Xterra Questions
-
ViolentRunning13
- Posts: 774
- Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2008 8:36 pm
Xterra Questions
Hello everyone. I am looking into buying an Xterra here in the next month or so. I was wondering if these things are capable of towing a car? If so is the 4 banger good enough or should I just go for the 6 cylinder? Should I get the 4wd or 2wd if this is going to be my daily. How is gas mileage on each of the motors? Any drawbacks to any of the years that I should be looking for?
Re: Xterra Questions (ViolentRunning13)
First question is what year range are we talking about?
The older ones had a 2.4 or a 3.3. The 2.4 4 cylinder does not have enough power for the vehicle, and certainly not enough to pull a car. The 3.3 is questionable for that duty either, except maybe on a car dolly. I personally wouldn't attempt it on an open trailer, and I have pulled a lot of stuff with a lot of different vehicles. Just not enough power for safe pulling.
For some reason, everybody I've talked to has said both engines get about the same mileage. The 2.4 is not enough power so it sucks gas, and the 3.3 being bigger is going to suck gas anyway but has the power. 4WD is only necessary if you plan on using it. I stick with 2WD because a) I never go offroad, and b) it's less stuff to wear out.
3.3's have timing belts, so that's a $500-600 job every 60,000 miles added in maintenance costs. They also seem to crack manifolds with higher mileage, and the knock sensor is expensive and difficult to replace. I wouldn't even consider a 2.4.
Personally, I'd go with the 05-up. Only available with the 4.0, only has 1 or 2 recalls ever for it, don't seem to have too many recurring problems. Our dealership only sees them for preventative maintenance or a fuel sending unit, but that's pretty rare.
The older ones had a 2.4 or a 3.3. The 2.4 4 cylinder does not have enough power for the vehicle, and certainly not enough to pull a car. The 3.3 is questionable for that duty either, except maybe on a car dolly. I personally wouldn't attempt it on an open trailer, and I have pulled a lot of stuff with a lot of different vehicles. Just not enough power for safe pulling.
For some reason, everybody I've talked to has said both engines get about the same mileage. The 2.4 is not enough power so it sucks gas, and the 3.3 being bigger is going to suck gas anyway but has the power. 4WD is only necessary if you plan on using it. I stick with 2WD because a) I never go offroad, and b) it's less stuff to wear out.
3.3's have timing belts, so that's a $500-600 job every 60,000 miles added in maintenance costs. They also seem to crack manifolds with higher mileage, and the knock sensor is expensive and difficult to replace. I wouldn't even consider a 2.4.
Personally, I'd go with the 05-up. Only available with the 4.0, only has 1 or 2 recalls ever for it, don't seem to have too many recurring problems. Our dealership only sees them for preventative maintenance or a fuel sending unit, but that's pretty rare.
-
ViolentRunning13
- Posts: 774
- Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2008 8:36 pm
-
Desert Rat
- Posts: 1642
- Joined: Wed Jan 17, 2007 11:57 am
- Car: 2014 370Z M6 Base Coupe
2017 Frontier 4.0
2007 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Quad Cab 4x4
1977 F150 4x4 Shorty BUILT
2008 Boulevard C90T
Previous owner of a bunch of Nissans - Location: Mesa, AZ
- Contact:
Re: (ViolentRunning13)
The service interval for the 3.3 timing belt is 105k according to the FSM. It was 60K on the older VG30s.
As stated, the 4 isn't up to the task of regularly towing something that heavy. It's a heavy truck with a small, underpowered motor. It's reliable, but it's no powerhouse.
If you're interested in towing that much, find a 2005+ V6 model. Those have a LOT more power.
As stated, the 4 isn't up to the task of regularly towing something that heavy. It's a heavy truck with a small, underpowered motor. It's reliable, but it's no powerhouse.
If you're interested in towing that much, find a 2005+ V6 model. Those have a LOT more power.
-
bwarren228
- Posts: 57
- Joined: Tue May 19, 2009 2:29 am
- Car: '05 Nismo Frontier... '90 240 hatch
-
Mattcusdav
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2012 7:56 pm
- Car: 1990 300ZX
Re: Xterra Questions
Im looking at buying an 08 xterra 4wd and the FIRST thing I plan on doing is ripping out that stereo/head unit/whatever you want to call it. Anyone have any tips for that? I doubt i would put subs in it.. Its just not me and is the 4wd selector push button? I have yet to look at one in person.