Honest opinion..

[xterrasesc]

I've been contemplating on purchasing a Xterra '02 SE/SC. myself and my dad have had about 4 nissans for the last 7 Yrs. Thus my new truck purchase, i've decided to go for the Xterra. I'd like to know, what you current Xterra owners think about the vehicle. Any pro's and con's? This would greatly enhance or degrade my urge to purchase one or not. (as i'm also looking at Jeep Liberty)

Thanks for any replies.>!!

AF NEWbie,
xterrasesc

[Maddog]

I too come from a bit of a "Nissan Family." I think most people on this board have a favorable opinion of the Xterra. However, I'm not sure of your basic needs and requirements in a vehicle. I've personally been very impressed by my '00 Xterra and would definetly buy it again. In comparing the X to the Liberty, might wanna check out the November issue of Four Wheeler. The article is a bit inconclusive, but does give a rundown of the pluses and minuses of each vehicle.

Dog

[warmonger]

If you plan on off-roading or modifying your truck, avoid the Liberty. It is a uni-body with IFS. Might as well buy a new Pathfinder. You really need to decide what you want. If you want a luxury liner, then the X isn't for you. If you are an outdoors type that like to play in the woods, then it is.

[xterrasesc]

Thanks for your replies... I'm actually planning to drive mainly on road (but after reading all the FUN everyone else is having w/ their X's, i think i'm going to do the same !).. anyway, I wanted to get away from Sedans.. and move to a more "practical" vehicle. Plus being from a "nissan" family, Xterra suits my needs more than the Pathfinder, so does price.. And w/ the price, this is where I've got a choice, a fairly well equipped Jeep liberty will run me CAN$28,000. but a Xterra SE-SC will run me $34,495. (i'm still opting for the X, but saving close to $7G's will help the pocketbook)..

..About Structure and long term use. How well is a ladder frame with a body mounted in the long term? (if compared to a Unibody structure) I'm hoping this truck will last me well over 5-7yrs+ (with good maintenence of course!)..

.. another concern i've got is w/ regards to the vehicles ride. I've read alot that the rear suspension setup w/ Leaf springs isn't the greatest on highway usage. I'm wondering what modifications could be done to help smooth out the ride.. (or should i question this in the SUSPENSION forum..heh..)..

... Plus, i'm in no need for any luxo features.. practicality is my choice right now..

[rhombus]

OT: What part of Canada are you from.
If your are on the East side check out:
http://www.soxc.org

[IggyB]

And if you're from Western Canada, send me an E-mail at [email protected] in Calgary.

[Kerensky97]

If you spend all the time on the road then get the Liberty, its better suited to the city streets.
I you ever want to go offroad get the Xterra, because it will be better once you get addicted to the outdoors (and you will). I do about 80-90% of my driving on the road, but I love having the Xterra for the time I do go offroad.

[xterrasesc]

Thanks everyone for their replies >!< Really appreciate the input..

~~ Kerensky97 , in your opinion, I'm curious to know why the Xterra is better off road than on-road vehicle and what makes a majority of people say this?? even some of my friends say the ride is harsh and very unpleasant..

[rrdstarr]

The Xterra is a truck, body bolted to a frame. It uses the Frontier pickup running gear. The Jeep Liberty is a unit-body, in other words the frame is the body! Don't know why it makes a difference in driveability but it does? :flash:

[Goliath the X]

Originally posted by xterrasesc
Thanks everyone for their replies >!< Really appreciate the input..

~~ Kerensky97 , in your opinion, I'm curious to know why the Xterra is better off road than on-road vehicle and what makes a majority of people say this?? even some of my friends say the ride is harsh and very unpleasant..

I was used to driving a 5.0 that was very very stiff. It would beat the shit out of you. In comparison, I think my X rides very smoothly. It did take awhile to get used to the lack of power, but now I don't even notice it. I love my X, and I wouldn't trade it for anything (well almost anything ).

[SarnX]

xterrasesc,

I just ordered my new Xterra SE/SC and I got a great deal. Keep in mind I am in Ontario and you might not be able to get the same deal but here is the breakdown:

The manufacturers invoice price for an SE/SC with 5 spd is: $30,228.00.

A fair but good deal price is invoice plus 5%: $1511.40.

Then add $961 for freight $100 for A/C tax $400 for gas tax and $100-150 for admin fee then your pst and gst and your done. My total before pst and gst was $33350.40 which I thought was pretty good.

Let me know how you make out.

SarnX.

P.S. I got all of my invoice pricing information from www.carcostcanada.com. Great site but there is a price.

[xterrasesc]

Hey SarnX,

Thanks for your reply. Good to know, you got a good price..! I know our dealers in BC are quoting $34,495 for a SE/SC. (the lowest I've negotiated was $32,000, but they were playing around w/ me and I didn't agree to the price)

Your negotiated deal for the X is a awesome deal. (Dealer must have had a hard time dealing w/ you huh? =)) With the A/C, frieght, etc minused out from your total cost, you got a really good price @ $31739.-

I had no idea the dealer cost was $30,228 for the X.

are you enjoying your new ride?? =)

Cheers,
xterrasesc :flash:

[SarnX]

Xterrasesc,

I was suprised to find out what the dealer cost was too. But they didn't really mind dealing with me, I just went in educated, made a reasonable offer and they really couldn't say no.

As for enjoying the ride... Well I have to wait until April until my ride will finally be delivered. Because I wanted SE/SC with 5 spd I had to order in November to get it in April. At least that is their story. That is probably there way of getting back at me for having to give me the vehicle at invoice plus 5%. Anyway I really didn't want it until the spring anyway. Hope you get an X too. I drove a lot of vehicles and thought it was the best value for my dollar out there.

SarnX.

[Goliath the X]

SarnX

You offered 5%

I think I paid 2 or 2.5%.

How hot are the 02? Or is 5% more standard in Canada?

[SarnX]

Goliath the X,

I went to a lot of Nissan dealers in Southern Ontario and most were like the price on the sticker is the price. It is all about supply and demand. In Ontario anyway there is a general shortage on supply. Many of the lots I went to didn't even have any Xterras on the lot let alone an SE/SC. And don't even bother asking for a break on the new Altima, pretty much can't get them at least for the SE.

SarnX.