Possible new (used) X purchase

[tacticalbrad]

Folks-

I just thought I'd update you guys regarding a purchase that I will most likely make in the near future. There is a guy selling an 02 X (SE/SC 4x4) in the Philly area, and it is exactly what I want. After doing some serious thinking, I decided that my 05 Fronty KC is not practical for me, considering the pending arrival of the baby. I suppose I could install a baby seat in the back area, but it would be very tight. That, coupled with the fact that I do a lot of traveling with the dog and the lack of HVAC in the back, the choice became increasingly clear. Why not get another X? So, I found this X on XOC and contacted the owner. This thing is loaded with all of the goodies that I am looking for. Check it out and let me know what you think. The owner is a really nice guy, and I am very excited! I'll attach the link:

http://www.vaxc.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5966

 

[Bergger]

I've got an 06 Xterra and love it! But it is easy to get excited. I would be a littel leary of buying a truck that has been wheeled that hard and has been "swamped." You may be better off buying a stock one that has never been wheeled then build it up yourself. But it sounds like you've talked to the guy and if you are comfortable then go for it. I'd just get the truck checked out by a mechanic first. Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

 

[JayP]

A good deal for a full-time off-road truck but as a daily driver, I would exercise some caution. Make sure the truck is sound both mechanically and physically. Good luck with your decision.

 

[J_L]

That rig is ready to rock! Get it checked out well though, any issues will give you some leverage on price. Being that he's advertising it on a forum that knows him well, says to me he's being up front with the condition of the truck. Good Luck!

 

[tacticalbrad]

Thanks for the replies! I am going to take a look at it this weekend. The truck would be more or less a weekend vehicle, as I have a car assigned to me from work. I too am a little weary about the swamping, but I plan on going over it pretty well. I guess we'll see. I'll keep you guys posted!

 

[articulate]

Buying a built rig wouldn't be my style, but it looks like the dude was pretty thorough and conscious of the mods. He's fixing the problems with it, too. Likely a good buy if that's your deal.

No doubt that your KC should go, but I'd want to maybe move up to a Crew Cab rather than an older X - but I think the bed capacity of a pick-up is more valueable than the interior space of an SUV. That's 100% opinion . . .

Good luck,
Mark

 

[tacticalbrad]

I totally understand your position in buying a built rig. And if I didn't have a clue about the mods, I'd be more hesitant. However, a lot of the mods he has done, suspension, steering, etc., I have done myself on my old rig. So, if and when there are problems, I would most likely be able to fix them myself. If not, I always have awesome forums, such as this one, to answer my questions. I think an SUV is the way to go for me, mostly because of the dog. Even if I bought a crew cab, I would need to purchase a cap. I think that for the price, including the fact that it will be a weekend/ expedition rig, it is a good buy (assuming that everything checks out mechanically.) I do have to say, however, I am not a big fan of body lifts, and removing it would most likely be the first thing I do with it. I know for a fact you can clear 33/10.5 tires with just a 3" suspension lift without rubbing issues. Thanks for your insight!

 

[datrupr]

That is a very nice X indeed, but I would be a little leary of the purchase just due to the guy's quote on his signature...... "Today, I want to ******** up my truck." But, that is only this guys opinion.

 

[bigreen505]

I was going to chime in with all the other "pass" votes, but after reading the post I think I would give it a serious look. I would want to know a little more about what "swamped" means, and plan on replacing the starter and alternator soon as they don't like to get wet. Drive the car. If the steering is tight and it is pretty rattle free and all else checks out I would do it.

It is one of those cases where you have to be realistic about how much time you have and how much interest you have in building another rig.

My general feeling is I would rather buy a truck that has been wheeled (but not abused) and fanatically maintained than a grocery getter that may not have seen fresh oil in 30,000 mi. If the current owner can tell you everything wrong with the car down to which bolts probably should be re-torqued, it is probably a well maintained rig -- wheeled and modded or not.

 

[DBS311]

Are body lifts necessary on the '00-'04 Xterras? I never did like the gap that body lifts leave.

 

[tacticalbrad]

Thanks for the insight guys! Trust me, I'm absorbing it all...

Are body lifts necessary on the '00-'04 Xterras? I never did like the gap that body lifts leave.

DBS, what is the body lift in regards to? People install body lifts to clear larger-than-stock tires, and/or different sized wheels. I am not a fan of them because of the ride quality. It is amazing how different the truck handles after installing a 2" lift. The gaps are pretty ugly too.

 

[jingram]

There were also some minute changes between the 02 and 03/04 models. From what I have read, 00-02 had rub issues with 32 (265/75/16) whereas with my 04 I have none and most guys say Nissan changed things slightly those last two years. Same thing with the rear LSD if it is equiped with one. 03/04 are terrible as Nissan backed way off the breakaway torque, whereas 00/01 is much closer to the hardbody although still quite a bit off and 02 is splitting the difference between 00/01 and 03/04.

I too would be leary about the swamping, although the guys over at VAXC are supposedly a very good group of guys. I would agree, he sounds very upfront about his mods, what faults the vehicle has, and his asking price. Plus, he already has a front ARB, just need to get the rear done and you are locked on both sides... not too shabby for the price!

 

[tacticalbrad]

Well, I checked the truck out today and I am happy to report that I am going to buy it; already gave him a down payment. The truck is very solid. The engine runs very smoothly, and it handles quite well. The owner has devoted a lot of time on the rig, and it shows. The purchase will be finalized this coming Friday. This comes just in time for the beach season... I can't wait to take this thing out in the sand and chill, listening to tunes, and waiting for the big one (surf fishing.):sombrero: This is what I am planning to do, money permitting:

1. Raise the front bumper to compensate for the BL (which will stay in place)
2. Rear bumper/ tire carrier combo
3. Rear ARB locker to compliment the front
4. Winch

At that point, it will be about as capable as it can be, for an IFS truck. Now all I have to do is get rid of the Fronty... Thanks to everybody who chimed-in with their opinions!

Brad

 

[JayP]

Congratulations man! Sounds like fun times are ahead.