Hey guys, I am thinking of buying an Xterra, post-facelift so probably an '02-'03 model. I am specifically looking for a v6 4wd, around the $5k mark, if I can get the nicer SE for that than great.

They are a litle hard to find for that price, and I know the mileage will be high around that price too. So I am looking for advice and suggestions on what to look for and possible issues. I am new to Xterras so I don't know the ins-and-outs of these vehicles.

Basically right now it's a tossup between an Xterra or an old Land Rover, and the Xterra seems to be the more reliable and cheaper choice for gas.

So what should I be looking for? Anything that usually wears our or goes wrong I should be on the lookout for? Tips for stuff to checkout on inspection/test-drive?

Anything I should be aware of on a high mileage model? Other than regular maintenance anything I should replace? I'm assuming like any well taken care of Nissan, the Xterras should last a good long while, and past 200k, right?


Thanks guys!

Timing belt would be the first thing... See if you can find one with a service record..
Timing belts are due to be changed every 5 years or 100,000 miles..
The Xterra will be alot less expensive on parts! I mean A LOT!!!!

113K just did timing belt and tune up. Was pretty cheap and had a friend of mine help out. Think I had around $200 to $250 (ish) in parts. Did all the belts, hoses, plugs, wires, cap/rotor, timing belt, water pump, PCV valve, thermostat and idler pulley. There's a small hose that goes to the thermostat that's a real booger to change out, but IMO would see more heat than the rest of the hoses, so I opted to change it out (mainly because everything was off and made it easier to get to).
There was some sort of recall a few years back that had to do with fuel sending unit or something (someone chime in here), so you might check for recalls and factory modifications.
I purchased my 00 X SE new and have had NO repair issues other than a cracked AC line. Hoping my son (7yrs old now) will want it as his first vehicle, so plan on keeping it a while.
Good luck!
rob g.

Cool thanks guys.

Anything else?