Buying an Xterra

[demonyoka420]

Well im sick of the never ending problems and gas mileage that my bronco has been giving me lately so ive been looking into a new dd for myself. I like the xterra and i was wondering which years are the best for them and also what i should be looking out for when i am looking at/ test driving one. I am looking for it to be a dd but im sure i will end up modding it for a little off-road use. Any opinions appreciated. Thanks!

[Rev_D21]

Depends a lot on what you are willing to spend. My father has an 03 that he adores. The new ones are nothing like the old ones.

[demonyoka420]

Price aside what are the major positive and negative factors of the different years. I just want a good dependable vehicle that i can mod a little for some offroading here and there. Definently want standard shift, and debating whether i should get a 4 or 6 cylinder. Id really like the 6 cylinder supercharged but as far as i've seen they're hard to come across and im looking to be buying somethin within the next month.

[Desert Rat]

If you plan to mod the vehicle for better offroad performance, a 1st gen is definitely the way to go. The drivetrain components, specifically axles, are much stronger. The steering isn't as good, but there are several solutions from the aftermarket to address that.

The 2005+ has a LOT more power and is much better road vehicle, at the expense of some weaker drivetrain components. if you keep it box stock, the 2005+ is a better way to go. If you plan on lifting, adding larger tires, armor, lockers, etc....the 2000-2004 is a better way. 2003-2004 models were rated at 10 more HP than the 2000-2002 trucks, but seat of the pants impressions make it pretty hard to tell the difference.

[demonyoka420]

Cool thanks for the info. Do the supercharged ones come stick?? Also what would you guys rather have a supercharged auto or a n/a 6 cylinder stick?Found these three online, whata you guys think about em?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItemh ... rs...wItem

[Desert Rat]

SC models get considerably worse gas mileage and require 91 octane fuel. If the fuel costs don't bother you, they'd be a good option. SC 5 speeds are out there, but might be tough to find. (I did test drive a new one back in 2002 ). Also, the supercharger lifespan is typically around 60-75k miles, and non-warranty replacements aren't cheap.

That said, the NA motors are less powerful, but they're very reliable with routine maintenance.

Something else. Any trucks approaching 100k miles will need a timing belt replacement. Not sure if that's something you're comfortable tackling on your own, or if it's something you'd pay to have done, but it's something to consider in the purchase price of a used truck.