Hi, I'm new here. Looking for a trouble-free daily-driver 2001-2004 Xterra (automatic) with timing belt/etc. already replaced, in Los Angeles/SFV, for under $5k. 4WD preferred but not essential if the price is right. Anyone know anyone looking to sell? (Most craigslistings are dealers and curbstoners.) 2005-2010 works too, but not likely in my price range. Thanks for any help!
Yeah. Too many things to be fixed on the sub-$5k's I'm seeing. Going to bump it up a bit. For that price, though, gotta be a 4W, aiming for 2002-4 now. If you're new to this, you should figure on changing the timing belt/water pump/etc. if last owner can't prove it was done in the last 7 years/100k miles. About $800 right there. 2005-up have chains--and their own issues centered around that, SMOD, and front diff breaks. Whichever, Autocheck it and have a shop check it out before you buy. Good luck to you too.
Oops I deleted that post cause I decided to post a WTB too. Thanks for that. Timing belt, water pump, what else should I ask about? I've been watching CL for months, I've seen a couple rebuilds in LA for $5,000 I'll probably hold out till I find one in Vegas, I'll let you know if I see anything in CA.
Don't have the posts in front of me, but search timing belt here and on the firstgen and secondgen forums and you'll come up with it. There are some belts, two hoses, and a sensor that should also be replaced while you're at it (some of these are included in the timing belt kit)--because most of that $800 is labor to get at the belt and put everything back again afterward. Might as well do some preventive work while you're paying for that, so they don't have to go in again for something else. If the belt snaps, it can wreck the engine (pistons hit valves, crunch)--so you REALLY wanna take care of that up front. Then, says Nissan, you're good for seven years/100k miles. Next time I come across the info I'll post it here.
As to rebuilds, if you mean salvage--make sure you can register and insure that in your state.
Here's a guy who lists the parts and photographed the job. Comments mention other parts--like the water bypass hose. I think there' another bypass hose too, forget what it is.
Timing chain stuff (not necessarily the chain itself; tensioner maybe?) was subject of class action lawsuit, I THINK they subsequently made it a recall issue, though that may only be free for a limited time (not sure). So you'll want to look into that, here and on the second-gen forum. http://www.thenewx.org/forum/
Also the SMOD (strawberry milkshake of death)--where some of the second-gen radiators (up to 09 I think) have a weak spot that can allow tranny fluid into the cooling system and I think vice versaa--making the content of the radiator look like a strawberry milkshake and ruining the tranny if not caught quickly. If the radiator is original (the brand is owned by Nissan, I forget the name), scrap it immediately and replace it with something else to prevent the problem.
As well, I've read that when one front wheel is up and spinning and the other has traction, and the free wheel suddenly gets traction--IF it's been spinning quickly, the result can be a broken front diff. So either be careful with that, or put something beefier up front.
Nissan also has a page where you can enter the VIN and check for open recalls on that vehicle.
I haven't researched the second-gen issues as deeply as the first, because I'm looking for a first, but those are the major items I saw in my cyber travels. Hope that helps!
Thanks for that, I think I'll stick with an 04 or earlier. I've seen some good deals, but they sell so quick!
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