My first post - Thoughts and opinions?

[Spinner]

Hey folks. I'm new here and thought I'd ask some opinions.
I'm looking to get a 4x4 rig to do some adventuring in. I already do a lot of hiking/backpacking, so this will work out even better for me. I also want to keep the price affordable, so I've set myself at a purchase budget at or near $18k max. I'll be trading off my GMC Sierra 2wd to get into a new rig. My Sierra is an extended cab, but my wife and I just welcomed our new son to the world 2 weeks ago (his name is Jake and I got no clue how to post a pic in here yet). So I'm looking for something with a tad more backseat room than my current truck. So, to get a adventure rig, I just need to convince my wife to let me get an SUV....without telling her my future plans.

Anyway......I've looked around and have looked at Jeep Wranglers ($$$) and Toyota 4Runners (hard to find in decent shape for a good price) and now looking at the Xterra's. And honestly, the more I look, the more I like them. I've test driven a couple here and there and really like them. So, after lots of looking, I found one. And the dealer here said if I'm willing to put it into contract, they'll go get this one for me and bring it back here. (Ooops, this forum won't let me include a link)

Seems like decent miles for a 2012 PRO 4X (51,000) and after trade in (I still owe on my GMC), I'll be getting it for just over $13,000.

So, all you Xterra folks.....share with me your knowledge. Anything I need to be aware of? Any flaws?

 

[jhberria]

Welcome, and congratulations on the new addition to your family!

You'll definitely be getting the most bang for your buck with the Xterra over the 4Runner and Wrangler. Depending on what your intent fir the truck is, it will likely suit your needs well.

With the 2012, you'll be avoiding the issues that plagued the early years of the 2nd Gen Xterra. They've got great power, good road manners, and better than average off road capability in the Pro4x trim (mostly due to the factory selectable rear e-locker). In my opinion, they're similar to a 4Runner Trail when it comes to off road capability, but lag behind the wrangler due to lack of suspension travel up front, even when modified. However, for a purpose-built overland vehicle and not simply a "trail truck", the Xterra should suit your needs fine.

51k miles is just getting broken in for the X. My 2014 has almost 40k, and I've had no major issues after making two cross country moves and many hundreds miles of off road driving.

A word of caution, however. I've read that many owners find fitting a car seat in the back seat of the 2nd gen troublesome, mostly due to its position over the rear wheel wells. Not to say car seats won't fit in there safely, as they most certainly will, but rather they're difficult to get in out out. Can't attest to this personally, as it's just the wife an I in my Xterra, but it does seem the consensus amongst Xterra baby haulers.

Let me know if you have any specific questions, as I (and many others on the forum) am fairly well antiquated with the platform at this point. Regardless, good luck searching for your new vehicle,

 

[shmabs]

Hi there,

Congrats on the new addition to the family!

I'll second the notion that the rear door openings are slightly odd, and can be troublesome for car seats. My son is 5, so I'm in a different scenario than you, but I find the rear door openings to be less than ideal. My 3rd gen 4runner was easier to get my son in and out of.

My suggestion would be to find an xterra locally and try out a rear facing car seat and base setup before you commit to anything, there's really no substitute for trying it yourself.

Enjoy!

Mike

 

[Spinner]

Thanks y'all.
Unfortunately the dealer sold the PRO 4X I was looking at, but my guy found one 300 miles south of here that is a mint 2012 with 40,000 miles.
I appreciate the feedback on the rear doors and such. The car seat will go in my wife's Hyundai Santa Fe 95% of the time. So I think we'll be good. Which brings up another question, why didn't Hyundai do up a real serious off road version of their Santa Fe line? Anyway.....one or two more things: 1. Can someone point me in the direction of a good Xterra aftermarket parts page? 2. How's the Xterra with towing small trailers? Like less than 1,400 lbs. I'm thinking next year about building (or buying a partially finished) a small off road expedition trailer.

Thanks!

 

[jhberria]

Nissteclifts.com is going to be your best option for aftermarket Xterra parts. They have everything from suspension, to armor, to lockers. They also have great customer service and decent prices. Others' opinions may very, but in my experience they're your best option.

A 2nd gen Xterra can pull a small expo trailer, no problem. Many have done it without issue. My only suggestion is that if you're going to be towing with the stock suspension, consider throwing some helper springs or air bags on the rear leaves to keep it level.

If you get a chance, check out TheNewX.org. It's the most comprehensive and active 2nd Gen Xterra site on the inter webs. It's definitely more off-road oriented, not overland (if there is a difference?), but there's lots of expo type folk over there, as well. That's my go-to resource for all technical questions.

 

[Truffles]

Good choice going with an Xterra. As far as a aftermarket parts page, nissteclifts.com will handle all of your suspension needs, along with prgproducts.com. Ruggedrocks.com has a lot of good stuff also (gears, lockers, compressors etc) For general info check out Thenewx.org as mentioned above almost all of your "beginner" questions you'll have about the X has probably been answered before. Any other questions you're more than welcome to PM me if you feel like it.