Are they worth it?

[NawT987]

Im really looking at getting a SUV in a few weeks. Im looking at a 2004 Xterra SE, are they good trucks. I read reviews that didnt speak to highly of them. It looks like you guys like yours alot, so are they worth it?

[OffroadX]

What are you looking for in an SUV? Most negative reviews are from car-centric sources that piss and moan about things like "poor handling," "cheap interior," "poor gas mileage," and "weak accelleration" that really aren't the sort of thing people buying a REAL SUV like the Xterra should really give a rat's ass about.
Yeah, it doesn't have a very sophisticated or nimble suspension, but it's a 2-ton truck-based SUV and it handles quite well if you keep that in mind. I drive mine hard and I'm pleased with how it handles. It's not going to handle as well as a BMW X5, but if I want handling, I'll buy a Subaru WRX thank you very much! I much prefer a clunky tough suspension that can take the abuse I throw at it off-road, and the X delivers in spades except for the achille's heel in the steering linkage, but that's been addressed by the aftermarket.
The interior is pretty basic, which is fine by me. Leather, (fake) wood, soft textured plastics, phooey, don't need that crap. It's transportation, it gets me where I want to go comfortably enough.
Mileage/accelleration: Yeah, it's thirsty and a bit slow, but I knew that when I bought it. The gas is inconsequential, I put gas in when necessary and don't give it another thought. And after owning a 73 Beetle and an 88 Corolla, I certainly can't complain about the Xterra's accelleration, it's actually quite quick off the line with the engine's torque and gearing, but after 4 or 5 seconds it starts to fade. Still, no problems merging into traffic, climbing grades, etc. even with my non-supercharged automatic.

Reliability: Generally, very good. Cracking exhaust manifolds are most common problem of real note, but it's not a serious concern. Other problems here and there of course, but barring the odd issue, expect the Xterra to give you many years and a couple or more hundred thousand miles of dependable service. The 3.3L engine has been in service since the 1996 Pathfinder and the previous 3.0L version of it was used since 1987. Transmissions have been used since the early 90's, and the transfer case and differentials have been around since the mid-80s, all with little if any changes.

Brent

[Schludwiller]

It should be noted that the steering centerlink is for the most part related to Xterra's that are lifted. A stock Xterra shouldn't have steering issues for a long time, if at all.

Exhaust manifolds are covered for 60k under warranty.

I've found my truck to be extremely reliable, and I put it though a lot of abuse offroading. More than your typical consumer is ever going to expose their truck to. Like OffroadX mentined, it's a truck based SUV. Able to withstand more abuse than a car based SUV but less "refined" in terms of the sad luxury path SUV's have gone down.

[NawT987]

Thanks guys

[ChuckH]

I don't get the handling complaints. My Xterra is lifted and it handles at least as good as most cars I've driven. I live where the roads are twisty and have no problems keeping up with or leaving cars in the dust in the corners. I've even taken 25 MPH freeway ramps at 50+ with no problem. Yeah, you don't want to get into a corner and then jerk the wheel the other way suddenly (can you say flip?), but the X has no problems in routine driving. On top of the great handling it has exceptional brakes too...among the best I've driven in any condition.

And another thing. My Xterra has been driven hard and driven offroad, but at 110K miles the body and frame are as tight as can be. No squeeks and no rattles anywhere unless from something I am carrying inside! Without question it's the best vehicle I've owned overall.

[Lambo Lover]

I don't think so. I have a 2000 model. I recieved about 5 recalls the whole time I had it.I bought it new, SE model with lots of options. but I don't think the options are worth it.The sunroof (i had this) only pops up about 3 inches high. and the xterra diddnt come with Shocks. i compared it to a 1999 pathfinder and it had shocks and the ride is smoother.The 04 model is the same exept the shape of the lights and the Alloy wheels.the 04 price is dropping down since of the end of the year.I think it is about 13-17 thousand $ now.the 05 one is redesigned and probally much better than the 00 til 04s.The quest was redesigned last year and the average ratings had about 3-5 stars.

[GBIZZLE]

Originally Posted by Lambo Lover

and the xterra diddnt come with Shocks. i compared it to a 1999 pathfinder and it had shocks and the ride is smoother.

NO SHOCKS . You must mean coils/springs.

[OffroadX]

5 recalls for your 2000 model? Bullshit, there have only been 4 and one of those was just to update the owner's manual. The first recall was for the automatic transmission to replace a metal piece in the shifter linkage that wasn't produced to spec (by a third-party vendor) for a period. The second was for some of the alloy wheels that had a casting or metallurgical problem and were at risk of developing cracks. The fuel sending unit inside the gas tank was the most recent (also built by a third party).

The Xterra and 99 Pathfinder have shocks, Xterra all around, Pathfinder in the rear. The Xterra has no coil springs, it has leaf springs in the rear and torsion bars in the front. The Pathfinder has coil springs in the rear and McPherson struts up front (combining a coil spring and shock as well as being part of the load-bearing and suspension-locating duty), has a Unibody construction instead of a body-on-frame construction, and was Nissan's "luxury" SUV at the time (besides the Infiniti QX4, same vehicle for the most part). Yeah, it would ride smoother for a few reasons, but more due to how the suspension was tuned to be softer/smoother in the first place than to any fundamental design differences. The Xterra wasn't built to be "cush" it was built to be tough, and even then I find the ride to be quite good.

The redesigned Quest is built in Nissan's new plant in Canton, Mississippi along with the Armada and Titan, and yes, Nissan has had some issues with quality from that plant mainly because it's brand new, building all-new vehicles, with some brand-new suppliers, using a brand new workforce. The Xterra, current and upcoming 05, are built at Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee plant that has been operating for over 20 years and has an established work force and has been noted for overall quality.

Brent

[chubbybubba1]

You Forgot To Mention The Window Regulator Recall.

[OffroadX]

Not applicable to the 2000 model year...
http://www.nissannews.com/corporate/...11110046.shtml

[chubbybubba1]

yep, your right!