Please help a potential buyer

[HotBacon]

I know there are several threads asking the same basic thing, but my questions are a little different. I apologize in advance.

I'm leaning towards getting an Xterra as a replacement for my current 97 Isuzu Rodeo. Too many problems starting to pop up, and sick of "dealer only" repair work.

I have some questions:

1. What is the difference between XE and SE (I heard SE requires high octane gas only)?

2. Is the Supercharged version of either of the above worth the extra price, or does the regular version have enough oomph?

3. What year is the "best" year to look at...I'm leaning towards 2002 or 2003 now, but not sure of any perks/problems in any of the years?

4. What are some typical problems that arise or I should look for in potential Xterras? Some stuff I'm used to w/ rodeos- trannys taking a dump, lug bolts constantly breaking, timing belts breaking, etc.

Anything else you guys could supply would help out immensely!! Thanks in advance for any replies.

[ChuckH]

Originally Posted by HotBacon

I know there are several threads asking the same basic thing, but my questions are a little different. I apologize in advance.

I'm leaning towards getting an Xterra as a replacement for my current 97 Isuzu Rodeo. Too many problems starting to pop up, and sick of "dealer only" repair work.

I have some questions:

1. What is the difference between XE and SE (I heard SE requires high octane gas only)?

2. Is the Supercharged version of either of the above worth the extra price, or does the regular version have enough oomph?

3. What year is the "best" year to look at...I'm leaning towards 2002 or 2003 now, but not sure of any perks/problems in any of the years?

4. What are some typical problems that arise or I should look for in potential Xterras? Some stuff I'm used to w/ rodeos- trannys taking a dump, lug bolts constantly breaking, timing belts breaking, etc.

Anything else you guys could supply would help out immensely!! Thanks in advance for any replies.

1. XE and SE are trim levels. SE is fully equipped and XE is base trim. However, there are packages for the XE that add almost all the SE features. Too hard to detail them out here because it changed a bit from year to year, but the SE's have different gauges, leather steering wheel, and in most years a sunroof. Only the supercharged Xterra requires premium fuel.

2. You'll have to drive them both and decide. The standard V6 is marginal at best for pushing the weight of the Xterra, but it's "enough." Adding offroad gear (lots of weight!) kills it! If you don't drive a ton the Supercharged is the way to go, but with higher consumption and the premium requirement I would think twice if you drive a lot. If you want a supercharger AND a manual transmission you have to get the 2002. After 2002 Nissan dropped the manual transmission in the supercharged models.

3 and 4. 2000 was the best year for the Xterra in terms of build quality and reliability. It's been down hill since then, but all years are good trucks. Common problems are cracked exhaust manifolds, power window problems (mid 2001 to 2003), and fuel sending unit failure. Newer models seem to have more nit picky problems too, like misaligned body parts, rattles, interior problems, etc. Some Xterras have had noisy differentials. Timing belt needs to be changed at 105K miles on the Xterra. Most major mechanicals seem to hold up well.

[pnwbeers]

Bah - you're misleading the poor guy, chuck. Everybody knows 01 is the best year.

Honestly, they're all good. I prefer 00-01 over 02+ (not counting 05), but overall they are all pretty damn reliable. Mechanically I think the window regulators and exhaust manifolds are the primary issues.

Good Luck!

[Schludwiller]

2000 seems to have the least problems. Sort of backwards since 1.0 versions would seem to be most error prone.

Exhaust manifolds are the biggest problem. If your truck seems to break a lot of them then maybe an extended warranty would be in order. Make sure you get them checked if you're buying a used one.

All that said (and above) the Xterra is highly durable and most of us are VERY happy with the truck.