[dbow14]

I'm curious about getting an Xterra for my kids, always liked them, but never pulled the trigger. Now I'm into wheeling and this is an option for my kids in the way of price. What are some things that make the Xterra better than the average vehicle and what are some things I need to watch out for?

 

[BeardnBrew]

Get an off-road or pro 4x edition. It comes with a factory rear locker, upgraded shocks and basic skid plates. The rear locker is the most important upgrade, but the others are nice as well.

 

[dbow14]

Get an off-road or pro 4x edition. It comes with a factory rear locker, upgraded shocks and basic skid plates. The rear locker is the most important upgrade, but the others are nice as well.

So the Off-road comes with a locker as well? So far my research just said the 4X did, which is possibly out of my budget.

 

[Badlander]

Good:
Competent off-roader
Fairly civilized on the street
I never get tired of looking at it
Bad:
Gas mileage ( if that is a concern)
They don't make them anymore and they are getting older.
Can't think of anything else.

Get a 2011 or newer

 

[XC20]

I’ve got an ‘09 off-road 4x4 with rear locker.
Bought at 102k miles. Currently 175k

1. I like driving it everyday to work
2. I’ve never gotten stuck. I’ve driven it everywhere I’ve wanted to, haven’t babied it, and it’s never let me down or struggled with anything I’ve threw at it.
3. Relatively repair free. I’ve done above and beyond preventative maintenance, but have never had a no start, break down, broken anything in all the crazy trips my wife and I have taken.

knocks
1. It’s small for longer trips.
It takes some strategic planning for a long trip with two people. A truck would be much easier. I’m 6’2” and although I can sleep in the back, which I’ve done multiple times while camping/hunting, it’s cramped.
2. As it ages, it gets beat up. The exterior I don’t care so much. Desert pin stripes galore. Small dents. Wear and tear. That’s all on-going maintenance. But as the interior gets beat up it wears on ya a bit
3. I go back to the size. I really enjoy the turning radius. The short wheel base is nice for maneuvering, but it does suck when packing for a trip or planning to sleep in rhe back

I like it and won’t sell it anytime soon. Although if it broke down I’d just get a frontier
I know how to work in a majority of common repairs and maintenance, and Nissan just affords a discounted off-roading price you don’t get with Toyota.
I have friends that honestly believe “you can go farther in a Toyota”
Well, they’re never able to tag along. I’m always out with my wife in wild places and enjoying ourselves. I’ve never gotten stuck, nor had to worry about any such thing. I take care of the vehicle preemptively and I’ve enjoyed driving and owning the xterra for 5 years and 75k miles. I’ll drive it til the engine blows

 

[Jard]

Pro,
The capability in stock form is surprising, preform a few mods and they can suprise a capable hard-core dedicated offroaders.

Price, they do not have the offroad-tax yet. So you can still find them for a reasonable price.

The motor and drivetrain, once in good maintenance condition they are solid. The motor has enough power and torque to get you through some crazy obstacles, and the drivetrain is robust to withstand quite a bit of abuse.

Size, it is bigger than a Jeep Wrangler, better towing, more comfortable ride,, more interior space, probably even better on insurance.



Con,
Price. Because of this the aftermarket availability is lacking in support. There are some great companies, but not as abundant as others. So learn to make items yourself or pay a little extra from one of the amazing shops that fab for us. In my book you will still be money ahead.

Maintenance, this really goes for any car. The vast majority of people do not properly maintain their vehicle. These trucks can be frustrating to work on because of how temperamental they can be, an because of that these trucks have gotten a bad reputation from the owners lack of PM. Stay with high quality equipment (crank and cam sensors, temp sensor, plugs, etc....) and they will run for a long time.

These trucks seem to be the most finicky I have ever worked on. Random little things, nickle and diming you constantly. Things that should not be connected that turn out to be. Nothing really to leave you stranded, except a few sensors looks at the crank and cam sensors.

Very good chance, once you start modifications, get used to the slip/vdc/abs lights. They are your friends, and just like to randomly say HI.



Otherwise, it is a vehicle. Just like all other manufacturers, they have problems and quirks.
I think these trucks look amazing because they are unique. And this has deterred people from buying them, with a little PM and love they will put a smile on you face.

 

[Just a Hunter]

3 good vs 3 bad

Good
1. 2011-2015 Xterras are known for their reliability . 200K + miles on these Xterras are well documented.

2. Routine maintenance is simple enough that anyone with a basic mechanical knowledge can handle such on their own

3. Cost. Xterras can still be purchased at reasonable prices, but this is changing as truck based suvs are becoming more rare.

Bad
1. 2005-2010 Xterras experienced issues with their timing chains and a radiator which could leak coolant into the transmission lines which passes through it. The end result of this contamination is often a condition called smod which can destroy the transmission.

2. Seating can be uncomfortable for taller individuals which drive extended distances. My family enjoys taking the Xterra on a trail/country road ride, but it's left at home if we travel out of town

3. The brakes have a soft feel. I'm not complaining that an xterra has problems stopping, but the soft brakes may cause concern to those which are more comfortable with a firmer brake pedal.

 

[boyer]

I was going to post exactly what @Jard did.

Considering the age of the Xterra now, I'd contemplate a crew cab Frontier to bring a couple years closer to the present.

 

[Syclone538]

They're cheap for what you get/how capable they are.
You can get a six speed manual.
You can get a rear locker.
285/75/16 fit with little hassle, and didn't negatively affect ride.

They don't have limited slip diffs, they use traction control. My 09 is crap. My 10 is great. Traction control doesn't work in 4 low.
The rivnuts in the roof of my 09 leak water.
They ride like a 1 ton truck, no matter what kind of tires you have on it.

And the already mentioned timing chain, and coolant/transmission issues.

 

[MaddMatt]

I'm curious about getting an Xterra for my kids, always liked them, but never pulled the trigger. Now I'm into wheeling and this is an option for my kids in the way of price. What are some things that make the Xterra better than the average vehicle and what are some things I need to watch out for?

I agree with Badlander's post -

Mostly Pros for me, that's why I have 2.

My 2010 SE got two kids through high school, great in the snow, safe if they get run into - I don't know how old you are, but high school parking lots today are the same as they've always been, a weird combination of Mad Max, the Malachi crunch and Mardi Gras - and they always put the newest drivers the furthest from school in the worst lot. My oldest learned how to confidently switch in and out of 4hi just to deal with the snow and mud in the "junior lot' - it got paved since then. Their safety was the major reason they got "my" Xterra when they started driving, and why I ended up getting my own and having 2.

Now that both kids are in college, my wife is driving the SE - still looks as good as the day we bought it, and runs great with 130K on it.

Model kind of depends on what kind of wheeling you want to get into. The SE has more than enough capability for most of the trails in Colorado - it's done the Alpine loop and is plenty capable of access to remote camping and hiking spots in Colorado and Utah, which is my experience. Traction control still works in 4hi (but not 4lo, as has been mentioned) and is surprisingly capable. I enjoy wheeling, but for me it's a means to an end, as way to get someplace. The one or two times per year when i actually need/use the rear locker, there's inevitably a 15 year old Subaru already parked at the end....

But, if you want to get more serious, then yes, the Off Road or Pro-4X take the capability to another level.

Beware of dealers listing everything they have as "OffRoad", make sure it has the diff lock switch is the easiest way to be sure.

For day to day driving, I honestly like my SE better than my Pro-4X, I think the different gearing and shock in the Pro-4X give it a bit of a "looser" feel.

In my opinion, the stock Rockford Fosgate is a great stereo, and the high school kids love having the subwoofer.

With the backseats folded down they hold a surprising amount of stuff, and the hard plastic in the rear is really easy to clean. I've done a lot of messy remodel work, take the leaves in the fall, pick up mulch, etc... and it takes about 5 minutes to shopvac it out and everything is clean.

Cons:
Gas mileage, living here at 5400' and mostly around town driving, I assume 16mpg, and can get as high as 18 or 19 on road trips. Honestly I don't check anymore.

Visibility for new drivers - both kids had low speed/no injury incidents with the front passenger fender - both learned their lesson, but if the driver is a bit short, it can be hard to see. We had Cartoys put a backup camera in, to help with that.

Rear leaf springs. Horribly underwhelming right off the factory floor. Even having just 2 adults in the back seat can cause you to hit the bump stops going over speed bumps. Cheap helper springs from Autozone worked better than expected to fix the problem in my Pro-4X, with the SE one of the leafs snapped at 100k, but I just replaced it with OEM - the kids don't tow.

Rear seat egress - the seats aren't bad once you're in them, but during "grime season" you are definitely getting it on your clothes. I find the front seats comfortable.

They aren't making them anymore, and your available aftermarket support just got lower by one with the demise of Shrockworks - As I have extra cash (which is not often with 2 kids in college) I'm trying to accumulate after market stuff, whether I need it or not, because at some point they just won't make them anymore.

And, as has been said - I still love how they look. I have no plans to replace either one, although I do flirt with the idea of a truck from time to time.

 

[snow bucket]

Pros:
1. Size. It's not to big that it's a nuisance to parallel park somewhere, but large enough to haul all my stuff around.
2. Maintenance. I haven't had it for long but it really hasn't given me any issues for being a 12 year old truck.
3. Power. Haven't gotten stuck yet (knock on wood).

Cons:
1: interior plastic. Seems like the plastic is easily scratched.
2. Accessories. Normal mechanical parts are easy to get but wish more companies made affordable aftermarket accessories for Xterra.
3. MPG. I really can't complain since I knew buying it.
*3.1 The perpetual want to buy new mods just cause it would look cool.

 

[Syclone538]

...
Visibility for new drivers - both kids had low speed/no injury incidents with the front passenger fender - both learned their lesson, but if the driver is a bit short, it can be hard to see. We had Cartoys put a backup camera in, to help with that.
...

I forgot about the visibility. When deciding what to get before the first one, I read all the old comparisons I could find. They all commented on how bad the visibility was from the FJ or the H3. I probably would have gotten an H3 if they came with a 5.3 standard, you could get a manual with it, and you could see out of it.


Another con for the Xterra, more aftermarket support would be nice.

 

[Badlander]

I agree another plus is the factory stereo. I also feel like the turning radius of the X is pretty good too.

 

[scottgas]

Mine is a 2wd SE. Got it with 3100 miles on it as an inheritance when Dad passed. It has been the best vehicle I've ever owned. 272,000 miles on it and the only "repairs" I've had to do is replace coils, with over 200,000 miles on them. That being said I had to replace cat convertors BUT it was because of the failed coil caused 1 cylinder to run rich and destroyed a cat. At 140,000 miles I changed the radiator as a precaution for the failed tans cooler issues. Mine hadn't failed but changed it anyway. At that time I had my dealer flush and fill the transmission and cooling system. Other than shocks, brakes, and fluid changes the truck has been a beast. I've used it to move multiple times, hauled a half pallet of sod once and hauled 1800 lbs of concrete paving tiles. I would recommend the weight of the tiles or sod.
I did have to change valve cover gaskets at around 250,000 miles.

Get one as low mile as you can afford.
Have a reputable mechanic check it over
Do any needed maintenance as soon as you can.
Yes it doesn't get great fuel economy but the VQ40 is a beast

 

[roXterra]

They are great, affordable for smaller replacements of parts (catalytic converter is not, hence newer ones are better), but older ones and rust effected ones are more prone to issues.
2010 or newer is what I would get, Pro4X / Offroad, low miles if you want it long term.
I had mine since new, 277k on first, 215k on current one and it's going strong.
Driver and maintenance effect its lifetime so lower miles are better if you aren't looking to invest with repairs.
Good engine, but not high mpg.

 

[Brunnie]

You can park in a "Compact Car" spot.

 

[AlbatrossCafe]

Good:

1. It's cheaper than a 4runner but does all the same stuff.
2. 2011+ Engine is pretty bulletproof, cheap, and parts are everywhere.
3. Every time I think that I'm not gonna be able to fit something inside, it always fits. The interior is a never-ending cavern.

Bad:

1. Aftermarket accessory options and availability are "meh".
2. MPG blows, especially with significant mods, but I guess it's not much worse than other things in it's class.
3. Cheap AF looking interior. Doesn't matter to most who buy this car, but if you care about that kind of thing it will bother you

 

[JeffInDFW]

Do not discount 2005 to 2010 Xterras. I have a 2007, and I replaced the timing chain guides at 95,000 miles, and the radiator at 120,000 miles. You can check the radiator yourself to see if it is one of the bad ones, and ask for records. A lot of owners have changed those two items by now. This opens up a LOT more Xterras to consider and might save you some money too. I bought mine new and it now has 267,000 miles on it. Drivetrain is all original except the starter and timing chain guides. Still so reliable that we drove it on a 2,000 mile vacation 3 months ago.

Try to find one with the fold down front passenger seat (my 2007 S has it) and you can fit really long things inside.

I love the rooftop storage locker. It is where I keep our recovery gear.

I chose Xterra because even without the factory locker, it has all the off road capability I need (we've done all the big trails in the San Juans except 2). But it is SO much better on road than the Wrangler I was considering. Actually good at high speeds. Xterra can tow 5,000 pounds, Wrangler 3,500. Xterra goes 250,000 miles or more with no issues. Parts are not expensive.

 

[Badlander]

Good:

1. It's cheaper than a 4runner but does all the same stuff.
2. 2011+ Engine is pretty bulletproof, cheap, and parts are everywhere.
3. Every time I think that I'm not gonna be able to fit something inside, it always fits. The interior is a never-ending cavern.

Bad:

1. Aftermarket accessory options and availability are "meh".
2. MPG blows, especially with significant mods, but I guess it's not much worse than other things in it's class.
3. Cheap AF looking interior. Doesn't matter to most who buy this car, but if you care about that kind of thing it will bother you

I do feel like if you have a Pro 4X with Leather it makes the interior look a lot nicer.

 

[MaddMatt]

Do not discount 2005 to 2010 Xterras. I have a 2007, and I replaced the timing chain guides at 95,000 miles, and the radiator at 120,000 miles. You can check the radiator yourself to see if it is one of the bad ones, and ask for records. A lot of owners have changed those two items by now. This opens up a LOT more Xterras to consider and might save you some money too. I bought mine new and it now has 267,000 miles on it. Drivetrain is all original except the starter and timing chain guides. Still so reliable that we drove it on a 2,000 mile vacation 3 months ago.

That's a good point - SMOD is a very real thing, but if they're still on the road at this point, it's probably been dealt with. I have a buddy with a 2007 or 08, I forget - he's pushing 180k miles, he's a stickler for factory maintenance, and he's had no problems. I don't know if he replaced the radiator or not.

And what someone else said about the leather seats - I have them in both of mine - it's not Lexus level, but it does make it look nicer. I've been cleaning and treating with a Griots product lately, and I feel like they are getting a bit softer to the touch, even being a decade+ old