I am considering the purchase of a clean 2002 SE vs. a clean 2015 Pro 4X

bo911km

Test Drive
Location
mid-Atlantic
I need some help. Both trucks are very clean but priced at the top of market. The 2002 SE has 30k miles. The 2015 Pro 4X has 100k miles.

I am absolutely stumped as to which to purchase. Need some Pros and Cons from the experts. Please share your thoughts.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
2002 Pro
- at 30k miles, it's not even broken in yet.
- Looks better inside and out
- less computers (less to go wrong)
- more reliable powertrain
- Smaller & more maneuverable
- I miss my 2002

2002 Con
- Slower (if you need it to go fast)
- Less aftermarket support
- Timing belt needs to be changed ever 105k. Given only 30k on this but accounting for age, I'd probably do it sooner rather than later.
- OE parts are getting harder to find if you need them
- not great on gas (small engine, heavy truck)

2015 Pro
- Also super reliable
- Faster
- More interior space
- better aftermarket support
- 100k is just broken in
- doesn't suffer any of the faults / problems of the early 2nd gen (SMOD, Timing chain tensioners, etc)
- slightly better on gas
- Many OE parts being manufactured through 2028 thanks to sharing the F-Alpha platform w/ the Frontier.

2015 Con
- Not as stylish.
- Driveline is weaker for the increased size/weight of the truck
- computers run everything
- Orange dash lights are hideous at night
- much larger turning circle


On the surface it looks like a solid win for the 2015.

But, as someone who has owned both, I miss my 02 and should never have sold it. Functionally, my 07 is better in lots of ways. I just don't love it like I did the 1st gen.
 

kirk

Butterfly King
Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
Allen, Texas
2002 Pro
- at 30k miles, it's not even broken in yet.
- Looks better inside and out
- less computers (less to go wrong)
- more reliable powertrain
- Smaller & more maneuverable
- I miss my 2002

2002 Con
- Slower (if you need it to go fast)
- Less aftermarket support
- Timing belt needs to be changed ever 105k. Given only 30k on this but accounting for age, I'd probably do it sooner rather than later.
- OE parts are getting harder to find if you need them
- not great on gas (small engine, heavy truck)

2015 Pro
- Also super reliable
- Faster
- More interior space
- better aftermarket support
- 100k is just broken in
- doesn't suffer any of the faults / problems of the early 2nd gen (SMOD, Timing chain tensioners, etc)
- slightly better on gas
- Many OE parts being manufactured through 2028 thanks to sharing the F-Alpha platform w/ the Frontier.

2015 Con
- Not as stylish.
- Driveline is weaker for the increased size/weight of the truck
- computers run everything
- Orange dash lights are hideous at night
- much larger turning circle


On the surface it looks like a solid win for the 2015.

But, as someone who has owned both, I miss my 02 and should never have sold it. Functionally, my 07 is better in lots of ways. I just don't love it like I did the 1st gen.
This. Perfectly said and perfectly accurate.

I am WAY biased towards the first gen. I loved those since they came out in '99 and I couldn't afford one. To me they look like nothing else, and I love having one as a daily.

That being said, I understand their shortcomings, as perfectly summed up by Prime, above. All boils down to how you want to use them. 2nd gen is less cool (to me), but likely a better road tripper.
 

outback97

Wheeling
Supporting Member
Location
SLC, Utah
If you're factoring depreciation into your decision I'd think the 2015 has more downside because they're the last production year and prices for them seem elevated as opposed to say a 2011 or 2012. The 2002 shouldn't drop as much, but only if you don't overpay for it in the first place.

Maybe it's just me, but a 21 year old vehicle with only 30K miles seems *too* low. Like, did it sit for very long periods of time, or make many short trips? Neither of those are ideal.

Which one do you like to drive better? 'Cause all the theoretical stuff doesn't matter so much if you don't enjoy the vehicle. Before I got my first Xterra I had it in my head that I wanted a third gen 4Runner, until I drove one and didn't like it at all.
 

bo911km

Test Drive
Location
mid-Atlantic
Sadly I cant drive either...since they are both fly & drive purchases. And I agree, the 2002's mileage means it sat unused for long periods of time. So I am worried about gaskets, seals, etc.
 

outback97

Wheeling
Supporting Member
Location
SLC, Utah
Sadly I cant drive either...since they are both fly & drive purchases. And I agree, the 2002's mileage means it sat unused for long periods of time. So I am worried about gaskets, seals, etc.

Also I should say both are priced at top of market...2002 is mid 20's and 2015 is in high teens

Are those numbers switched? Mid 20's for a 2002? No f'n way. High teens for a 2015 P4X in great condition? That's not really high market, that's average around here any more. Though prices are slightly less insane than they were a year ago IMO.

I did the fly and drive for my '09 because it was such an exceptional deal, fantastic seller, and exactly what I wanted. But, before I did, I was well familiar with the truck, having owned an '06 for several years before we bought the second one.

Even if you can't drive these specific vehicles, have you driven a representative example of a 1st gen and 2nd gen to decide which platform you prefer? I'd start there before I committed to flying around and buying anything.
 

kirk

Butterfly King
Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
Allen, Texas
Also I should say both are priced at top of market...2002 is mid 20's and 2015 is in high teens
Wait, mid 20's for a 2002? Nope, you can find nice ones for much less than half.

Seems like FB Marketplace is where most cars are bought and sold anymore, sadly.
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
I don't think you'll regret that. There are still a couple things to look at on a 2nd Gen, like the rear axle breather, once you get it home. Small things that will improve longevity.

And at 100k, fluid changes are also needed. That will help you get acquainted with your new Xterra.

 

MisterH

Bought an X
Location
Washington State
2002 Pro
- at 30k miles, it's not even broken in yet.
- Looks better inside and out
- less computers (less to go wrong)
- more reliable powertrain
- Smaller & more maneuverable
- I miss my 2002

2002 Con
- Slower (if you need it to go fast)
- Less aftermarket support
- Timing belt needs to be changed ever 105k. Given only 30k on this but accounting for age, I'd probably do it sooner rather than later.
- OE parts are getting harder to find if you need them
- not great on gas (small engine, heavy truck)

2015 Pro
- Also super reliable
- Faster
- More interior space
- better aftermarket support
- 100k is just broken in
- doesn't suffer any of the faults / problems of the early 2nd gen (SMOD, Timing chain tensioners, etc)
- slightly better on gas
- Many OE parts being manufactured through 2028 thanks to sharing the F-Alpha platform w/ the Frontier.

2015 Con
- Not as stylish.
- Driveline is weaker for the increased size/weight of the truck
- computers run everything
- Orange dash lights are hideous at night
- much larger turning circle


On the surface it looks like a solid win for the 2015.

But, as someone who has owned both, I miss my 02 and should never have sold it. Functionally, my 07 is better in lots of ways. I just don't love it like I did the 1st gen.


I have 03' and 13'. I owned 2003 for 10.5 years and 2013 since Dec.
Cons 2002
Nissan's 3.3 will eventually need a head gasket job and oil burners.
timing belt upkeep
distributor
gutless if need to hit sudden passing on the highway
Cats
headliner
Center hub cap rattle
no coin holder

Pros for 2002
Better interior features
Nice design and look
4wd shift
Better interior layout


2015 cons
you have to put a floor mat in the trunk, or things will slide.
No door pockets on the back doors.
The Interior is heavy plastic.
Everything has to be OEM to be happy.
The engine is louder than 3.3, The 747 sound
the double-pressure cooling system sucks.
All models don't have the simple outside temperature gauge like the first gens.
Auto-locking doors when you drive off
seats are smaller than in 2002.

Pros 2015
The engine has the power to go on in that passing lane
Quieter road noise than in 2002.
Better windsheild wipers
change holder

Overall I can depend on 2013 for long trips and 2003 for work. My 2003 left me stranded two times in 10+ years.
 

JPR

Test Drive
Location
Colorado
2002 Pro
- at 30k miles, it's not even broken in yet.
- Looks better inside and out
- less computers (less to go wrong)
- more reliable powertrain
- Smaller & more maneuverable
- I miss my 2002

2002 Con
- Slower (if you need it to go fast)
- Less aftermarket support
- Timing belt needs to be changed ever 105k. Given only 30k on this but accounting for age, I'd probably do it sooner rather than later.
- OE parts are getting harder to find if you need them
- not great on gas (small engine, heavy truck)

2015 Pro
- Also super reliable
- Faster
- More interior space
- better aftermarket support
- 100k is just broken in
- doesn't suffer any of the faults / problems of the early 2nd gen (SMOD, Timing chain tensioners, etc)
- slightly better on gas
- Many OE parts being manufactured through 2028 thanks to sharing the F-Alpha platform w/ the Frontier.

2015 Con
- Not as stylish.
- Driveline is weaker for the increased size/weight of the truck
- computers run everything
- Orange dash lights are hideous at night
- much larger turning circle


On the surface it looks like a solid win for the 2015.

But, as someone who has owned both, I miss my 02 and should never have sold it. Functionally, my 07 is better in lots of ways. I just don't love it like I did the 1st gen.
I just purchased a 2014 with 81k miles, dealer maintained every 5000 miles. It looks like you’re saying I don’t need to worry about the timing idler issue on this model year?
 

reaver

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
Location
Caldwell, ID
Unless you got my late 2011....

Although apparently rare, 2011 had the possibility of the dreaded timing chain/guide issue.
Glad my Frontier is a 2013, and not susceptible to this problem.....hopefully. She's just about to roll over 100k....
 
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