First of all let me say hello as I just joined this forum.

I'm thknking about buying the '06 Xterra S trim and had a couple questions. I am currently a spec v sentra owner and I've had numerous issues with the car (squeaks, rattles, things like that). I'm extremelly turned off to Nissan because of all those problems but the XTerra seems to fit my needs (snowboarding and stuff), 4x4 and the build of it. Anyways, can anyone give me any input on the car? Quality and reliability and stuff like that. Also do I need to spend the extra cash and get the off road version? What's the main benefit of getting that package? I'll be using it mostly around town during the summer (some biking and off road) and snow during the winter (hauling snowboards and stuff). Is there a good aftermarket for these cars? I'd apreciate any input, I'm looking to buy soon. Thanks.

Luke

i say if you'll be doing offroad and snow, get the offroad, comes with an electronic rear locker, no step rails to get messed up, id assume rubber floor mats also.
i didnt realize id get so into the offroad thing when i bought my X, hence, 2wd LSD for me

They worked out most of the rattles and squeeks in the 06 model so you should be good there. The quality and reliability of the VQ engine is amazing. It has a very solid track record.

As for the Off-Road model...the big difference is the electronic rear locker. If you plan to wheel, it makes a world of difference. It a lone is worth the $2000 or so price difference.

The aftermarket is still growing for the new X's right now. No doubt in 3 or 4 years it will be big and you'll be able to get just about everything you want/need. Though don't expect it to have the aftermarket of say a Jeep. With Nissan, things will be expensive and you will only have a few options.

I'm not looking at doing a lot of off roading, mainly need it for the snow and to get to cool bike trails, but nothing too hardcore. I don't know if I can go for the off road version as it's like 26k versus 23k on the S with utility package that I test drove... Do I really need that rear locking differential? What's the benefit of having it? I've never off roaded and as I said was basically a front wheel drive compact car driver before so I have no idea about any of this stuff.

The reason I asked about aftermarket is because it seemed the engine was a little sluggish which I'm pretty sure a CAI and exhaust would fix, as in make it more responsive and stuff. I'm not looking at doing any huge mods, it's a truck not a sports car...

Where are you snowboarding at? I learned in Northern Japan. I got pretty good at it?

I heard that the CAI don't do much for HP, but research and look around.

I had a small compact before my X. I drove a 96 Civic. I had a custom made exhuast on it with an Arospeed muffler. I custom made a CAI. It was pretty nice. I could run with a few bigger engines. Anyway I got the X becuase I jumped from Civics to sportbikes.

Sportbikes-- thats where I do my modding now. The X can stay "mostly" stock it is for haul the bike.

I am on the East coast right now (De, snowboard in Poconos), however I'm most likely moving to CO in a year or so (when I graduate). There's not that much snow here but I go up to Vermont and stuff, plus when I move I'll most likely be taking it with me.

I know the CAI doesn't do much for the HP, however it does improve engine response. Combine with an exhaust and it gets even better. Plus you probably get minimal improvement in mileage and I'm sure a couple horses or so. As I said, I'm not gonna mod this thing much, that's not what I'm getting it for. And speaking of sport bikes, I'm also in the market for one of those as well but I think that will have to wait a year untill I graduate....

Where are you snowboarding at? I learned in Northern Japan. I got pretty good at it?

I heard that the CAI don't do much for HP, but research and look around.

The AFE CAI claims an 11 HP gain over stock which I find hard to believe. I just read somewhere else that even if you increase the airflow, the engine's computer will make adjustments to return the situation back to stock i.e. lean/enrichen the fuel/air ratio...

I have one on order but I think Im going to return it after what I read. I also have a CAI on my Z which doesnt seem to do anything except make the engine sound more aggressive.

By the way, Welcome to the club Luke!

And speaking of sport bikes, I'm also in the market for one of those as well but I think that will have to wait a year untill I graduate....

I hear you I don't have one now, I got to wait for the wife to finish her teaching classes and start teaching, but as soon as she gets one check I am buying that Suzuki GSX-R 750 or 600.

I just replaced a 2000 Jeep Cherokee with the Xterra X (got the the side steps). As far as the electric locking rear, unless you're going to be doing some SERIOUS 4x4 you shouldn't need it. not so that that you shouldn't GET it 'cuz a man can't have enough toys/ options to play with and brag about.

You don't need a locker, but it's one of those "nice to have when needed" items. The problem is, you buy a new X, it sees a little dirt and then it turns into this 9 months later.

http://jbeamphotos.com/albums/WPAXC-LandRover_Ligonier_04-08-06/wpaxc_land_rover_060408_141648_5612.sized.jpg

What the rear locker does is lock both wheels together so they spin at the same rate. Most rear ends are open diffs. If one wheel is touching the ground adn the other is up in the air, all the power to the wheels will go to the wheel in the air and you will no go anywhere.

As for sluggish, it's an SUV, not a sports car. It's got 265HP, more than plenty to move you down the highway at speeds faster than the law allows.

So if I'm in 4x4 and one wheel is up in the air I will go nowhere? All the power will just go to that one wheel? I find that kind of hard to believe...?

I purchased a new 05 xtrerra about a month ago. I got the off road version paid 23,500 for it. There are still a few around. Got mine at Morries Nissan in Brooklyn Park MN. They still have a couple 05 SE's for close to the same $

So if I'm in 4x4 and one wheel is up in the air I will go nowhere? All the power will just go to that one wheel? I find that kind of hard to believe...?

If you are in 4wd, no, but the front usually isn't enough to pull you either. Go wheeling once and you will see how nice a locker is (front or rear).

As odd as it sounds, all the engines power goes to the wheels with the least amount of traction in an open diff vehicle.

So say you are in 4wd and you are going down a trail with loose dirt or mud down one side (let's say right side). Your passanger side tires will be in that loose dirt or mud, both the front and rear passanger side wheels will sit there and spin will your front and rear drivers side just sit there and get no power.

In 4wd you basically have a 2 wheel drive vehicle.
In 2wd you basically have a 1 wheel drive vehicle.

I had a 97' civic coupe ,,,,now i have an 06' X and love it. I am also looking into getting an 06' Gsxr 600.. for one, I love to ride and also...with gas prices soaring... much better for me at least half the time,,,until hurricanes come down here and then the X will take me where I need too go..