Well, as you know [if you read my intro to the site] I currently have a 190E Mercedes.

That just wont cut it for snow. This is probably the coolest SUV ive ever seen. Tight whips.. But the only problem is the price. Because the newest ones are the ones that look badass. Seems like the older ones are just too high riding and too small of tires.

Anyways, im here to learn. I can sell my car for probably about 4k. That means id be looking for a Xterra about 10k.

What would I be looking for, what years? What trims? Anything at all. Just.. The general low down on what I should be setting my sights on, assuming that I choose to get one.

Well, at 10K, its the older style you are looking at.

:D

Probably an '01 - '02 range in great shape low miles, or a later year, with more miles, etc.

With the right tires, they kick ass in the snow.

Obviously, you want a 4WD model (Don't get a 2WD suv)

You can mount much larger tires than they came with stock.

I have an '01, it came with 29's (255/65/16's), I'm running 305/70/16's (BFG AT ko's) now...which are like slightly taller, and slightly wider treaded, 33x12.5's.

The increase in contact patch is magical in the snow.

:D

All I know is that id want a wider base, with some black rims and chrome tips :D

Haha.. Well, what is better in your opinion, older car, low miles, mint. Or newer, higher miles and mint. Because im only gonna get a mint or like new one. I cant stand for people who cant take care of their car.

That's a tough call...with any used car, it could look great, and have never had the oil changed until right before the guy sells it, etc.

All things being equal, its generally safer to get the lowest miles, as that gave the previous owner less time to screw it up.

:D

Also - people tend to keep their X's, so there are not so many choices in real life...its what ever is available when you are looking.

Most of us like to off road...you mentioned snow boarding, another popular sport many of us enjoy.

Have you considered how much fun it is to drive the X through a rock jumble, like a glacial moraine, or mud bogs, etc? :D

Its a roller coaster that you can steer.

:D

Hahaha, oh man, how true, a roller coaster you can steer. Lol that rich.

Well, trust me, I would go out somewhere and manage to do something with this beast. Lol the more I talk about it, the more I want it.

So generally, because this is a SUV, and not a commuting car, how many miles goes onto one of these average per year? And you think that an older car with low miles is the way to go? What do you consider low miles? Like under 30? I tend to see alot of cars and trucks being sold at around 12k miles. Why I have no idea, but yeah.

Anyways, good milage for this type of car? Or ever easier to answer, what is the milage going to be on the car for the price range. Say, its going to cost X dollars because it has.. like 20k miles on it?

Did I explain that right?

well, ill tell ya, even tho its not really in the mileage your asking about,i bought mine with 4mi on it, 2004, and it was the best purchase i ever made, just my .02, i believe you will be more than happy with an xterra, as far as im concerned its the absolute "best bang for your buck" suv you could buy with your $$

Its like asking "If I buy a ball of string, how long woud it probably be?"

:D

Nowadays, it seems people are driving anywhere from 12-18K miles/yr...so if you figure on about that per year, it probably going to be close.

I would consider around 15k a year as average, anything lower is a bonus. I around 13k a year on my vehicles. I think you should be able to get an 01 4x4 for around that price in decent shape. Although you would have a easier time of finding a decent rig if you can up your spending cash a couple grand to the 12-13k range.

The Kelly Blue Book values can be found at

www.kbb.com (http://www.kbb.com)

:D

Just pretend you are selling an X, and enter the data, and it will tell you how much the one you specify wll go for, both to a dealer (trade in), and to a private party....

or

go to the used car pricing section, say you wnt an X in the $5K to 10K range...and it will tell you what year, and what projected mileage it would have.

It compensates for your zip code (Location), mileage, options, etc.

:D

Ive been using eBay's buy it now auctions for reference.

But ill try that used car pricing section.

Oh man, just saw an Xterra today, and damn... stock tires are too small. Lol that would be the first upgrade!

Anyways, this is how its looking, pro/con wise

Benz - Pro

Flashy

Fast

Awesome sound system

Has potential to look even better. i.e. body kit, lower air suspension with 17''
alu rims

Upper 20 mpg


Benz - Con

Things still need to be done to make it look as cool as I want

Needs better sound system

Cant take me snowboarding

Expensive to fix

German engineered, so I cant take it down to Cali to see friends and family. Im in washington, and if it breaks down on 90 somewhere, im SOL because it requiers a special part to fix the expensive part...

Cant take my snowboarding


Xterra - Pro

Can take me snowboarding

Decent stock system so no immediate upgrades needed

Looks pretty damn cool

Much easier to fix, and 10 years newer then the Benz, so no more fixing needed.

Still, has potential for fog lights, new suspension, new tires/rims


Xterra - Cons

Not exactly the best summer car. Meaning its not as flashy and eye catching in the sun as the Benz

Doesnt have the system the Benz does


It really seems like the Xterra is the better deal. However, the thing is that the Benz is NICE and totally clean body. Right now there is absolutly nothing wrong with it. Great car, just not a winter or long trip car.

And this would come next year. So I just need opinions on the list..

Well it really comes down to your usability of the vehicle and your own taste. If functionality is important I would go with the X. My inlaws have a benz 05' C class. They love the car, but it's not their daily driver. They have an 06' Chevy HD for the 5th wheel and a Bravada for pulling the ski's. If they could only have 1 car I bet it would not be the Benz, too impractical for their lifestyle. Guess your down to deciding on what car fits your lifestyle better. Just food for thought.

You need something that will do what you need it to...so, if you have to choose between the sound system being better, but not being able to get where you wanted to go, I suppose it comes down to:

1. Getting there, with music that isn't as good as it could be.

2. Not getting there, but, being able to sit, stuck in the snow, listening to a really good sound system until AAA comes or the battery dies, which ever comes first.

:D

Of course, the sound system is upgradable, and many have done it to audiofile quality.

Also - A 4x4 is a GREAT summer ride...BEACH CHICKS!!!! Riding the Dunes!

You can change in it!

There's room for you to lay down and relax or take a nap.

SHE can change in it, or lay down too. ;)



So, pick the above option that makes sense for you, and go with that.

:D

http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=750

You need something that will do what you need it to...so, if you have to choose between the sound system being better, but not being able to get where you wanted to go, I suppose it comes down to:

1. Getting there, with music that isn't as good as it could be.

2. Not getting there, but, being able to sit, stuck in the snow, listening to a really good sound system until AAA comes or the battery dies, which ever comes first.

:D

Of course, the sound system is upgradable, and many have done it to audiofile quality.

Also - A 4x4 is a GREAT summer ride...BEACH CHICKS!!!! Riding the Dunes!

You can change in it!

There's room for you to lay down and relax or take a nap.

SHE can change in it, or lay down too. ;)



So, pick the above option that makes sense for you, and go with that.

:D

Lol, man I was even checking on out today at work. Sweet little ride.

Only problem is that when I asked my dad about the idea, he just laughed.

So.. I dont know :(

I take it if daddy laughs, it means he won't let you get something?

:D

Pretty much..... Lol

Oh well, thanks for all your help anyways

That's it?

That's all you've got?

Stand up straight man!

Throw your shoulders back!

Make a logical argument for why one works better for you than the other, and then, do not say Anything. Nada. Zilch. Zip it.

That puts the ball in his court, and, it tells him its something you really want...and, if you've made a compelling argument, it forces him to at least consider it.

If you open your mouth during this process, even to nudge a response, ask for a cookie...anything, you kill it.

Stand there expectantly, until he gives you an answer.

He may laugh more...still wait...he may say he will think about it...that's practically a yes...he may say no way, which is less encouraging, albeit not over...just a longer process time.

So, you patiently WAIT for an answer.

When you get it...act accordingly. If its out of the question, move on, its his house, his rules, and you live there...if its a possibility, give the big galoot a hug and thank him profusely.

:D

That's it?

That's all you've got?

Stand up straight man!

Throw your shoulders back!

Make a logical argument for why one works better for you than the other, and then, do not say Anything. Nada. Zilch. Zip it.

That puts the ball in his court, and, it tells him its something you really want...and, if you've made a compelling argument, it forces him to at least consider it.

If you open your mouth during this process, even to nudge a response, ask for a cookie...anything, you kill it.

Stand there expectantly, until he gives you an answer.

He may laugh more...still wait...he may say he will think about it...that's practically a yes...he may say no way, which is less encouraging, albeit not over...just a longer process time.

So, you patiently WAIT for an answer.

When you get it...act accordingly. If its out of the question, move on, its his house, his rules, and you live there...if its a possibility, give the big galoot a hug and thank him profusely.

:D

+1

You also need to realize that you father may be having some difficulty in coming to the realization that you are approaching the age where you can drive. That may be a bigger obstacle.

I think you're asking for a sensible vehicle - a truck. You're not asking for a sports car, or a motorcycle.

But like TJ said, present your argument, don't whine, show him your responsible. When you borrow his car, alway leave the tank filled. Wash it for him once a week. You know what I mean...

But never give up, just do it with a passive, calm logical approach. He'll eventually give in.:)

PS - I'm a Dad...both kids are out of the house, but, trust me...I know how these things work (You are getting inside information).

Even Boofer is right.

:D

: Even Boofer is right.

:D

:3d_050: Man, that meant alot to me.

You said something nice about me.....

:heul3-big:

:moon:

:biggrin:

Hey - I never said anything mean either...maybe to stop editing my sig to include the gay guy on the vine?

:D

Hey - I never said anything mean either...maybe to stop editing my sig to include the gay guy on the vine?

:D

J/K with ya man..... :biggrin:

I still have no idea how you found that pic of me on that vine...:biggrin:

PS - I'm a Dad...both kids are out of the house, but, trust me...I know how these things work (You are getting inside information).

Even Boofer is right.

:D

Ooh, man.. Inside information. Lol anything else your willing to part with? :D

But yeah, Boofer, I think your right, just slowly approach him every once in a while.

The only problem, is I cant show him much responsibility right now - im not even driving by myself. Lol and he thinks I drive to fast (He thinks ill have a speeding ticket within my first 6th months.) I dont! I just accelerate fast, I dont speed much more then 2 or 3 above the limit.

Anyways, the only responisbiliy is what my boss (family friend) is telling him about my work ethics. So far he says im doing great. Been there for about 3 weeks. Maybe something can happen in the long term future. And in the winter time, ill bring it up as I just want my own car for the snow and for being able to go snowboarding.

Only thing I really dont like about this car, is that its the smallest in the Nissan lineup. But who cares if I can mod it enough :D