Model Difference

[Zero Nova]

Whats the quickest way to spot the difference between
the Xe, Xe-V6, and the Se models of the 2000 xterra from
the outside?

[OffroadX]

SE has the machine-finished (shinier) wheels, sunroof, and of course the SE badge on the lower right corner of the hatch. XE has the duller wheels (or six-spoke steel) and doesn't have the door mouldings included at the factory. Of course they can be added afterwards (as I did) and the wheels can be changed, but the sunroof is a definite giveaway and I doubt there are more than a handful of posers that would obtain the SE badge for their XE.
There's no good way to spot the difference between a 4-cylinder and a V6 that I know of, though a 4-cylinder is 2WD only so if it has auto-locking hubs up front it can't be a 4-cyl. Also, the rear diff (if you can get a look at it) will tell you. The 4-cylinder has a diff with a bolt-on rear cover, while the V6 has has a smooth rear and is accessed internally by removing the third member from the front side of the diff.

Brent