2000 Xterra - Common Problems?

[Larry_B]

I'm new to this forum. I've got a 2000 Xterra with about 144k miles. I love my truck, but maintenance costs are becoming more noticeable.

In the last 2 years or so, I've had to:

• Replace the master cylinder
• Replace cracked hoses in the A/C system
• Replace a few other components in the climate control system (had only 2 fan settings, off and high)
• Repair the power windows

Add that to regular maintenance items like changing the timing belt, tires and brakes and the cost of ownership is starting to rise.

I figure I've got about 36k until I need to do the timing belt again (I've been having it done at multiples of 60k, even though the schedule says, IIRC, 75), and I'm starting to wonder what else I might have to look forward to.

So, what significant problems have people been having with the '00 Xterra XE, 6cyl, 4WD?

[Theo]

Sounds to me like you've had a reliable truck that has needed only regular maintenance. Stay on top of things and she wont let you down. Alternators, starters, hoses, suspension, electric motors dont last forever and sometimes need to be replaced but it costs money.
its that or spend the bucks and buy a nice new shinny Xterra,

I noticed my rear windows slow down big time in the winter, A sure sign the motors are going to crap out soon ,,,, but I was aware of this common problem when I bought my X. I'll probably try and replace them myself as I did with the fan / heater blower control thing, now the fan blows at all speeds. fix was cheap.

You might want to take a look at suspension if you are going to keep the truck, If the shocks havent been replaced they are likely toast. You be surprised how much diff fresh suspension makes. I just replaced my rear shocks at 160K kilometers.

[Desert Rat]

interval on the D22 timing belt is actually ever 105k. That said, I know of some that failed before then.

The part you lost on your HVAC is the blower motor resistor. This is a common problem in many Nissan vehicles, but usually is pretty cheap to fix.

I'm with Theo...most of what you have mentioned seems minor. If you have an auto trans, do you keep up with fluid changes every 30k?

[BadQ45t]

I have an 05' that has alot less stuff to do as there is no timing belt, but as the owner of a 1984 300ZX i can tell you that what you've had go wrong isn't nearly that bad. My friends Ford Explorer is on its 3rd transmission in the same time.

If you keep up with the truck your all good...but if you go for a 2nd gen there is less to go wrong but you have to drop down for a new car. I have done nearly everything you mentioned to my Z which is the grandfather of your motor, pretty close to the same motor. I have done the timing belt 5 times and it pays for itself. Make sure this time when you do it change out your water pump and cam seals. Then update your shocks and you know that truck will probably go until it drops. Do take the advise on the transmission fluids, if you keep the fluids fresh it will last a hell of a lot longer....that is really your only big concern, the motor if you keep the oil changed and the timing belt updated will go forever.

[Desert Rat]

2005+ vehicles do have their weak points too, however, specifically the 4x4s and their egg shell fragile aluminum R180 front diff. Also, some of the early ones in 2005 experienced rear end failures as well. Why Nissan added 85HP and went with MUCH weaker axles remains a mystery, other than the fact that the bean counters have won.

[Theo]

I now need an exhaust on my 2002. Starting to shop around but it looks like I'll go with a basic system rather than spending $$$ on a performance system but I'm still on the fence

if i could find this Calmini system locally in Toronto and install it myself in the driveway I'd buy it

http://www.purenissan.com/hi-flow_exhaust.htm

[Desert Rat]

Calmini ships out of Bakersfield, CA, but it is a bolt in system.

Another good bet is finding your favorite local muffler shop and let them fab you up an exhaust....I've had a couple done in the $300 range.

[Theo]

Calmini ships out of Bakersfield, CA, but it is a bolt in system.

Another good bet is finding your favorite local muffler shop and let them fab you up an exhaust....I've had a couple done in the $300 range.

I"ll check a few local places this weekend