2002 Xterra - Used Car Buying Advice Needed

[anniemore]

Hi Everyone,

I am currently, neck-deep in my first used car by-owner buying experience. I have a series of vehicles I am interested (for one, a 1996 Pathfinder), but the one newer vehicle I really like, and have enjoyed driving, is the Xterra.

I found an Xterra for sale in my area at a decent price. It is a 2002 with 110k miles. The owner says the vehicle is clean, new starter, breaks tuned up, but it has some scratches, fabric in the back end has come loose and lastly, there is some rust around the drivers side front door.

I do not have worries about the mechanical, since I'll have a better idea of its condition by seeing it.. but rust. Has anyone dealt with this, with their own Xterras? Have you simply had the rust buffed, treated and painted or did you have to replace that piece of the truck?

Thanks,

Annie

[Rev_D21]

Rust requires stripping the paint in the area down to the bare metal then treating it and repainting it. It all depends on how bad the rust really is. As for the mechanicals these trucks go over 200k all everyday. The timing belt is what most people skip out on and the X you are looking at is due mileage-wise. Have the seller prove that the belt was done or discount the the price of the job off the price of the truck and get it done asap. After that that engine will be in good shape for a long time. The X is a great and very capable truck!

[anniemore]

Thank you! That was super helpful!

[Theo]

My 02 Xterra has been a solid vehicle! Under powered , not good fuel economy but an overall great truck.