
They are on my short list.

 

[RonapRhys]

In terms of solving the bottoming out issue, short of getting the Add-a-Leaf or replacing the springs with something from Deaver, Alcan, or the like, probably the best thing is the spacer/shackle lift. PRG and Nisstec both offer these at a very reasonable price (Nisstec's is an add a leaf style). They're easy to do - maybe an afternoon of tinkering if you're not in a hurry. The only real issue you might run into is needing the camber bolts up front and/or the shims for the rear. I needed neither, for some lucky reason.

Worth noting, though, is that Nisstec's Airbag package isn't much more than the 2" lifts.