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Good- reliable- only cam sensors in 11 years, drives grerat on highway, good off road
Bad- smallish, rear lear suspension is too soft needs airbags , no otside temp sensor




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?
 

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Great thread for those of us looking to buy an Xterra. Seems like they are becoming more popular and expensive (nothing compared to 4 runner or Tacoma though), especially the later year low mileage pro-4x models.
 

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Getting in and out of the backseat with the narrow doorways can be a pain. My wife complains all the time and so do some passengers. However, in her 11' Pathfinder the doors are wider in the back which makes it easier.
 

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2011 XTerra S Metallic Green
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It's a snow beast. Being a true 4wd you can change on a fly 2hi<>4hi

Somehow everything just fit. Right now I have my pro hood 48" in full package 32" high. Fit like a glove :eek::cool:

I am not hard core off roader,I fly fish. It takes me everywhere I need to be.

With regular maintenance it's very reliable vehicle. I intend to drive it untill wheels fell off.
 

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Bought 2009 off road 2 years ago. Changed the radiator myself and had the dealer do the timing chains. Only 115,000 on it now and I love it, so great in the hills going after big bucks and elk here in Idaho, lots of small twisty roads that are much more difficult to drive on with my full size truck. I put 285 patagonia milestar tires with a 2 inch lift on it, super quite and smooth ride, Looks great also. Have fun, pull the trigger.
 

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While the '11 up have proven to have a reliable drivetrain, keep in mind that if a mission-critical module decides to crap out (like the engine computer), you'll have a hell of a time finding an affordable way to get the vehicle going again. Nissans are well known on the module programming side of automotive repair circles to be extremely problematic. Nissan makes the process super confusing and complicated, resulting in bricked modules if something goes awry, like if you weren't properly prepared and the power goes out, or a simple as checking the wrong box on the laptop. If the module is a $500 one, or more, that money just vaporizes. You have to buy another and try again. Many mobile programmers won't touch Nissans for that reason, so that leaves you with the dealer ... and just wait until you see that bill! The guys tell me Nissan and Mercedes are the ones they refuse to program.

It's a crapshoot - some will last years with zero issues, while others will literally drive you insane with this kind of problem. It's not a widespread problem - like I said, it's hit or miss, like most 21st century automotive issues. Some guys get lucky, some get screwed. The owners unlucky enough to get the problem child vehicle end up so frustrated they dump it, and swear off Nissan products altogether. The newer the model year, the more modules it has. Just something to think about. This is an instance where a Toyota would be a better choice. No issues programming modules in those.
 

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Bought 2009 off road 2 years ago. Changed the radiator myself and had the dealer do the timing chains. Only 115,000 on it now and I love it, so great in the hills going after big bucks and elk here in Idaho, lots of small twisty roads that are much more difficult to drive on with my full size truck. I put 285 patagonia milestar tires with a 2 inch lift on it, super quite and smooth ride, Looks great also. Have fun, pull the trigger.
I'm just waiting for the paperwork to clear, but I'm picking up my 2008 with only 104 K in a couple of days. I'm in CT so I won't need the 4WD as much as you guys out west. I need to keep an eye on the radiator. There's no sign of SMOD now, but that could change. I need to check the part number. You mentioned smooth ride. That is so true. It's part of the reason I went for an Xterra over a Wrangler.
 

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Good
1.) Even with little modifications - It'll go where like 99% of other cars won't.
2.) Has been an issue free vehicle, mine is a 2012 model with 141K on the clock.
3.) It's a no frills version w/ generic looking interior, cloth seats, the usual. I prefer this to a luxury offroad because I don't care if this gets muddy ! It'll wipe off.

Bad.
1. The brakes have always been meh. They could have made a more solid brake system on the Xterra. Same w/ the stock suspension.
2.) The gas mileage is the most god awful you could have in an internal combustion engine. It's a thirsty beast.
3) The 2005-2008 versions were cursed with SMOD. And dude, if you don't know what that's about - google it like right now.
 

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I do know about SMOD, but thanks for the advice. I only found out about it a few weeks ago. I'm new to Xterras so any info I can get is appreciated. I know it drinks like a fish which makes it a good thing that it's my weekend fun vehicle, and not primary mode of transportation. I'm with you on "luxury" off road. I mean who the hell wants leather seats in a 4X4? They're cold in the winter, hot in the summer. You'll crack or scrape them. I think it's just dumb. I went with this 2008 instead of the 2003 because, among other things, the brakes felt a little iffy.
 
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