Noob Xterra owner from Costa Rica ( by way of Canada/USA)

[CostaRicaXTERRA]

Hi all, this is Raymond in Costa Rica, originally from Canada and USA, just joined, 1st Post.

Need some help from you Professionals with Xterra experience

We're in Costa Rica, so any parts I want to get, have to be imported, so want to be very sure before proceeding.

We just bought a
2002 Nissan Xterra, XE 4dr SUV
3.3L V6-non supercharged
4x4
4-speed Automatic
Has the factory tow bar, but I see no electrical trailer hookup, so don't think it's ever towed.

It has 133,000 miles, it's a US model imported to CR just 3 years ago and driven mostly or all in the city of San Jose, CR since its been here, not a country farm or beach tourism vehicle, so for a 13 year old vehicle, it's in twice as good of condition as one that's been on Costa Rica back roads.

Looks 100% stock.

So, I want to know:

a. what are the list of items a smart person would have replaced right away (going to a shop for all this on Tuesday and get the work done this 1st week) as preventative maintenance, belts, hoses, etc, etc.

b. what are the YOU BETTER WATCH OUT FOR items relative to this year engine/drivetrain, I read somewhere about problems relating to cooling system and automatic transmission, and this will be working both hard

we are on a daily steep mountain drives back and forth up and down the mountain, all day, long gravel road, 10-20 miles an hour max because very steep lotsa turns, we go from the beach to 2000 ft altitude in 15 min up hill driving

c. All stock vehicles, can have a power boost, open up the exhaust, re-chip or program ECU. I don't want / need a hot rod, reliability is 1st priority,

but want to know what can be done to give me more power reliably, even if I suffer a bit on economy.

Brands, links, etc all appreciated

Thanks in advance

Raymond

[Desert Rat]

If you don't know when/if it's been done, then do a timing belt, all belts/hoses (14 years old), plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. Check trans fluid. If it's reddish still, get it flushed. If it's brown, leave it alone forever. Consider repacking front wheel bearings and installing new hub seals, and check CV boots for tears - especially the inner ones.

For power, etc, I'd just leave it alone. It already has a blower on it. Bearings have been known to go out on the SCs, so listen closely for any bearing noise that doesn't sound right.

The cooling system in the autos is barely adequate, though I believe the SC models have a bit bigger radiator. Watch the temp gauge. If you're doing a lot of grades, an aftermarket trans cooler is never a bad idea, and it's a relatively cheap upgrade.

Transfer case and axles are pretty stout. Steering is notoriously weak, but holds up well if you keep the suspension at stock height. Still, with 133k on the clock, a new center link and tie rod ends might not hurt. Also check the idler arm bushings for slop.

Enjoy the truck. sounds like she still has a lot of miles left in her.