I've been reading these forums for years but never had a reason to post until now. I have a 2008 Xterra S 4x4 5AT with 195,000 miles, all stock. Purchased from dealer in Dec 2008 with 12k, said it had been a fleet vehicle in VA. Most of the miles are highway but I do drive it regularly 80 mph. Daily commute is about 60 miles roundtrip. About every six weeks I drive through a creek in 4 lo in my Dad's driveway, about 1 mile rough gravel up a mountain. The highest the water has ever come is about halfway up the doors and splashed up on the hood. I'm curious how many more miles I can expect out of it and whether it's worth it to invest the money to fix the problems. I love my X and I'm willing to fix it if I can get another 3 years or so out of it, but I'm paying a mechanic for the labor so my costs are a little higher than those of you who do your own labor.
Problems
- Transmission: Rough shuttering and trouble shifting in the 1500-2000 rpm range. Used to only happen around 40-45 mph going uphill, now about 9 months later, it's happening more frequently, it's more noticeable, and happens at higher speeds 60-65. Two mechanics said the fluid looks good, no milkshake of death. I had the fluid changed around 65k. If you accelerate or turn overdrive off and force it to shift, the shuttering stops. Shady transmission shop said the transmission fluid tested positive for glycol but they wouldn't show me the test results. I've never been low on coolant. Is this something where I should just buy a rebuilt transmission instead of fixing components? What does this sound like to you guys?
- Catalytic converter: In May 2017, I got the P0420 code. Replaced the plugs and added some Lucas fuel cleaner, code disappeared after about 2 tanks and then passed emissions. Last week, I got a P0240 code for 3 days. No rotten egg smell. Could this just be the O2 sensors?
What other expensive items do I need to expect to replace soon? Is it feasible for me to get another 60k after I replace the transmission and the cats? I need the ground clearance and 4wd that the Xterra offers and it's paid off. I really can't afford a car payment and am concerned that any other vehicle I get may have more issues. I've never once had a problem with the X until these. After having 2 VWs and putting a mechanic's kid through college, this was a godsend.
I appreciate your input!
Problems
- Transmission: Rough shuttering and trouble shifting in the 1500-2000 rpm range. Used to only happen around 40-45 mph going uphill, now about 9 months later, it's happening more frequently, it's more noticeable, and happens at higher speeds 60-65. Two mechanics said the fluid looks good, no milkshake of death. I had the fluid changed around 65k. If you accelerate or turn overdrive off and force it to shift, the shuttering stops. Shady transmission shop said the transmission fluid tested positive for glycol but they wouldn't show me the test results. I've never been low on coolant. Is this something where I should just buy a rebuilt transmission instead of fixing components? What does this sound like to you guys?
- Catalytic converter: In May 2017, I got the P0420 code. Replaced the plugs and added some Lucas fuel cleaner, code disappeared after about 2 tanks and then passed emissions. Last week, I got a P0240 code for 3 days. No rotten egg smell. Could this just be the O2 sensors?
What other expensive items do I need to expect to replace soon? Is it feasible for me to get another 60k after I replace the transmission and the cats? I need the ground clearance and 4wd that the Xterra offers and it's paid off. I really can't afford a car payment and am concerned that any other vehicle I get may have more issues. I've never once had a problem with the X until these. After having 2 VWs and putting a mechanic's kid through college, this was a godsend.
I appreciate your input!
