Hey folks,

Im looking for a good used mid 2000 year range xterra for my daughter. Can anyone tell me what is the best year for xterra? Common problems?

We've had a 1999 altima for about 5 years and I'm very impressed. Super reliable car, easy to work on, etc. Are the xterra's anything like that?

Thanks!!!

Welcome to CX!

Depends on what exactly you're looking for in the "mid 2000" range. The xterra went through almost a complete makeover with the 2005 model.

1st gen:

timing belt (must be replaced around 105K)
single-shear steering system (weak)
bombproof axle
somewhat underpowered
cheaper routine maintenance costs and upgrades although options are limited

2nd gen:

Timing chain
suspect differentials (fine for daily driving duties but reports of breakage offroading)
Good power and improved mpg's
Better aftermarket support but more costly

Those are just a few off the top of my head. They both have pro's and con's with either generation just like any vehicle but both very reliable.

welcome to the club...both gens are awesome...i own a gen2

gen2 xterra - 2005+
gen1 xterra - 2000-2004


to clarify..there are two types of rear diffs on a gen2 and they are both borderline bombproof...it is a stronger version of a Dana 44 axle....and the C200k is just about as strong

front diff is weak on a gen2 xterra...but most failures have beena result of oversized tires, offroading..or both

gen2's are more expensive.

gen2's have much more power

gen2's have a much better steering system.

a gen 2 can be upgraded with Titan parts (as they bolt right in) to make the drivetrain and suspension system stronger and more capable off the road.

for everyday driving both trucks are great and reliable.

gen2 is a little roomier IMHO and has some nice added features (rear steps, top wetbox, tiehown hooks and rails, ect.)

gen1's have a little more clearance.

gen2's offer a coilover independant front suspension system which offers an overall better ride on the road. (i've ridden in both.....)

the gen2 interior plastic seems to scratch easily....VERy easily.

the gen1 is an all around better truck for offroading off the lot...but the gen2 can be made just as good as a modded gen1 with some love (and some decent cash)

btw welcome from NJ!

welcome for north jersey

xterras are all around very reliable, with a few common problems here and there...usually the first generation X's ('00-'04) are known for cracked exhaust manifolds (not a huge problem but makes an annoying tapping noise), crappy exhaust shields that fall off and make an annoying rattling noise (no big deal, just annoying), as well as knock sensor problems....if you get a non supercharged xterra, the knock sensor problem doesn't matter much

the only recall that i know of for the first generation X's is for the fuel sending unit, and a dealership can tell you if an xterra has had it replaced by the recall by running the VIN number...these years also require a major servicing at 105K miles which involves the timing belt and water pump as well as some smaller items (belts and hoses)....if you buy an X in the 100K mile area, try to find one that has had this done (can run over $800 at a shop)

these first generation trucks are nearly mechanically identical, just some different body work and a revised interior

newer 'second generation' xterras ('05+) are a bit bigger and have (much) more powerful engines, a stronger steering system (really a moot point if you aren't going to take it off-roading), but also have a few glitches themselves

you get the same nissan reliability either way!

so, what price range/mileage range are you looking in?

Thanks for clarifying that Rook on the diffs. Oh and to add/emphasize... 2nd gens have a MUCH BETTER STEERING SYSTEM! :D

Hey guys, thanks for the quick response!

Help me out here,

What year range is 1st gen in? 2nd gen? etc?

^year range is posed above in my post.

Duh!!! My bad. I missed your detail regarding year etc. Thanks! I work in a health club and was distracted by a bra-less woman in a tight white t shirt!

We're looking to spend in the $5000 to $10,000 range. And I guess Mileage anywhere in the 100 k range.

So, how much should I expect to spend? Much appreciate the advice regarding timing belts, etc. I guess we should lean toward a 2nd gen. I'd much rather go with a timing chain as I don't want my daughter to worry about the timing belt intervals. Her altima has a timing chain and it's been running smooth no problems for 200k miles.

Anyway, thanks for the info! You guys are great. Much appreciate the info and quick response. I'm a vw tdi nut, and I see the same kind of knowledge and response at the tdi forums.

ps, I don't think my daughter is going to do much offroading. We just need a good reliable vehicle.

you might have a hard time finding a second gen for 10K, even with higher miles....these trucks hold resale pretty well (at least until this club gets hold of them :) )

i'd have to lean you towards a first gen simply because i have one :) you can find a lower mileage first gen 4x4 for well under 10K, and put a little money towards having the timing belt job done as well as other maintenance and not have anything to worry about for years

or, you could go with a (gasp) 4 cylinder first gen

Wow. Good advice. Like I said, I don't think she is going to be doing much in the way of of-roading. She does do a lot of highway driving though. How many engine options were there for the 1st gen?

I guess these trucks must be good if they are holding their value!

yes they are incredibly reliable vehicles. I have loved mine from day 1. It has served me well for 3.5years and 65k

I believe there were 3 engine options for the first gens. there is only one for the second gen...

the first gens has a 4 cylinder, a 6 cylinder, and a 6 cylinder supercharged edition. :)

if you get an X my recommendation is get a 4x4 to help with the bad NJ winters......

i'll second the 4x4 bit, it will only cost you a bit more to get a 4x4 used over a 4x2, and it will pay for itself the first time your daughter gets stuck in a nasty jersey snowstorm

Good info.

Any comments or opinions regarding the xterra auto transmissions? reliable? service intervals? Are they jatco? Or, I heard somewhere that nissan owns jatco or jatco is a nissan company etc? like I said, her altima has been great and her auto trans is still goin strong at 200k miles!

btw, my daughter is arkansas! They still get nasty winters down there though. Good advice re: 4x4. My plan is to shop for one here in NJ, buy it for her, service & fix etc then drive it down to her later this summer.

welcome

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Ok, so I know this isnt a specific X question, but if you had to compare a 2nd gen xterrra to a 2006 v6 awd murano? What do you guys think of the murano? reliability? does it have the same v6 that's in the 2nd gen xterra? timing chain or belt?
We found a murano with 99,000 miles for around $12,000 and we're thinkin about it.

Thanks!

murano does not have the same V6 that an X does. Personally, I don't like them...any many guys on here won't...but like you said...you daughter will not be wheeling it...so It may be a good choice. it's a nissan...it's can't be all that bad....

Thanks Rook.

I've been researching my face off regarding the Murano. I don't see much in the way of accolades for the murano unlike the xterra which has a huge following and countless thumbs up/testimonials. As far as the murano goes, i've found reports of inadequate brakes, rough ride & cvt transmission problems.

the CVT transmission blows ass...my mother has one in the Rogue...like I said I would personally drive the thing off a clifff...I don't trust vehicles that don't feel like they are shifting....lol

FWIW my buddy had a Murano....car worked...but he hated it's ride and sold it for a TITAN...just food for thought...

Welcome :)