So I live in Mt. Airy NC and we just recently got a ton of snow here. I'm 18 and my current car is a Chrysler Crossfire (which is still covered in snow in the driveway..) It made me miss my past 4x4's and really enjoyed being able to go practically anywhere I wanted. So I'm looking to sell the Crossfire and buy a later model Xterra with decent miles.
I'd like to know your opinions..
What would be a good year; what years to stay away from; how reliable are they and how many miles is too many; my first upgrades I should do, etc..
I appreciate the help!
Taylor L.

welcome

Welcome to the club. If you want a newer X then go with 06 and up. 05 is the first year they came out with the 2nd gen and everybody always makes a few mistakes when they come out with something new. As far as miles go with the rule that on average you drive 13000 a year, so basically if your over that, then the vehicle was driven to much. As far as reliability.....ummm its an Xterra. I have a 00 and haven't had to replace anything, just your typical maintenance. As far as upgrades thats all up to you. Im sure you will get guys chiming in, but it all depends on what you want to do with it. If your looking for power, go with an exhaust kit and intake. If you want to wheel it, then get a lift and bigger tires. Or if you want to be a fanatic then do all the above.

So I'm definitely wheelin in it.
I was looking through the forums and found that 15mpg is the average for these trucks. What about after tires, bumbers, etc?
Do most of you guys use them as your daily driver or just when it comes down for fun?

Welcome to CX!

Nice choice! There are a lot of offroad accessories for the 2nd gens and a fair amount for 1st gens. As far as tires go, there are a ton of threads on here telling about all about different tires and how they are going to perform. I am only running 31s with a modded airbox and fuel additives and average around 17mpg. Once you get a lift package then you will get bigger tires, and thats when you get lower gas mileage, obviously. Bumpers add a lot of weight and drag, but if your going to plate it up try and go custom that way you can choose an metal that is tough but light like an alloy otherwise shrock it like everyone else. DD or daily driver is the way to go. If you have a giant trophy would u keep it hidden? You will see some that are just tow rigs, but they look more like machines than a vehicle. GL let us know if you need any links.

Thanks!
I'm sure It couldn't be worse than my CJ5 :D , so I can manage with that.
And yes! I'd greatly appreciate any links or information you have as for I'm really looking into buying one of these and will do all the research I can!