GPD605X Build Thread

[GPD605X]

LOL, 4x4 xterra's are very hard to come by down here, especially at dealerships. I would rather trade in then have to worry about finding someone to buy it. But it also depends on what the stealership says about the X and how much they would even give me. KBB says I might be able to stretch $9k out of it but not sure. I would like to buy someone else's X from one of the forums but getting over there and looking at it in person and inspecting it seems to be a bit of trouble. I've found 2 that are in my price range but they are a ways off.

06 OR in CA - FS: 2006 Xterra Off Road 4x4
05 Xterra S in PA - 2005 Xterra S Already has sliders, snork, gobi and xoskel

 

[GPD605X]

Are you getting an SES on the dash console? Mine acted like that with a P0301 cylinder 1 misfire code. I first changed the plugs and swapped a few coils. In the end it was a new coil pack and some relearn codes that fixed it.
It could be related to your previous issues. Cats, sensors and injectors can cause your X to go a little wonky. It just sucks figuring it out.

No, the only dash lights that has come on is the low oil light.

 

[GPD605X]

I'm really looking at this one. Wrangler's really seem to hold their value. I found an 03 Wrangler X , lifted & snorked. Looks really clean, only 81k on the odo.
2003 WRANGLER X 4X4

 

[Slasa]

Hmmm. I hope you didn't run it too long without oil and threw a rod or something. Usually, that will shut you down quickly. I have heard of V6 or V8's throwing a rod in one cylinder and still running. My buddy just had a lifter go bad and his car had the same ticking, low power symptoms. Based on your description that is my best guess.

 

[GPD605X]

Yea, honestly there's no telling. I mean as soon as I saw it was low on oil, the first thing I did was add oil. I told the mechanics that I don't want the X back until they can find out why its burning oil so bad. I didn't have this problem before they messed with it. It was burning oil slowly shortly after I got it. The mech finally fixed that with a bad gasket. Then fixed a couple of sensors. A week later it was dying on me at idle, they replaced the air intake thinking that would fix it. Took it back to them the next day because it didn't fix it and they replaced another sensor and now it burned thru 10qts in 3 weeks?? They claim they can't find anything wrong with it at all, can't find any oil residue or signs of leakage.

 

[xterror04]

Honestly I would never buy a modified vehicle, who really knows what the previous owner has done with it... I just assume that it's been beat to hell... That could be why your current truck has given you nothing but trouble.. There are a lot of people that lift a vehichle and just assume that allows them to beat the hell out of it

 

[GPD605X]

Yea, I'm definitely taking more caution than I did last time. I would like to get a Jeep that has some of the stuff I already want on it but you're right, I'm take a lot of extra steps before I get another vehicle.

 

[GPD605X]

They called me today, still haven't figured out exactly what's wrong yet but they said its definitely an internal engine issue. They said somehow the oil is bypassing the rings? or something and the oil is burning out thru the exhaust. They will know more tomorrow after further inspection. Looks like this could be at least $1-$2k in repairs. They said they may even have to rebuild the engine but can't say for sure yet.

On another note, I've looked at several Jeeps in my price range and all with low mileage. There's a place in Slidell, LA that has nothing but Jeeps. From CJ's to XJ's. Wranglers really seem to hold their value big time.

Here's a few that I like... I'm going to bring a mechanic friend of mine with me to check them out before doing anything. I really like the 05 but a little out of my price
05 Rubicon w/ 70k for $17k
03 Wrangler X w/ 81k for $13
04 Wrangler X w/ 70k miles for $14k

 

[metzican]

What ever happened that does not sound good. It sucks you are having such difficulty.

 

[Jack Stilts]

Stay in the family man! I had the same problem - there are hardly any 1st Gens around here, and 90% of the ones you can find are 4x2. I started branching out until I found the right one...which happened to be in Florida. Branch out! See what you can find

 

[GPD605X]

Yea, I mean I don't mind a little travel but can't afford to go too far to find out its crap ya know? But I definitely want to go w/ another X.
Got the bad news today, engine is shot. I have 3 options. Complete re-build of the old engine, New engine and used engine. Probably going to run me about $2-$3k in repairs. Don't really have a choice to not fix it so I'm going with the Used. The mechanic has a lead on a very low mileage engine to swap it with to help me keep cost down. I'm going to have them replace everything necessary while everything is out. It really sucks because I just put $1,200 in tires, close to $1k for timing chain and replaced motor mounts. It will take them about 10 business days to complete the job. After its fixed, I'm done with this X. I really want another one but finding a 4x4 X anywhere near me is like a needle in a haystack. Of course, I find a million 2wd's and Jeeps but no 4x4 X's

 

[metzican]

Yea, I mean I don't mind a little travel but can't afford to go too far to find out its crap ya know? But I definitely want to go w/ another X.
Got the bad news today, engine is shot. I have 3 options. Complete re-build of the old engine, New engine and used engine. Probably going to run me about $2-$3k in repairs. Don't really have a choice to not fix it so I'm going with the Used. The mechanic has a lead on a very low mileage engine to swap it with to help me keep cost down. I'm going to have them replace everything necessary while everything is out. It really sucks because I just put $1,200 in tires, close to $1k for timing chain and replaced motor mounts. It will take them about 10 business days to complete the job. After its fixed, I'm done with this X. I really want another one but finding a 4x4 X anywhere near me is like a needle in a haystack. Of course, I find a million 2wd's and Jeeps but no 4x4 X's

I hear you about the 4x2 things. I had to fly out to Virginia to get mine. That suxs about the engine. If you had time I would suggest a diesel swap. You could be number 2 in the US.

 

[Pro-2X]

I hear you about the 4x2 things. I had to fly out to Virginia to get mine. That suxs about the engine. If you had time I would suggest a diesel swap. You could be number 2 in the US.

C'mon man just get a 2WD. Adds a whole new twist to wheeling.

 

[GPD605X]

My 1st X was a 1st gen 2wd and wouldn't go back lol

 

[drbandkgb]

Bummer man.. Here is the thing. You should be ok now.. You will have a fresh start with the Xterra. I feel like the people working in your x are idiots though.. You have had them look at it over and over.. And after the last time it used oil like crazy.. Something seems off about that to me..

Hope it all work out man..


And hope we see you at nxm


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[GPD605X]

Yea it really sucks big time. Yea they hired a new guy last week who used to work for the local nissan stealership so he's actually the one doing most of the work. I honestly don't know if I should keep it after this... It will be a new heart so to speak but I'm just tired of fixing it. Decisions Decisions

 

[Slasa]

So what was wrong specifically? Rings go bad? Is that why you burned oil so bad, then ran dry, and smoked the entire engine?

 

[drbandkgb]

I sure wouldn't get rid of it now..


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[GPD605X]

From what I was told, they said the oil was somehow bypassing the rings and the oil was burning thru the exhaust. I burned thru 5qts in 2 weeks, and 5qts in 3 days instate driving. I've always been watchful on my oil gauge since I've had issues in the past and the oil gauge showed normal levels. Once I stopped, the oil light came on and of course I was in the middle of nowhere and the nearest gas station was 20+ miles away. Filled it up, drove 3 1/2 hrs then let it sit for 2 days then by the time I got home, it was dry again. I'm debating on keeping it.... Especially with a new engine and everything. I just fixed the timing chain so I'm going to have them swap all good parts and have them clean everything really good. Do a complete assessment on everything.

 

[Slasa]

Bad rings will get you. Hard to catch ahead of time. You can hold a white towel or paper towel over the tail pipe and look for blue smoke or oil particulates. If you are at that point you are usually hosed anyway. Bad rings burn off your oil through the exhaust and if you run dry too long you can really do some damage.

 

[dhyde79]

If you're willing to spend 17K to get a used jeep (and whomever told you jeeps were reliable, fed you a line of crap, any die hard keeper will admit that they're maintenance hogs with not very cheap parts) why not spend the extra and just get a new X, like, brand new, extremely low mileage. Get a pro4x and start with a rock solid rig, then build up from there...

 

[GPD605X]

Well 17k is a little out of my price range but I have been talked into keeping the X. While they have it, I'm going to have them do a complete fluids change and replace anything that is past due or needs to be changed mileage wise. I would like to throw a 5.6 Titan motor in but I think that's a lot of added work.

 

[drbandkgb]

Smatic tranny fluid


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[dhyde79]

Well 17k is a little out of my price range but I have been talked into keeping the X. While they have it, I'm going to have them do a complete fluids change and replace anything that is past due or needs to be changed mileage wise. I would like to throw a 5.6 Titan motor in but I think that's a lot of added work.

Nearly impossible....you could do a Chevy or ford swap easier...

 

[GPD605X]

Well Calmini is the only 2nd gen I know that actually did it but I heard it was a complete pain. I'll just be getting a direct replacement and just have them change all fluids like tranny, trans case, everything.

 

[dhyde79]

Well Calmini is the only 2nd gen I know that actually did it but I heard it was a complete pain. I'll just be getting a direct replacement and just have them change all fluids like tranny, trans case, everything.

Yeah, the Nissan engineer team built a custom ECM/BCM set for the rig, at least that's what I got from one of the guys that'd been around it a bit. Said for a large enough price tag, they'll build a custom ECM/BCM for any swap...I emailed and asked what the price tag was for an xterra swap for a VR38DETT they failed to respond obviously

 

[GPD605X]

Heard back from the mechanic... They said it's going to run between $4500-$5500 using the used motor w/ 85k miles on it. There's only a 6 month warranty on that so I'm not even considering it. I found a company that specializes in engine rebuilds and their Long Block is about $2,999.99 and it comes w/ a 3 year, Unlimited Mileage Warranty. They said that the Long Block comes w/ gaskets, timing stuff, cams, heads, oil pump and Vtec system (whatever that is). I told them to do a complete flush of all fluids like tranny, rear axle, transfer case and everything. I'm waiting for them to call me back now to see about what their labor cost will be so I can go ahead and order this engine. The Engine company says it will take about 2 weeks from start to finish and the mechanic says it will take them about 5-6 business days from the time they get the engine to completion.

 

[GPD605X]

Well I took it to my local Nissan Stealership for a 2nd Opinion and they confirmed that the engine does need to be replaced. They also said that Bank 1 & 2 cat's are completely fried and that's why the engine crapped out. They would charge $2,181.23 w/ tax for 18hrs of labor and that's including changing the cats out but does not include any parts what so ever. The Nissan technician wouldn't even tell me how much Nissan would sell the cats to me for. He said for the price of 1 Nissan Cat, I could get all 4 replaced somewhere else. So now the price of being fixed has gone up. I'm currently waiting on what the mechanic says they would charge for labor. If it's close to what Nissan is charging, I would rather go to Nissan for the repairs since they specialize in Nissan.

Also called the Rebuild Engine Company (ATK) and they said the price is $3,015.99 + $400.00 Core charge which is refunded after the old engine arrives at their factory = $3,4015.99

Magnaflow Universal Cat's x4 w/ Lifetime warranty = $513.32

$3415.99 + $513.32 + $2,181.23 = $6,110.54

 

[CrazySteve911]

Jesus man, I hate reading your build thread, because it always hurts my heart. I'm terribly sad to hear any of this. :/
Are you going with the use nissan engine or are you going to get something else thrown in there?
Hopefully everything works out alright for you.

 

[GPD605X]

Well if I do fix it, I will be going w/ New (Rebuilt) engine w/ the 3 year/Unlimited Mileage warranty. I owe $8,100 so I'm looking at a total of $14-$15k in the hole for a X that's barely worth $9k.

 

[Roadwarrior]

I am not sure that I would go that route. I know it seems like you are in a hole, but digging deeper is not the way I would think to go..

 

[CrazySteve911]

You're contemplating not fixing it?

 

[GPD605X]

I've thought about trading it in as is and getting new and getting out from under it. I know I'll never get out what I put in and I never expected to. But throwing $6k more into it for repairs on something that is only worth about $8k. In the past few months, I've spent $2,400 on new tires and timing chain already and then to throw $6k more at it. It just doesn't seem worth it... I'm screwed either way I go. It just seems to be easier to get out from under it and go for a new one.

I found this one for $25k. It says its a 2012 S but it looks like a Pro4x.
2012 Xterra 4x4 S

 

[GPD605X]

To me its similar to buying a rusted up Ford Pinto, put 20k into it restoring it when it's only worth 10k.

 

[drbandkgb]

I've thought about trading it in as is and getting new and getting out from under it. I know I'll never get out what I put in and I never expected to. But throwing $6k more into it for repairs on something that is only worth about $8k. In the past few months, I've spent $2,400 on new tires and timing chain already and then to throw $6k more at it. It just doesn't seem worth it... I'm screwed either way I go. It just seems to be easier to get out from under it and go for a new one.

I found this one for $25k. It says its a 2012 S but it looks like a Pro4x.
2012 Xterra 4x4 S

Now add 8k to that price... I worked in sales.. Even when you think you are going to get 3k.. you not getting anything..

Your in a bad spot no matter what you do.. The sales person is going to hit you up for the " What would you like your monthly payment to be"

Think about this.. If you were to buy a newer Xterra will it have mods? You have a good 1800 in mods on that truck.
If you were to take a 25,000 Xterra and add a lift 600 or more, Tires 1200 on up.. Now add that to the 25,000 and you have 26,800 in a Xterra.
Now say they give you 3500 for your'e Xterra as is... now your'e looking at financing

New what ever
25,000 - 3500= 21,500 + 4500 you still owe = $26,000 / $433.33 a month at 0% for 60 months.

Fixing the Xterra
8,000 +6,500 to fix = 14,500 Plus you have 1800 in mods 14,500 / 60 months = 241.66 per month @ 0%

I have no idea what you really owe of your financials but 242 a money vs 434 is a lot of fun money

Im guessing it will be much easier to get a personal loan for 6k than it would be for 26,000

Im not trying to wear you out man... I know what its like to be single with a kid... Dont strap your'e self down to a cool car
if you do not have to..

 

[drbandkgb]

Now add 8k to that price... I worked in sales.. Even when you think you are going to get 3k.. you not getting anything..

Your in a bad spot no matter what you do.. The sales person is going to hit you up for the " What would you like your monthly payment to be"

Think about this.. If you were to buy a newer Xterra will it have mods? You have a good 1800 in mods on that truck.
If you were to take a 25,000 Xterra and add a lift 600 or more, Tires 1200 on up.. Now add that to the 25,000 and you have 26,800 in a Xterra.
Now say they give you 3500 for your'e Xterra as is... now your'e looking at financing

New what ever
25,000 - 3500= 21,500 + 4500 you still owe = $26,000 / $433.33 a month at 0% for 60 months.

Fixing the Xterra
8,000 +6,500 to fix = 14,500 Plus you have 1800 in mods 14,500 / 60 months = 241.66 per month @ 0%

I have no idea what you really owe of your financials but 242 a money vs 434 is a lot of fun money

Im guessing it will be much easier to get a personal loan for 6k than it would be for 26,000

Im not trying to wear you out man... I know what its like to be single with a kid... Dont strap your'e self down to a cool car
if you do not have to..

Heck park that Xterra and build on it as you have money.. Find a fun beater like my 2000 Xterra.. I paid 3800 for it..
and save to build one heck of a rig

 

[GPD605X]

Yea, I mean, I just can't figure out whats the best route. I mean I love my current X but it seems that dumping this much into this X just doesn't seem worth it. I mean cosmetically its fine and interior is in pretty good shape. It's just owing $14-$15k on it when it's only worth around $8k.

 

[drbandkgb]

Look at it this way... Say you trade this in and in 4 years what do you have?

a 16k loan on a 8k Truck/car..

So what will be the difference besides fixing this one and in that 4 years your Xterra is paid off?

Motors http://www.lowmileageengines.com/used-engines/nissan/nissan-xterra-used-engine.php

http://www.autoguide.net/apf/nissan-usedengines/xterra-catalog.html

All under 2k

Rebuild kits: http://compare.ebay.com/like/110950341272?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar 700.00

Do not let a warranty come into play either.. Read up on what it will really cover... You may see that either way its not going tp pay for much if something happened.


Check out Facebook for local shops. FB has saved me on a few items when dealing with locals.. Word of mouth is face there.

 

[gorillamel]

Would your bank be willing to refinance your current car loan? I did that a few years back and saved a lot in my monthly payments. I even combined a personal loan with the car loan to have one cohesive monthly payment with a lower overall % rate.

You are in a not so nice Catch-22 and I totally sympahtise with you. Those of us who barely make enough to survive every day life are hit even worse with an unforeseen massive expense like this. I wish the best for you in whatever route you choose. And ultimately, it will be your choice. Look at your finances in the long run. What is your monthly budget like? Where do you have lee-way? What things can you cut out and live without? Start making an excel sheet of your finances. That's what I had to do to make things work and not live in the red. Heck, some months I cannot afford food so that I pay my bills on time. I cannot even imagine what it is like with a child. Good luck!

 

[GPD605X]

Yea, I'm going to the bank in the am to check and see if they can do that. I can throw it all on a credit card but its like 9% or 10% APR. I'm hoping the credit union will do better than that. I've been trying to find an engine that has good mileage and some warranty. I had a 93 YJ back in 2005 and that engine threw a rod and used this company and didn't have any problems. Here's the company I'm looking at ATK Remanufactured Engines

Dave, I agree w/ ya. Pending on what the bank can do for me, I'll try and combine the loans. I'm most likely going to just fix it and keep it. It just really sucks