I just joined this site tonight. I was on another Xterra forum and it seemed like there was hardly any activity. I used to own a 2000 Nissan Xterra 2WD. It was one of these "too good to be true ads". I drove two hours one way to look at the 2000 Xterra with less than 100K and at the time less than 9 years old, for $800. I thought it would have major issues but it looked wonderful on the outside and the interior was really clean and well kept. I knew NOTHING about Xterras back then and I only bought it to sell it, but I fell in love with it. The 2000 Xterra was mint inside and out and ran like new. I didn't like the looks at first, but it grew on me. During my ownership period of a few years, the valve cover gaskets burned a little oil and I fixed that. The radiator fan had an issue and it was easy to fix.
Last week I found another Xterra. It had the circle headlights. I HATED when they went to the circle headlights. But again I got bit by the Xterra bug and bought it. I got a 2003 Xterra, I think it's an SE? It has 4WD and black leather interior and the Rockford Fosgate stereo system. I can tell it has been well cared for because the body is very nice and rust free. The first aid kit is still there. Full disclosure, I bought it from the auto auction. I buy and sell cars. But I rarely ever see an Xterra and I decided to get it for me personally.
It's a 2003 with 152K. I got it for $1800. I thoroughly tested it out the day before the auction. It does need some work. The exhaust is kind of loud but not terrible. But it definitely has exhaust issues. The Rockford Fosgate stereo is supposed to have a built-in 8" subwoofer but I can't hear any bass so I'm assuming the sub is blown or the stereo sucks. Just like my 2000, this one burns a little oil and it looks like the valve cover gaskets are the problem. The headliner is not ripped, but it is falling down really bad. A/C does not blow cold.
My first question is, does the 2003 Xterra have the exact same engine as the 2000? I popped the hood and saw a whole bunch of sensors and wires that I don't remember seeing on my 2000 model. The valve covers gaskets look like a difficult job and I remembered it being easy on my 2000. Also, my 2000 was quite peppy, occasionally when I got on it, the rear end would break free. This 2003 doesn't seem to have any engine problems but it's not a peppy. Maybe due to being heavier with 4WD and leather etc...
Next, I want to put in a double din radio with navigation and Apple Car Play and Android Auto. I plan to just use stock speakers and if the 8" subwoofer needs replaced, I'll replace it with an aftermarket sub. But how hard will it be to bypass the Rockford amplifier?
Can anyone point me towards exhaust posts since I have no idea what is happening with the exhaust. Also can anyone recommend how to reinstall the headliner? It is REALLY BAD. And I'm hoping I can just charge the A/C but hopefully it doesn't have a bad compressor or anything like that. Last stupid question, for now, all of the bumpers that are grey and unpainted are very faded. Can these bumpers be spray painted or not? I also know they have a product to restore faded bumpers from marked up grey to being shiny again, does that work?
And finally, it has a pop-up sun roof which of course is blocked by the roof rack. I instantly remembered having the same problem with my 2000 model. How can you use the sunroof? I look forward to reading and posting!
Last week I found another Xterra. It had the circle headlights. I HATED when they went to the circle headlights. But again I got bit by the Xterra bug and bought it. I got a 2003 Xterra, I think it's an SE? It has 4WD and black leather interior and the Rockford Fosgate stereo system. I can tell it has been well cared for because the body is very nice and rust free. The first aid kit is still there. Full disclosure, I bought it from the auto auction. I buy and sell cars. But I rarely ever see an Xterra and I decided to get it for me personally.
It's a 2003 with 152K. I got it for $1800. I thoroughly tested it out the day before the auction. It does need some work. The exhaust is kind of loud but not terrible. But it definitely has exhaust issues. The Rockford Fosgate stereo is supposed to have a built-in 8" subwoofer but I can't hear any bass so I'm assuming the sub is blown or the stereo sucks. Just like my 2000, this one burns a little oil and it looks like the valve cover gaskets are the problem. The headliner is not ripped, but it is falling down really bad. A/C does not blow cold.
My first question is, does the 2003 Xterra have the exact same engine as the 2000? I popped the hood and saw a whole bunch of sensors and wires that I don't remember seeing on my 2000 model. The valve covers gaskets look like a difficult job and I remembered it being easy on my 2000. Also, my 2000 was quite peppy, occasionally when I got on it, the rear end would break free. This 2003 doesn't seem to have any engine problems but it's not a peppy. Maybe due to being heavier with 4WD and leather etc...
Next, I want to put in a double din radio with navigation and Apple Car Play and Android Auto. I plan to just use stock speakers and if the 8" subwoofer needs replaced, I'll replace it with an aftermarket sub. But how hard will it be to bypass the Rockford amplifier?
Can anyone point me towards exhaust posts since I have no idea what is happening with the exhaust. Also can anyone recommend how to reinstall the headliner? It is REALLY BAD. And I'm hoping I can just charge the A/C but hopefully it doesn't have a bad compressor or anything like that. Last stupid question, for now, all of the bumpers that are grey and unpainted are very faded. Can these bumpers be spray painted or not? I also know they have a product to restore faded bumpers from marked up grey to being shiny again, does that work?
And finally, it has a pop-up sun roof which of course is blocked by the roof rack. I instantly remembered having the same problem with my 2000 model. How can you use the sunroof? I look forward to reading and posting!