Hello all. I'm Prime. I'm a self employed IT tech in VA, and I'm currently in the market for an X. I'm no stranger to these types of boards so I know how valuable they can be. Figured I'd pop in and start asking questions.

First off, my current ride is this 1987 Mustang:
http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/4791/veryclean2ro6.jpg

I have put about 7 or 8 grand in it (body work, engine, transmission etc) and while I will never sell my beloved Stang. I have discovered that is really not good for daily driving. I get about 12-15MPG TOPS and the roof leaks in the rain. So I want to get a cover and just use it as my project/weekend car.

I'm no foreigner to 4x4's either. A few years back I had a 92 Jeep Wrangler that I bought stock and put a lift and tires. I went on SEVERAL wheeling trips to the George Washington National Forest as well as down to the beach in the Outer Banks, NC. I had a LOT of fun with the offroad stuff, but the Jeep just didn't have the reliability to be driven on a regular basis. Eventually I just had to sell it because I was tired of fixing it.

So now I'm looking for something reliable that I can wheel if I get the opportunity to. My searching brought me to the X-Terra because of Nissan's bulletproof reliability and its documented off road capability. So while I don't have one yet, I have started the search.

Here's what I'm looking for.....

Dark blue, 02-04 (I like the front end better), 4x4, 5-speed. And I would really prefer it to be 100% stock.

As far as goals, I was thinking just a PML, 31's, complete undercarriage skidplates, & a snorkel. Nothing outrageous. Just enough to wheel if I wanted to and keep it streetable and reliable.

I really want the snorkel because I actually drowned the motor in my Jeep in a river crossing. Put a new engine in and then the snorkel...it was the best investment I had ever made. I could drive that Jeep through 3-4' of standing water with no problems.

Now, I guess a few questions.....is there anything in particular to look out for when buying an X? Typical problem areas? Telltale signs of a hard life? Also, why are the dark blue one's hard to find? I have only found 3 or 4 online and they are ALL automatics.....and that just won't do. Must. Have. Manual. Transmission. heh.

I think that'll do for now. Looks like a great place you guys have here and I look forward to getting to know you all.

-Prime

Just as an FYI, in the event you get real serious with that mustang and need to trailer it, the MT is only rated to tow 3500 while the auto can do up to 5K. My personal preference is MT in a sports car, AT in a truck, but like I said, that's just preference. This truck will never be "fun" to drive like my race cars so I really don't care. $.02 That being said I have heard the guys that go wheeling talk about how the MT makes it better for climbing a steep grade. I don't, as of yet, do any wheeling - mines just a DD - so IDK.

If you like the blue you should check out the canteen green, too. I think they look pretty pimp. again, $.02

As far as problem areas, people here will tell you that if the thing has ~100k to check for documentation that the timing belt was done. It is spec'd for replacement @ 105k.

I will say check good and hard for rust around the window on the rear hatch and at the lower corners of the rear bumper. I didn't notice the small bubbles I had there until a couple weeks after I got it home.

I'm sure others who have been owners longer will have some more specific's but just do your basic used car inspection, leaking fluids, unusual smells or sounds, belts & hoses in good condition and not cracking, smooth and quiet idle, no noise from the valve train, etc.

And check that the auto locking front hubs work AND unlock. I had one sticking locked on me at first.

Welcome!

In that year range, you need to check to see if either exhaust manifold is cracked, if the timing belt and water pump have been changed(if over 105k miles), and then just drive it a bunch. As to the lack of dark blue Xs, I can't answer that. I know that a manual transmission was more popular in the XE, which I believe is 4x2. It will be fairly difficult to find one in a 4x4 SE, but it can be done. Check craigslist, ebay, and the classifieds here and on xterrafirma. Just keep looking.


These things are practically bulletproof. And again, welcome.

welcome

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Online since 2000.

Interesting note about the towing capacity. hrmm.....

I wasn't really planning on towing the Stang. Maybe a couple of 4=wheelers though....

I'll definitely keep that in mind. I hate the magical voodoo slushbox with a passion, but it might be worth it just for the extra 1500lbs. I wonder if that is because of the tranny itself or the clutch or combination of the two.

Also, thx for the welcomes and the pointers. More things to add to the list.

I do like the Canteen Green....I'd be okay with using that as a fall back if I can't find the blue one I want. :D

Welcome to the club. Nice looking mustang you have there.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but an xterra with full armor, 31's, and is that old (1st gen) is only going to around 15 city and 17 highway (if that). Not much of an increase compared to your mustang. On the plus side, you definately are looking in the right direction for reliability though, these things are beasts. If you're really serious about gas mileage it might be worth looking into a 2nd gen (05+), I know they get 3-5mpg better on both.

I haven't driven manuals much, and have never offroaded with one, I can easily see it being a pain in the butt for any length of time (like city driving). Again, that's with very little MT experience though.

Good luck in your search and keep us updated.

Interesting note about the towing capacity. hrmm.....

I wasn't really planning on towing the Stang. Maybe a couple of 4=wheelers though....

I'll definitely keep that in mind. I hate the magical voodoo slushbox with a passion, but it might be worth it just for the extra 1500lbs. I wonder if that is because of the tranny itself or the clutch or combination of the two.

Also, thx for the welcomes and the pointers. More things to add to the list.

I do like the Canteen Green....I'd be okay with using that as a fall back if I can't find the blue one I want. :D


Welcome to CX!

I never thought I would like a yellow automobile but I really like the solar yellow on an X even more than silver on my X.

To be honest I'm much less concerned w/ MPG than things like reliability and conveniences such as keyless entry and air conditioning (neither of which my Stang has at the moment). If I wanted something that got 30mpg I'd get something silly like a Toyota Carolla. Heh.

As far as the tranny goes, my Jeep had a manual and it was a dream to drive in any condition. Sand, rocks, street, you name it. (when it was working that is)

I know that realistically adding tires and armor is going to drop the mileage but I'd rather be protected than not. Right now I'm getting single digit city mpg and that 12-15 after quite a few highway miles. I thought about a 2nd Gen but I really don't like what they have done with the exterior. It just looks so much bigger and bulkier. With the better styling of the 1st Gen and the lower current resale price the choice is pretty much a no brainer.

I found it.......except its in Vermont (10 hour drive away) and I don't have quite $10k or the extra to fiy up there and the time to drive back.

2003, Dark Blue, 5-Speed, 4x4, 58k Miles, bone stock.

sadface. Hopefully I can find one closer.

Welcome