Just bought a 1st gen in Florida

dogwater

Test Drive
Location
Daytona area, FL
Hey folks, I just bought a 2002 XE 4x4 manual with 64,000 miles on it and brought it home Monday. It's in pretty good shape except for some surface rust underneath, a patch of paint missing on the roof with some surface rust and some paint loss around the edges of doors, etc... The plastic bumpers and fascia need some refreshing or painting also. I'm planning on changing out every fluid and doing the whole 60k mile maintenance schedule. It needs tires but I haven't yet convinced myself that it'll fit 265/75/16 on it stock - I still need to sort through all the tire threads on this and other boards. I want to do the 2" BL and 1.5" PML eventually but am not ready yet. I'd like to just get some A/T tires on there, put on an idler arm brace and focus on catching up on the maintenance schedule and rust remediation for now. I have owned a few other wheeling rigs including a 90 Hardbody that I cranked the torsion bars on to fit 32's and did other mods but that's long gone. (I also had a hillbilly lifted 85 4Runner and a 1969 Nissan Patrol.) Anyway, I appreciate all the info I've gleaned from this forum.

xterrahome001.jpg


Pic of the Hardbody
Pic of the 4Runner
Pic of the Patrol
 

Muadeeb

Nissan al Gaib
Admin
Location
Dallas
Welcome, and how did you find a 17 year old truck with that few miles on it? I do that many in two years!

You said you're going to do a 60k tune up, go ahead and do the timing belt since it's so old.
 

dogwater

Test Drive
Location
Daytona area, FL
Thanks for the welcome, folks. I like the 'Just Blue' color also and Hardbodies are great trucks but they're getting few and far between these days.

As far as finding one with that few miles, I just kept my eye on the ads and this one came up about 90 miles away from me, which is farther than I wanted to go but it seemed worth a look and I managed to talk the guy down to what I thought was a reasonable price. I wasn't set on an Xterra but it was that, a Frontier, Pathfinder, 4Runner or Tacoma and I didn't want one with too high miles since it'll have to be my DD for awhile.

Yeah, I'll have to do the timing belt but I'll want to do the water pump and everything else related at the same time. That might have to wait a bit but the first thing I want to do is work through changing out all the fluids and pay some attention to the surface rust.
 

Bushnut

First Fill-Up (of many)
If you’ve got rust underneath pay attention to the oil pan. Mine rusted through in a few spots. A huge PIA to change. Also look at the gas tank where the rear bracket is. Dirt and moisture likes to collect between it and the tank It will rust a hole above the seam. Ask me how I know.
All the best with your new X.
 

dogwater

Test Drive
Location
Daytona area, FL
Thanks and thanks for the advice. I did look at the oil pan area before I bought it but I'll have to look more closely at the gas tank area. The rust is pretty light overall but I do need to make sure there's nothing I missed. I'll be working on cleaning it up under there and treating / painting it to try and prevent any more from forming. My first goal for that is to deal with the small patch on the roof. It's just surface rust but I want to sand it off and get it primed at least.
 

tedh1979

Test Drive
Thanks for the welcome, folks. I like the 'Just Blue' color also and Hardbodies are great trucks but they're getting few and far between these days.

As far as finding one with that few miles, I just kept my eye on the ads and this one came up about 90 miles away from me, which is farther than I wanted to go but it seemed worth a look and I managed to talk the guy down to what I thought was a reasonable price. I wasn't set on an Xterra but it was that, a Frontier, Pathfinder, 4Runner or Tacoma and I didn't want one with too high miles since it'll have to be my DD for awhile.

Yeah, I'll have to do the timing belt but I'll want to do the water pump and everything else related at the same time. That might have to wait a bit but the first thing I want to do is work through changing out all the fluids and pay some attention to the surface rust.


I just want to honest upfront, I HATE Blue but I've always hated the looks of the Xterra. I owned a 2000 Xterra and didn't think the looks could get any worse, and then they made the headlights into circles. But I honestly have to say that your blue is a VERY nice looking color on your X! Does it have the 3.3L V6 or a 4 cylinder? I used to own a 2000 Xterra 2WD V6 with no options. I just bought a 2003 Xterra SE 4x4 with black leather interior. I live in Indiana so I am surprised but it doesn't have any rust on the vehicle itself. The tow hitch has some rust bubbles on the surface and I'll be sanding that down and spraying black flat paint back on it. My unpainted grey bumpers are really faded and it looks like yours has that issue too. I'm going to spray paint all the grey unpainted bumpers with Rust-Oleum paint+primer flat black.

I only drove mine one time on a test drive. It's sitting at the lot and I'm supposed to pick it up tomorrow. I actually "think" mine is the supercharged model because it has the Nissan supercharged 17" rims. And since it has all the options, I wouldn't be surprised if it was supercharged. Mine has 152K but it was well taken care of. Very nice and neat inside. Still has the original 16 year old first aid kit in the door. Mine has a few issues. The headliner is falling down, my A/C doesn't blow cold, and I have a slight oil burn smell which I had that on my 2000. It needs valve cover gaskets which is a cheap thing to do and will solve the oil burning smell.

There is no rust at all on the vehicle itself, but there is some surface rust on the tow hitch which I will fix that. Weather here has been terrible for the last few weeks. Just non-stop rain! No rust on my Xterra but the muffler looks like it rusted through. I plan to put a mean exhaust on it lol. But if it is supercharged then I might add some mods to it. I've seen MANY Xterras with the 3.3L V6 go for well over 300K. That's not the case with the 4.0L from the 2005+ models.

I'm curious what you paid for your Xterra? Mine has more mileage obviously, but mine also has every option available. Also has new tires. I paid $1800 for mine.
 

Hetzer

Bought an X
Location
Land of OZ
Sweet. I dig the color. You don't see many blue X's, at least around my neck of the woods.

And SUPER SCORE on the low mileage!
 

dogwater

Test Drive
Location
Daytona area, FL
Hetzer, yeah I like the color also and I don't think I've seen another blue one in person. I just ordered a can of BX5 'Just Blue' to do some touch-up. I see some 1st gens around here but mostly yellow or silver. There are a lot more 2nd gens around but I guess that makes sense. The low mileage is definitely a big plus!

tedh1979, congrats on your purchase. I like blue and have always liked the way the Xterra looked. I actually like the look of the round headlights better than the earlier square ones but to each their own. It's the 6 banger, my understanding is that the 4 banger was only in the 2wd models. I've got a little surface rust on my hitch, too. I hit it with naval jelly and am going to pull it off and prime and paint it when I am ready to do the rear bumper. For the bumpers and trim I'm going to use the Rustoleum bumper and trim paint. I just got the parts I need to extend the diff breather so that's the next thing on the list. I've been changing out fluids, etc.. and I'm putting together the parts and a couple tools I need to do the timing belt and associated parts. You might want to think about doing that too unless you know it's been done.
 

tedh1979

Test Drive
tedh1979, congrats on your purchase. I like blue and have always liked the way the Xterra looked. I actually like the look of the round headlights better than the earlier square ones but to each their own. It's the 6 banger, my understanding is that the 4 banger was only in the 2wd models. I've got a little surface rust on my hitch, too. I hit it with naval jelly and am going to pull it off and prime and paint it when I am ready to do the rear bumper. For the bumpers and trim I'm going to use the Rustoleum bumper and trim paint. I just got the parts I need to extend the diff breather so that's the next thing on the list. I've been changing out fluids, etc.. and I'm putting together the parts and a couple tools I need to do the timing belt and associated parts. You might want to think about doing that too unless you know it's been done.[/QUOTE]

@dogwater I'm sorry but I miscommunicated to you. I am a very fast typer and my mind goes 100MPH and I forgot to fully explain. I thought the Xterra was ugly BEFORE I owned my first one. In 2008 I got a call from a friend saying he knew someone that needed money and was selling her car. So in 2008 I bought a 2000 Xterra. It was silver and was cloth interior and only 2WD, but it had less than 100K and she wanted $800 for it. I didn't care that it was ugly but figured it'd be in bad condition for that price. It actually was in beautiful condition on the outside and inside and it ran perfect as well. I kept it as my own vehicle and the looks grew on me. Then the yellow models with circle headlights came out and again I didn't like the new looks compared to what I had. But recently I saw one and decided I wanted to get another Xterra again. So yes I not only like the looks of the Xterra, I LOVE the looks of the Xterra! And again I'm not a fan of blue, but when I saw your pic I was amazed at how sharp that looked! It's like the Xterra has an opposite effect on me! I did find out tonight that mine is the supercharged version. You mentioned Rustoleum bumper and trim paint? I had no idea anything like that existed. I did see an Xterra with flat black bumpers and it looked decent. They also sell a chemical that supposedly restores the bumper and trim. It's sold at Walmart but I'm not sure how well it does or how long it lasts. On my old Xterra, my son was helping me change the oil and accidentally spilled some oil on the front bumper. I wiped the oil off and that spot on the bumper always looked better. Maybe rubbing motor oil all over the bumpers is the answer lol. You'll have to post pics after you restore your bumpers. That is a sharp Xterra! My new one is kind of a dark tan muddy color. Again I probably would hate the color but it looks nice on the Xterra. I'll post my pics soon as well.
 

dogwater

Test Drive
Location
Daytona area, FL
Yeah, the plastics fade because the oils dry out so some people do use oils of various sorts to refresh them but that only seems to last so long. Same with the restorer type products although some people like them. I'd rather just paint them and be done with it for awhile. Also, the rear bumper center part is metal so that would need painting anyway.
 

tedh1979

Test Drive
Thanks, yeah it's in pretty good shape and I've been working on it.

Hey have you had a chance to paint your bumpers and trim yet? I was going to use flat black but then you talked me into getting bumper and trim paint. Thing is, now that it's home, the bumpers aren't faded at all on mine. But, the slim trim pieces that go over the wheel wells are faded. The trim pieces look much lighter than the bumpers. But my bumper and trim paint says that it is BLACK. I'm thinking that black might not look good on my Xterra. My rear bumper is all rusted and I've sanded it down but I don't know what color to paint it. If I paint it flat black and leave the trim alone, then the black bumper won't match the Xterra. So I'm not sure what to do right now. I was hoping that maybe you've already done yours and you could give me some advice. My front bumper has two large scratches on it but again, the bumper isn't faded. So even if I painted it, I still think the two large scratches would show up. I'm just trying to figure out how to proceed. Thanks!
 

dogwater

Test Drive
Location
Daytona area, FL
tedh1979, yeah I looked at the photos you posted and your truck looks pretty good except for that rear bumper.

I haven't had time to paint the bumpers and trim yet. I see what you mean about the fender trim, it does look lighter than the rest. It also looks like you have more of a gray trim rather than the black. Rustoleum does make their bumper and trim paint in a 'charcoal gray' color that's more of a gray than the matte black. You could also just get some spray paint that is a color that matches your good trim color. Just make sure it says it is good for metal and plastic so it will work for the plastic and your rear metal portion. There is also a primer spray that is designed to allow you to use regular spray paint on plastic. Rustoleum calls it adhesion promoter primer but other companies make it too. I think my approach would be to paint anything that is faded or rusted to match the good trim / bumper color. Either that or just go ahead and paint everything the same.

As far as dealing with imperfections in the plastic that sanding won't remedy, I would use an epoxy or something to fill and then sand smooth. That's my plan for the two holes in my front bumper from a license plate that's no longer there. That would require painting so I guess if you don't want to paint the front bumper that has scratches, I would just try to sand the scratches out as well as possible and call it good.
 
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dogwater

Test Drive
Location
Daytona area, FL
Yeah I've been touching up the paint here and there but otherwise it's pretty good. Obviously, the exterior trim all needs attention. The interior is good too with a some slight staining on the seats which I can probably reduce and one cigarette burn hole in the passenger front seat, which bugs me. I'll probably try to patch that.
 

tedh1979

Test Drive
I wasn't aware the bumper and trim paint was available in Gray. I only found it in flat black. I guess I'll be returning it. The inside of mine is mint, including the black leather. So, I'm changing my plan. I was going to remove the headliner and spray it black but I found a shop that will replace the headliner for $150 parts + $75 labor. So that's my plan now. The inside of my Xterra is by far the nicest thing about it. It doesn't even smell like an old car or food or anything. And I bought it from the auction so it wasn't cleaned up but yet it smells good for a 16 year old vehicle. I don't think the previous owner allowed drinks or food or smoking in it. I've never seen a 16 year old vehicle in this good of condition. The outside of my trim is grey and I thought all of them were grey? But they aren't faded except the fender trim pieces.
 

dogwater

Test Drive
Location
Daytona area, FL
That bumper and trim paint is listed on Home Depot's site as coming in grey but I checked there and on the Rustoleum site and it looks like it might be discontinued. The thing about the bumper and trim paint is it is good for both metal and plastic which is not usually the case for paints. You could look at Krylon Fusion All-In-One, which does say it is good for both metal and plastic. I don't know if they have a grey that would be a good match or not. Krylon is an ok paint for the price. I've used the regular Fusion for plastics and it works ok. I guess you could also find a spray paint for metal that is a good match for your gray and use the adhesion promoter primer for the plastic fender pieces.

I think replacing the headliner makes sense. I've never liked the idea of painting the ceiling. You're lucky with the nice interior smell - my interior reeked of tobacco smoke when I got it but I did a lot of wiping down, used Armor-all on the plastics and then put an Ozium gel canister in there and by now it just smells like citrus.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
Do the trim in Rustolium Professional Flat Black. Trust me. The coverage is awesome and it is really easy to get an even coat. The flat black really does look best against the body.
 

tedh1979

Test Drive
Great, I have a ton of cans of the bumper and trim paint. But I'm sure I can return them. I got it from Walmart.com
 

tedh1979

Test Drive
That bumper and trim paint is listed on Home Depot's site as coming in grey but I checked there and on the Rustoleum site and it looks like it might be discontinued. The thing about the bumper and trim paint is it is good for both metal and plastic which is not usually the case for paints. You could look at Krylon Fusion All-In-One, which does say it is good for both metal and plastic. I don't know if they have a grey that would be a good match or not. Krylon is an ok paint for the price. I've used the regular Fusion for plastics and it works ok. I guess you could also find a spray paint for metal that is a good match for your gray and use the adhesion promoter primer for the plastic fender pieces.

I think replacing the headliner makes sense. I've never liked the idea of painting the ceiling. You're lucky with the nice interior smell - my interior reeked of tobacco smoke when I got it but I did a lot of wiping down, used Armor-all on the plastics and then put an Ozium gel canister in there and by now it just smells like citrus.

Thank you for the help. And in return, I have a great solution to your cigarette smell. They sell this at Walmart if you can find it. I buy vehicles from the auction all the time that smell like cigarette and this works. It's Armor-All FRESH fx Smoke X. It's like a bug bomb fogger. You start your vehicle, turn on the A/C on high and set it to recirculate. Then you set off the can and you let your car run for 15 minutes. Then, get in and shut it off and your smoke problem will be gone.20190607_022953.jpg
 

dogwater

Test Drive
Location
Daytona area, FL
tedh1979, thanks for the recommendation - I'll keep it in mind for the future. Fortunately, I've managed to eradicate the smell already.

Prime, I agree about the black looking good but if someone likes the gray, I can understand that as well. As far as the Rusto Professional, it is good paint but not recommended for plastics. I know it might hold up for some time but I prefer to use paint that is designed for the application. Rustoleum does make a 'Painter's Choice' line and also an 'American Classic' (I think) line that is formulated for both plastic and metal.

All this talk about painting trim makes me feel like I'd better get on top of doing mine. I think this weekend I'm going to pull my tow hitch off so I can sand and paint that and so it'll give me more room to paint the rear bumper while still attached to the truck.
 

tedh1979

Test Drive
That bumper and trim paint is listed on Home Depot's site as coming in grey but I checked there and on the Rustoleum site and it looks like it might be discontinued. The thing about the bumper and trim paint is it is good for both metal and plastic which is not usually the case for paints. You could look at Krylon Fusion All-In-One, which does say it is good for both metal and plastic. I don't know if they have a grey that would be a good match or not. Krylon is an ok paint for the price. I've used the regular Fusion for plastics and it works ok. I guess you could also find a spray paint for metal that is a good match for your gray and use the adhesion promoter primer for the plastic fender pieces.

I think replacing the headliner makes sense. I've never liked the idea of painting the ceiling. You're lucky with the nice interior smell - my interior reeked of tobacco smoke when I got it but I did a lot of wiping down, used Armor-all on the plastics and then put an Ozium gel canister in there and by now it just smells like citrus.

I think I am going to stick to my original plan. I am going to spray all the plastic bumpers and trim with the Rust-Oleum flat black bumper and trim paint. First, I need to address two heavy scratch marks on the front bumper cover and then I want to have a new rear bumper before doing all this. I like Rust-oleum products because I am NOT a good painter. I suck with a spray can. But for some reason I'm better with Rust-Oleum. I don't know why. Flat black would look fine on my Xterra, I think.....I hope.

Also, the front grille on my Xterra looks like someone tried to paint it with a BRUSH. It has all sorts of lines all over it. If that's not it, then maybe someone scrubbed it with a brush? But I need to paint that as well. So, I think flat black is going to have to be the answer.
 

dogwater

Test Drive
Location
Daytona area, FL
Well, it looks newer, anyway. They call it matte but I'd say it's more of a satin finish. I tend to like a more flat finish on truck trim but I guess this looks a little more like a factory finish and it'll be easier to clean the mud off. After looking at the photo, I think I'm going to paint the stepbar treads, also.
 

Muadeeb

Nissan al Gaib
Admin
Location
Dallas
If you're planning on going off road, especially around rocks and don't have immediate family who needs them, just take them off. If you land one on a rock, you'll actually cause more damage to your doors than if you didn't have them. And it makes the truck look taller without.
 

dogwater

Test Drive
Location
Daytona area, FL
Yeah, I thought about taking them off but for one thing, I live in Florida where there are few rocks to crawl over. I do go offroad but here the obstacles more involve mud, rutted sandy or muddy hills, logs, sugar sand, etc... Also, I find them useful for loading the rack and if I take them off, my 90-year-old mom will never be able to ride in it again, haha.
 
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