Considering Buying an Xterra

[PossibleOwner]

Hello! I have some questions about buying an Xterra. I’ve looked through some of the threads about buying, but they don’t seem to answer my questions.

First, a bit of background: I am looking for 2001-2004 xterra. My budget is $8,000. I will mainly be driving to and from work (about a mile), to the grocery store, etc. I will have access to another car (a Honda Accord) for longer trips, so gas mileage isn’t a huge concern for me. I put very few miles on my current car. Most of the driving will be in town, but it might be taken down trails on public lands, but won’t be used for serious or frequent off-roading. I really want 4WD, just in case there is a snowstorm, or a zombie apocalypse. Basically, if the Accord can’t handle the road, I want something that will.

Now for my questions:

1. How many miles is really too many? (The lowest mileage one in my price range with 4WD has 104,xxx. The highest one I’m currently considering is 134,xxx.)
2. Do I need/want one that is supercharged? I read on Edmund’s that Xterras can feel a bit underpowered so I thought a supercharged one might be good, but am I really going to notice a difference?
3. If I do go with a supercharged one, are there questions I should ask? Another thread had something about scanning for a sensor. Can someone explain more fully what that mean?
4. One of the Xterras that I am considering is from a dealer, and they are replacing the timing belt. I read timing belts need often need replaced around 120,xxx miles. It also seems like something that would be rather expensive. This particular Xterra has 124,xxx miles and is a 2001. It is not supercharged. The asking price is $8000. I’ve found newer models with fewer miles that are the same price or cheaper.

• 2001, 104,xxx miles, $8000
• 2002, 123,xxx miles, $7200
• 2004, 115,xxx miles, $7900
• 2004, 98,xxx miles, $8000

SO – the question is this – Is it worth the extra money to know the timing belt is good?

1. Are there any other specific questions I should be asking sellers? Also, I plan to take anything I am seriously considering to my own mechanic. Is there anything I should have him specifically check?

 

[NMTerras]

Seems like a lot of high prices...but asking price isn't always selling price, especially when poor mileage vehicles aren't selling...
yes, timing belt is important. If it's high miles and it hasn't been replaced, you will need to do it/have it done. I have 172k on my 2000, and I've done two timing belts now.
I'll defer on the supercharged question. I don't have one and don't know what their potential problems are. If you don't put big tires on or lift it, stock motor is powerful enough IMO.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Actually, timing belts needs to be replaced at every 104k miles, not 124k.

And stay away from the superchargers, I knew a buddy that owned a '02 S/C Xterra, and he said that it requires premium gas, and the knock sensor is often a plaque on the S/C models, because when the K/S fails, the supercharger goes into bypass mode (limp mode) which means you lose alot of power and its often a PITA to replace so I'd stay away from the S/C models and stick with non-S/C models that take regular gas. The K/S isn't an issue with non-S/C models though so it wouldn't affect the engine performance but it will for S/C.

I've owned a 2001 Xterra before, and it was a great vehicle. Just keep it up to date with maintenance and you'll be fine for the long run.

 

[lbishop]

defiantely would stay away from a supercharged one. These trucks eat knock sensors like toyotas eat o2 sensors. Just remember your not buyin a race car and you'll be extremely happy with it. another thing to look for if you plan on modifyin with a lift and bigger tires would be the axle code. If you wanna run bigger tires im would recommend hunting one with a hg49 axle code. Just look at the sticker on the drivers door and itll tell you. Really can't go wrong with an xterra though. good luck!!!

 

[Macland]

If the vehicle needs the timing belt changed you can always use that as a bargaining chip when you're purchasing. Just find out how much it will cost you.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Mac is right.

Its usually between $800-$1k for the full replacement (including water pump) and labor included at most Nissan dealerships.

 

[drbandkgb]

What part of the world are you in? I see 2000-2004 going for 3 to 10 k in my area.. I have to say the avg price in middle tn is about 5k so to me your prices see high.

Timing belt is key.. Needs to be changed 105k with the water pump and belts.
The SC is a waste of time.. Either way these SUVs are under powered.
The Xterra is a great 4wd platform I have owned 2 of them and I'm working on the 3rd.

 

[PossibleOwner]

Thank so much for all the advice so far! @drbandkgb, I'm in Oklahoma.

 

[Macland]

Thank so much for all the advice so far! @drbandkgb, I'm in Oklahoma.

Me too! What part? You should look at some of the Dallas market if you're to where you could travel there to purchase. There's a lot more competition so prices are more favorable.

 

[PossibleOwner]

I'm in Tulsa.

 

[PossibleOwner]

And I've been looking within about a 100 mile radius, so not quite as far as Dallas, but I will check it out.

 

[drbandkgb]

Check Craigslist like crazy

 

[Macland]

Good deal man, craigslist is definitely the way to go. The only real benefit of a dealership is that they've usually had their shop mechanic at least take a look at the vehicle.

 

[mudchet]

I bought an '05 in April with 92k on it for under 10k. It came with a Calmini lift, general at2 tires, schrockworks sliders, calmini armor, warn winch, etc so your price definitely seems high. I bought mine over the internet and paid to have the used car dealership take it to a Nissan dealership and do an independent inspection. I then got on the phone with the actual mechanic who inspected it and got a full run down on the vehicle. Dont be afraid to use craiglist or the internet in general,but definitley have someone look at that vehicle who doesnt work for the seller. My seller told me the vehicle was in good condition. The inspection I paid for revealed that the a/c didnt wok, the high beams didnt work, shocks were shot and more. I then called my local Nissan dealership, got quote to do all the repairs and then went back to the seller to negotiate. Its work, it takes time, but in the end I am happy w the result.

 

[Cameron23]

I bought an '05 in April with 92k on it for under 10k. It came with a Calmini lift, general at2 tires, schrockworks sliders, calmini armor, warn winch, etc so your price definitely seems high. I bought mine over the internet and paid to have the used car dealership take it to a Nissan dealership and do an independent inspection. I then got on the phone with the actual mechanic who inspected it and got a full run down on the vehicle. Dont be afraid to use craiglist or the internet in general,but definitley have someone look at that vehicle who doesnt work for the seller. My seller told me the vehicle was in good condition. The inspection I paid for revealed that the a/c didnt wok, the high beams didnt work, shocks were shot and more. I then called my local Nissan dealership, got quote to do all the repairs and then went back to the seller to negotiate. Its work, it takes time, but in the end I am happy w the result.

and watch out for milkshakes
someone else explain the technicals I have an '01

all I know is '05s have all the boys in their yards occasionally

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[drbandkgb]

Gen 2 (2005-2012) has a plastic style Radiator..

The Transmission cooler runs inside the main radiator.. These lines can crack over time causing water or coolant to mix with the tanny fluid..
When this happens the transmission will fail... If you look at the fluid it will be strawberry in color...

The best fix is before this can happen is to by pass the tranny cooler with a after market one.
60-80 dollars could save you 2- 4k to fix..

 

[AaronsX]

The 04 for $8k seems like the best deal.

I spend $5500 on my '00 with 121k miles on it..was it worth that much. Probably not I could of got it for cheaper granted I don't have 4x4. I would say the prices in general are a little high but we all know you can point out the flaws and get them down.

 

[drbandkgb]

AAron.. Im looking at buying a 2006 for 9k...

 

[AZhiAZiAM]

i need to go to your area to buy a 2nd gen. they are around 12k+ here. for 04s

 

[AaronsX]

AAron.. Im looking at buying a 2006 for 9k...

Hush I know I overpaid

 

[Macland]

I'm still planning on doing some Oklahoma searching, I just haven't had the time.

 

[Cameron23]

The 04 for $8k seems like the best deal.

I spend $5500 on my '00 with 121k miles on it..was it worth that much. Probably not I could of got it for cheaper granted I don't have 4x4. I would say the prices in general are a little high but we all know you can point out the flaws and get them down.

flaws on an XTERRA ..... never!


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[mudchet]

Gen 2 (2005-2012) has a plastic style Radiator..

The Transmission cooler runs inside the main radiator.. These lines can crack over time causing water or coolant to mix with the tanny fluid..
When this happens the transmission will fail... If you look at the fluid it will be strawberry in color...

The best fix is before this can happen is to by pass the tranny cooler with a after market one.
60-80 dollars could save you 2- 4k to fix..

Yep. This high on my list. Checked at Autozone, they have several different sizes of tranny coolers. Cant remember the exaxt sizes, maybe 12"x8"x1", 11"x10"x1", etc. Is there a recommended size? Drgandkgb's estimate on the price was right on.

 

[drbandkgb]

Yep I have been looking for a gen 2 for 5 months.. Bought the Toyota instead.. About to fix that mistake.

2005-2007. 8500 - 14k. I have seen some low mile xterras for 16k
2008-2009 13,000 - 19,000
2010-2012. 19.000 - 25,000

2000-2001. 3000 - 5000
2002-2004. 4500- 9000

Xterras seem to have a wide range in pricing.. I have seen a few 2000's for 7000.. Not sure why.. Other than people just trying to get greedy..

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

So you're trading the sequoia for the 2nd gen?

 

[drbandkgb]

Yes

 

[PossibleOwner]

Possible Owner no more - now an actual owner

I chose to go with the 2001 with 124k miles. I could have maybe found it for a cheaper price (I ended up paying $7000), but I thought knowing that the timing belt was new was worth something. It's silver, and I LOVE it! I did have to go to a forum to figure out how to get it into 4WD-L.

 

[Roadwarrior]

I chose to go with the 2001 with 124k miles. I could have maybe found it for a cheaper price (I ended up paying $7000), but I thought knowing that the timing belt was new was worth something. It's silver, and I LOVE it! I did have to go to a forum to figure out how to get it into 4WD-L.

It should tell you above the drivers sun visor.

But glad you now own an X! You should change your name now :thumbup:

 

[drbandkgb]

Glad you found one that fits your needs

 

[Cameron23]

why did you need 4w-L?


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