Hello all!

Thought I'd get some opinions on what I should do concerning an Xterra purchase.

In June of last year, I had the ability to get a different vehicle. I originally had an '04 Chevy Trailblazer and wanted something with a bit better gas mileage, but, still be a durable 4-wheeler, plus, carry 3 kids in the back seat. I don't know why, but, I ended up with an '05 Jeep Liberty. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice little off-roader. It gets between 19-21 MPG, has a decent V6 and generally rides pretty well.

However, I should have looked more into the Xterra. I was a fan of it when it first came out, but, I mistakenly didn't think it was that much bigger than the Liberty. Boy, did I blow that! Last week, I saw a few X's on the Internet for sale, so, I thought I'd go to my local Nissan dealer to see one close up. They only had one '07 on the lot. It's bigger on the inside than I thought (cargo and passengers). Plus, the height difference with the bigger tires is nicer. (Doesn't hurt to have 265 horses at your feet, either!)

So, here's my question(s) to you "X-heads": Should I trade my Liberty in for an used Xterra now, or wait awhile? Also, which type of Xterra would be the better deal, an '05-up X or one of the earlier ones? There's a 2005 model with 55,300 miles at a Seattle dealer being offered for $14,950. Auto, 4x4, everything stock. I'm thinking of checking on it soon. The one advantage I have is that the Jeep is paid for, along with an extended warranty.

I'm still on the fence about it. I'd love to have an Xterra, but, maybe waiting might net me a little better deal. Thanks folks! I'll sit back and read your thoughts.....:)

Welocme to the club. I own a 2007X so I like the newer ones. Just a little side note. If you get rid of the jeep get with the extended warranty company & see if you can get your money back. Some will give you a full refund if the warranty was never used.

Yep check with the warranty, ask them to prorate it ast least, I paid 1400 for a warranty on an f150, 14months later I sold it and the prorated me 1100 back. My moher has a liberty which i took on some trails for her. There really isnt a comparison to the xterra offraod. The liberty is built for civilian use and capable for goin offroad...but its not made for it, in my opinion. The x is built for offroad but still a nice daily driver. If you traded it in you will not be disappointed

Hold off on purchasing just yet unless you are really in need of a new vehicle. If some of the rumors are true and Nissan releases the 3rd generations in '09 you will see the prices drop considerably for the 1st and 2nd gens. Well especially the 1st. gens. Could save you a few grand. I have an '04 and I absolutely love it. I think each generation has it's pro's and con's and it just depends on what you're looking for.

i think the 2nd gen would be better for toting kids around, may have better mpg depeding on your foot

Thanks to all of you who responded. I might wait a bit and pay a few bills down. Maybe by then, prices will drop a little more. I'll also be able to cancel the warranty and get a few bucks back.

That's what I get for not thoroughly checking all possibilities out when buying a vehicle, I guess. :usuck:

i have the first of the 1st gen... 00 se and i love it, only wish i could have waited to get the 4x4....

Thoroughly checking all possibilities? haha! I've wanted an Xterra so bad that when I found the one I have now I didn't even test drive it. I walked onto the dealership lot, saw it, called a buddy who checked the blue book on it for me then told the salesman I wanted it. I didn't even know it had leather interior until after I had bought it!

How's that for wanting an Xterra at any expense? :eek:

so you say yours has the leather also????? is it the xtreme package or was your one of the few that came from the factory with it?????

Been looking around a little more at the 1st gen Xterra's. Seen a few with around 100,000 miles for about 10-12 grand. How are they in terms of passenger and cargo room? Also, was there any problems with the X's during those years that needed to be taken care of? From reading this board, it seems like the usual changing of the belts and getting tune-ups are all that's needed to be done.

Thanks for the opinions, folks!

thats about all that needs to be done.....

As listed, it came factory. As far as I know, it is not the extreme edition. This is the leather package:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h29/shiyaru/Leatherfront.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h29/shiyaru/leatherback.jpg

man i wish i had those instead of the cloth ones i have......

It is really nice. It's the first vehicle I've ever had with leather and I like it a lot. Easy to clean and maintain and chicks really dig leather :hilarious: .

My buddies don't understand why I want to offroad mine so much with it having a luxury type feel and look. Like my oldest brother told me... "no point in owning a 4WD if you're not going to use it. You're just wasting your money if you don't." Granted... he may not have the same idea of offroading that I do.:3d_004:

Speaking of leather, I've found an X I'm really interested in. (That's funny, none of my "ex's" wore leather. Um, anyway....)

Just saw it yesterday. It's an '01 SE w/auto, 4 wheel drive, sunroof and the Xtreme leather package. All wrapped in a nice red shell. 106,000 miles for just under $11,000. I have an appointment on Saturday for a test drive. Would do sooner, but, the dealer is 100+ miles from me and I have to work through Friday.

It's a nice looking Xterra. Looks pretty well maintained and has a CARFAX Buyback Guarantee. 4 previous owners and was traded locally.

Sound like a nice deal to you 1st Gen owners? I'm hoping that if I get it, I'll have to pay very, very little on it, if any at all, considering the Jeep I would trade in is worth a tad over $12,000 (and they'll be able to sell it for over $15,000!). We shall see....

with it having that many miles you will need to have the timing belt changed..... other than that you will be alright.......

ya, tell them to change the timing belt and water pump

I drove a liberty for the first time the other day. My friend was too scared to drive in the snow so she asked me to. I drove it and OMG I am glad I have an X.

with it having that many miles you will need to have the timing belt changed..... other than that you will be alright.......

X2 on that note. Ask the dealer if it has had the 105K tune-up which should include the new timing belt. If they can't show proof of it being changed, definitely request that in the deal.

Oh and inspect the undercarriage well. Nothing gives the telltale signs of offroad abuse like mudstained mufflers and engine wells. It will give you a better feeling knowing that 100K were good miles and not hard driven miles.

Thanks for the info. Now I just have to wait for tomorrow to arrive to take a test drive. Hopefully, it all works out.

Alright, I'm off to inspect the X. Will let you all know how it went later this evening.

BTW, thanks for all of the opinions. Will definitely check on the timing belt & water pump issues.