2005xterra...

[Helpmexterra]

Hello..got a great chance to buy a 2005 xterra S in excellent shape 69K miles...all Maintenace has been done including radiator replacement several years ago..oil change evey 3k...seller is an old man and a friend.....Im very concerned about the timing chain issues.....Should i take the gamble and buy.....Please some advice

 

[TerryD]

What's the price like? If it's cheap enough, just go have the timing sets replaced and you'll be good to go for a very very long time.

 

[Helpmexterra]

What's the price like? If it's cheap enough, just go have the timing sets replaced and you'll be good to go for a very very long time.

5K

 

[Helpmexterra]

5K

only 2 owners and it looks new inside

 

[meisanerd]

69k? That isnt a typo? For that price, Id buy it. And just start saving money in case the timing chain does start going.

 

[Helpmexterra]

69k? That isnt a typo? For that price, Id buy it. And just start saving money in case the timing chain does start going.

no actual miles verified by carfax..old guy has owned it since 2009 only drive 2k year...

 

[Prime]

no actual miles verified by carfax..old guy has owned it since 2009 only drive 2k year...

That's a steal. To get the timing chain done be at the dealer will cost $1500-$1700. Even if you call it two grand, you're into a basically brand new truck for $7k. I'd take that deal all day every day.

I'd expect to need the timing work done in the next 30k miles.

 

[Helpmexterra]

That's a steal. To get the timing chain done be at the dealer will cost $1500-$1700. Even if you call it two grand, you're into a basically brand new truck for $7k. I'd take that deal all day every day.

I'd expect to need the timing work done in the next 30k miles.

the guy that runs this site..i watched him do a video he says the guides go bad at 20k miles??? do u think it will last to 90k??

 

[TerryD]

the guy that runs this site..i watched him do a video he says the guides go bad at 20k miles??? do u think it will last to 90k??

That's who @Prime is.....

 

[TerryD]

Usually 80-120k. Mine made it to 150k before the gave up but they went FAST. Like first noise to full on supercharger whine in 2 weeks

 

[Prime]

That's who @Prime is.....

Hi.

When they were driven hard and constantly, there were cases of shoes failing at 20-40k miles. Typically, it's around the 100k mark.

This truck was used gently. Hasn't had an issue to 70k. It is an inevitable issue with these engines in that manufacturing space. The fact that it hasn't happened yet is good. But it will happen.

 

[meisanerd]

My 06 made 300k kms and hasnt had them replaced, no whining at all yet.

 

[Helpmexterra]

Wow..thats reassuring....I just hate to spend 5k and in a month have to tear the engine and spend another 2k for an 05 vehicle...

My 06 made 300k kms and hasnt had them replaced, no whining at all yet.

 

[Muadeeb]

At that point its still a 7k vehicle with a nice amount of mileage. You'll be hard pressed to find another one that's a) that low milage for 17 years old and b) in that price range.

 

[Prime]

At that point its still a 7k vehicle with a nice amount of mileage. You'll be hard pressed to find another one that's a) that low milage for 17 years old and b) in that price range.

This is what I'm saying

 

[Helpmexterra]

This is what I'm saying

So....what i am hearing is it is worth the risk.....and maybe i can even drive it for several years without an issue...

 

[TerryD]

So....what i am hearing is it is worth the risk.....and maybe i can even drive it for several years without an issue...

Pretty much. Save up the money to have if it happens and keep it ready.

 

[outback97]

Sounds like a good deal!

I am no expert but as I understand it if the timing guides begin to wear you’ll have plenty of audible warning well ahead of any catastrophe.

I did test drive one years ago that had the noise and it was pretty distinctive. A supercharger like whine that followed engine RPMs. Not as loud as a supercharger but definitely noticeable.

 

[Helpmexterra]

Sounds like a good deal!

I am no expert but as I understand it if the timing guides begin to wear you’ll have plenty of audible warning well ahead of any catastrophe.

I did test drive one years ago that had the noise and it was pretty distinctive. A supercharger like whine that followed engine RPMs. Not as loud as a supercharger but definitely noticeable.

Hello..ck your email please..thanks..

 

[outback97]

Hello..ck your email please..thanks..

To try to keep it simple I had sent you a direct message (aka conversation on this forum platform), but there's no reason I can't post it again below. As others have already said, the truck you're looking at sounds like a good deal. I would have no reservations recommending it. Standard disclaimer: it's a 17+ year old vehicle and things inevitably wear out and break, so like with any used vehicle purchase, go in with realistic expectations.

***

I have an 06 and 09, both Off Road trims. 126k and 111k miles.

No major problems to report, just wear items and fluid changes for the most part. The 06 did get a rear axle replaced by the original owner under warranty. I’ve done some suspension work, ball joints and bushings, new starter and HVAC blower motor in the 06. Rear axle seal weeping. Really nothing big or catastrophic. They’re great trucks.

This 05 sounds like a good one to get. I like private party sales with someone that takes care of their stuff.

 

[ScaryFatKidGT]

Just save up and be prepared to donit when she starts whining Thats a good price.

 

[meisanerd]

I've always looked at things this way when buying a vehicle:

If I buy new, I spend all of my budget, and the dealership gets to pay for repairs.
If I buy used, I spend part of my budget, and save the rest, because I pay for repairs.

I never spend all of my budget on a used vehicle.

 

[meisanerd]

Also of note, this spring I paid around $22k for a 2015 with basically that mileage, in good condition. $17k difference in price will buy you a lot of potential fixes as things come up...