[ezX]

I'm in the market for an X and found this 2015 Pro 4X with 95k km and automatic transmission. It seems to be in a reasonably good condition (though not excellent), but there are no service records since 11/2016, and I've been told by the owner that the transmission, transfer case, and differential have never been services before. I do not have any technical skills nor knowledge, so I would want my future experience to be as smooth as possible. I'm trying to decide if I should let go of this X and move on in my search. Assuming I got the owner to get all of the above serviced, would I still be expecting problems along the way for it not being done until now?

 

[Lowcountry idn]

I think your still inside the range of factory recommended service intervals for those points with less than 60K miles unless it was used in severe duty.. Have someone that does know about vehicles check it out, but i wouldn't worry about those points being unserviced at this mileage. In reality many people drive the vehicle its whole life and never touch those things.

I will add one note and I am certainly not trying to be a jerk. If you know nothing about auto repair are you sure you want an Xterra? They are spectacular vehicles that can last forever if taken care of, but they have some quirks and require a reasonable amount of maintenance. Its all very easy DIY if your willing to try and get your hands dirty however.

 

[zanethan]

That’s less than 60k miles, while not ideal, I wouldn’t expect it to be any less reliable than a typical X. If everything else checks out I’d buy it.

 

[ezX]

I forgot to add - while the current owner says he did not do a lot of off-roading with it, I do know for sure he has been towing and driving in harsher winter conditions.

I will add one note and I am certainly not trying to be a jerk. If you know nothing about auto repair are you sure you want an Xterra? They are spectacular vehicles that can last forever if taken care of, but they have some quirks and require a reasonable amount of maintenance. Its all very easy DIY if your willing to try and get your hands dirty however.

I'd like to say I'd learn some of this stuff, but being realistic, I don't know if I will. I do, however, have family that I see a couple of times a year that would be able to help with the odd simple DIY project, and I'm more than happy to pay for regular and good quality service.

 

[campisi]

It wouldn't deter me from considering it.

 

[Just a Hunter]

As has been mentioned, 95K km is equivalent to just over 59,000 miles.
I would be most interested in how well the owner serviced his engine oil.

Have a dealership quote you a price to service your front and rear differential, transfer case, transmission and coolant. Even though it's not mentioned, I doubt the owner has serviced his coolant system.

You want a dealers Quote as it's likely higher than that of a local mechanic.

Use the cost to service the Xterra as a means to negotiate your best deal.
However, if you have any reservations about purchasing this vehicle, simply walk away now.

 

[ezX]

As has been mentioned, 95K km is equivalent to just over 59,000 miles.
I would be most interested in how well the owner serviced his engine oil.

Have a dealership quote you a price to service your front and rear differential, transfer case, transmission and coolant. Even though it's not mentioned, I doubt the owner has serviced his coolant system.

You want a dealers Quote as it's likely higher than that of a local mechanic.

Use the cost to service the Xterra as a means to negotiate your best deal.
However, if you have any reservations about purchasing this vehicle, simply walk away now.

The owner claims he did the oil himself, but I have no way to verify this. I feel like given my lack of knowledge about motor vehicles in general, I get very hesitant over issues that sound serious to me but may not actually be serious. In short, I don't know if my reservations are justified, and if I'll ever be able to find a vehicle if I kept waiting for a perfect one with which I'll have no reservations.

 

[N.Fl.X]

I had all of my fluids changed at the dealership ( trans, transfer case, front and rear diff ) for less than 350$. good price in my opinion.

 

[Just a Hunter]

In short, I don't know if my reservations are justified, and if I'll ever be able to find a vehicle if I kept waiting for a perfect one with which I'll have no reservations.

I respect your honesty.

If the only limiting factor is lack of maintenance to the powertrain fluids, I would probably buy it so long as the price is reasonable.

 

[Rayraytonto]

It your worried about the drive train fluids at 95k I wouldn’t fret to be honest. I changed my 08’s out at 135k and I could tell they were never done by prior owner not ideal but it runs and operates just fine. As for oil change records I hate to say this there wouldn’t be any for my new vehicle either unless the dealer ship offered a bunch of free ones at purchase I never let shops touch my cars unless it’s something I can’t preform myself. And there are alotnof guys that think the same way. As for doing the fluid changes it’s takes little to no knowledge to do just watch a couple you tube videos if you can use a socket wrench and an Allen wrench at all you can change them yourself it’s really easy

 

[Tlrtucker]

I know you said you're not mechanically inclined, but servicing fluids is about as easy as it gets. A basic socket set and a drain pain are all you need. The diff's are nearly impossible to screw up. Pop off the fill plug first, then drain it, then replace drain plug and fill with fluid until it dribbles out the fill hole, then replace drain plug. It's literally that easy. Oil changes are about as simple but you might have to take off your skid plate the first time you do it. I wouldn't suggest someone new to working on cars mess with the transmission as it's a bit more complicated, but not much, but it is intimidating for noob's.

Doing everything yourself will save you a good amount of money, but it's also not for everyone. Nothing wrong with taking it to a pro.

 

[mikidymac]

I agree with everyone else here. I bought my 2011 PRO-4X last year with 92,000 miles from the original owner and he was honest and said the only thing he ever did was scheduled oil changes and had dealer receipts for it. As soon as I got it home I did all fluids and filters and the only one that looked dirty was the transfer case. I honestly wouldn't worry unless he used it to tow a lot and never did oil changes.

 

[ezX]

Thanks a lot everybody. I stopped worrying about these issues after reading your responses, but decided to pass on this X because of a different issue (rust spots on the body). I appreciate everybody's input, you're making being new to this so much easier!

 

[prodragon4x]

Thanks a lot everybody. I stopped worrying about these issues after reading your responses, but decided to pass on this X because of a different issue (rust spots on the body). I appreciate everybody's input, you're making being new to this so much easier!

Where about's are you located in Canada? There's a few Xterra's for sale in the Vancouver area, altho prices are getting a bit ridiculous for them these days. If you're in BC, check in on Facebook with BC Nissan 4wd, there's lots of guys that are really knowledgeable and helpful.

 

[ezX]

Where about's are you located in Canada? There's a few Xterra's for sale in the Vancouver area, altho prices are getting a bit ridiculous for them these days. If you're in BC, check in on Facebook with BC Nissan 4wd, there's lots of guys that are really knowledgeable and helpful.

Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out! I'm from Vancouver, but I refuse to pay the prices some of these sellers are asking for (i.e. anything remotely close to $35k). The one I was looking at was listed for $28k and he agreed to take $25k, which is more in line with my budget (and what I've seen these vehicles go for not that long ago)