what do you recommend, manual or auto.

[davruns]

I prefer manual, but auto can tow more. What about on trails, what's better? Yes, i am a newbie.

[Schludwiller]

Hmmm....that really depends on the driver.

The clutch on the Xterra is a weak link. Not during normal driving, but with offroading you'll wear it down if you're rockcrawling, or slipping the clutch excessively on hills. But it does give you better compression breaking when going downhill, and many prefer the ability to choose gears for their situation.

The automatic is better for rock crawling, and modulating the break and gas in certain situations. It's worse for compression breaking, and gear selection is obviosuly not as precise.

If the Xterra clutch was heavier duty I would stay with the manual. But sometimes I wonder if the Auto isn't a better choice (only because of smoking the clutch)

[davruns]

thanks for the quick reply, any other opinions? I'm looking to get one on monday. Also, what size wheels should i be looking to get.

[davruns]

thanks for the quick reply, any other opinions? I'm looking to get one on monday. Also, what size wheels should i be looking to get.

[Schludwiller]

Well the 15" wheels give you the best protection and cheapest tire cost. The 2001's had 16" wheels and you'll spend more money replacing the tires. I would absolutely stay away from the 17" wheels if you plan on spending any time offroad.

I guess if you're going to be offroad, don't sink any money into the 16" wheels as you might want to swap down the road.

If you're looking for a new truck that you'll take offroad, I would see if there are still any 2001's on the lot. The 2002' s have the e-brake release on the floor, and if you get a 2002 you should get the automatic as a floor e-brake release and a 5-spd conflict with each other offroading.

[rrdstarr]

Originally posted by Schludwiller
Hmmm....that really depends on the driver.

The clutch on the Xterra is a weak link. Not during normal driving, but with offroading you'll wear it down if you're rockcrawling, or slipping the clutch excessively on hills. But it does give you better compression breaking when going downhill, and many prefer the ability to choose gears for their situation.

The automatic is better for rock crawling, and modulating the break and gas in certain situations. It's worse for compression breaking, and gear selection is obviosuly not as precise.

If the Xterra clutch was heavier duty I would stay with the manual. But sometimes I wonder if the Auto isn't a better choice (only because of smoking the clutch)

Exactly what Ian says!