Hello,
New member here and I'm looking at the Xterra for my next car. I will be buying used, most likely a 2003 - 2005 model. I was wondering if anyone could point out some of the general positives and negatives of the Xterra. Any common problems with the Xterra that I should look out for?
Thanks,
PAC

Hey Pac, welcome to the site.

I own a 2003 X that I've had for almost 2 months now, and I absolutely love it. I haven't come across any negatives of it yet.. and hopefully I won't :) There are too many positives to name here... but it's the most fun car I've ever driven... and I've driven some cool cars :)

Thanks.

I undrstand that there are some significant performane differences with the 2005 model. Not taking looks into account, is the added power and better handling that noticeable from earlier years?

I would have waited for the 05, if I knew then what I know now, the negatives seem to be dealer support issues, and that rings true here

Thanks. I'm definitely leaning towards the 05 now that I realized the HP difference between the two (180 vs 265 is a really big difference). How is the gas mileage of the older engine versus the newer, larger displacement one?

Is there any common mechanical problems I should look out for when shopping around?

There is a huge difference in performance of the new generation over the old (05-06). It' enough that there have been quite a few first gen owners who bought a new X.

The mileage is almost identical between the two when stock. The newer might actually get better milage in a hilly environment.

For the money you can not beat a newer X. Power and reliabilty wrapped into one.

Thanks. It looks like I'll need to shell out the extra cash for an 05 then.

May not be that much difference on used 05.... might find something with mileage in the teens, and lots of warranty left for around 7K off sticker price

i have an 06 X and love it ... the 265hp motor has plenty of power from the it seems....this is my first X .. had a civic before hand.. the gas mileage,,,eah,,it is an SUV .. but, i wouldn't get rid of it .... love the truck too much,,,

Thanks. I have a Jeep XJ now, so I'm used to 15 mpg-ish. I'm sure the xterra would be at least the same.

My X is averaging about 15-16 city, and 19-20 hwy... I'm pretty impressed with it. :)

pac 762 fellow jeeper to switch to x cant beat jeep(cj yj xj) but the x has more room for 2kids and dog mpg still out 19.2 first tank working on second tank. so far our x always starts when we turn the key gotta love it

When I bought my '05 I test drove '01 through '06. The difference in power and newer features made it no contest to buy a newer one. I bought my '05 with 12,000 miles on it and saved about $6000. Mine still smells brand new and I love it.

Thanks, everyone. Looking for an 05 right now.