New Guy Looking

[BigEd13]

I am looking for a replacement for my '03 F250 and want something smaller and an SUV instead of a truck. I need the [lockable] storage for hunting, fishing and camping. I need something with decent mileage (that's a relative thing though), even with an average of 17ish mpg on the F250's newer engine the cost of diesel is crazy here in Colorado. I will mod it like almost every vehicle I've ever had, and it'll get plenty of climbing and backcountry trips. I am looking at the early R50 Pathfinder and the Xterra but keep bouncing back and forth between them. I would add a mild lift and 31-32" tires just to get a little more clearance and better traction on the trail, maybe a cold air and some other add on's like bumpers, sliders and skid plate(s). I just need something reliable, not a hp monster (the 6.0 in my truck is a beast and not really necessary).

So, let me know your thoughts.

 

[TerryD]

The Xterra is a great platform.

The 2nd Generation (2005-2015) has 31" tires from the factory (32 if you get the Offroad or Pro4X packages) and will clear 33s (285/75/16) on stock wheels with no real mods or lift except heating and bending the plastic fender liners back in the front (melt mod).

I would look for a 2011-2015 to avoid some issues that the early ones had but if you want to save some money and don't mind opening up the engine to replace the timing sets, a 2005-2010 is also a good option.

Search SMOD and Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner for info on those issues.

Some of the First Gen guys can chime in on those.

Welcome!

 

[BigEd13]

The Xterra is a great platform.

The 2nd Generation (2005-2015) has 31" tires from the factory (32 if you get the Offroad or Pro4X packages) and will clear 33s (285/75/16) on stock wheels with no real mods or lift except heating and bending the plastic fender liners back in the front (melt mod).

I would look for a 2011-2015 to avoid some issues that the early ones had but if you want to save some money and don't mind opening up the engine to replace the timing sets, a 2005-2010 is also a good option.

Search SMOD and Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner for info on those issues.

Some of the First Gen guys can chime in on those.

Welcome!

I have watched a number of videos on the Xterra and the Pathfinder. I (for whatever reason) like the look and styling of the R50 Pathfinders but the Xterra sounds like it fits my needs better. I have seen the SMOD on videos and think the shared radiator was a bad idea, I guess that slipped by the engineering, R&D, and testing departments.

Question, I am 6'4", will the Xterra have more room than the Passport? My pastor has an early R50 and it is border-line for me to bo comfortable in.

I like the fact that earlier Xterras had the shifter and not electronic four wheel drive. I have had 4 4x4's with shifters and two with electronic and both of the latter ones have had issues, not one problem from any of the shifters.
I am really leaning toward the Xterra and the idea of getting an older one for a few thousand and putting a crate motor in it when it is done (obviously keeping is maintained and running as long as possible) is not crazy expensive either.

Lots to consider but the path is becoming more and more clear. I don't want to pay the "Toyota tax", I really don't think it is worth it.

 

[Brunnie]

I have seen the SMOD on videos and think the shared radiator was a bad idea, I guess that slipped by the engineering, R&D, and testing departments.

Shared radiator was a bad idea? Really? Then explain why it has been around since the '50s, and used by all major auto manufacturers in the United States.

 

[Prime]

Question, I am 6'4", will the Xterra have more room than the Passport?

I'm 6'3". The X fits me perfectly.

Both generations are reliable. Just depends on what you want.

 

[TerryD]

I have watched a number of videos on the Xterra and the Pathfinder. I (for whatever reason) like the look and styling of the R50 Pathfinders but the Xterra sounds like it fits my needs better. I have seen the SMOD on videos and think the shared radiator was a bad idea, I guess that slipped by the engineering, R&D, and testing departments.

Question, I am 6'4", will the Xterra have more room than the Passport? My pastor has an early R50 and it is border-line for me to bo comfortable in.

I like the fact that earlier Xterras had the shifter and not electronic four wheel drive. I have had 4 4x4's with shifters and two with electronic and both of the latter ones have had issues, not one problem from any of the shifters.
I am really leaning toward the Xterra and the idea of getting an older one for a few thousand and putting a crate motor in it when it is done (obviously keeping is maintained and running as long as possible) is not crazy expensive either.

Lots to consider but the path is becoming more and more clear. I don't want to pay the "Toyota tax", I really don't think it is worth it.

The design of the radiator wasn't the issue. Everyone has done that for 70 years. It was a materials issue.

 

[BigEd13]

Did not know that, I stand corrected. I have never owned a vehicle with that. I may have bought my wife a few with it but never wrenched on them.

 

[BigEd13]

I'm 6'3". The X fits me perfectly.

Both generations are reliable. Just depends on what you want.

Thanks, I haven't been able to sit in one yet.

 

[Prime]

The 2nd Gen is bigger inside. But I had no issues fitting in a 1st Gen either. 2nd Gen is more powerful and gets better gas mileage. 1st Gen looks better and has a more bulletproof drivetrain.

 

[ThatGuy]

The 2nd Gen is bigger inside. But I had no issues fitting in a 1st Gen either. 2nd Gen is more powerful and gets better gas mileage. 1st Gen looks better and has a more bulletproof drivetrain.

I love my 2002 1st Gen but the mileage is worse that your F250 around 15. Comes with tires just under 31 inches 265/70r16 can put ones just under 32” 265/75 r16 but might require slight plastic trim in the front. Mine is manual. If you get a manual you don’t have to restrict to the 2011-2015 for the later ones. That’s just the smod fix for automatic transmission ones.

 

[reaver]

I have both a second Gen Frontier and a 1st Gen Xterra.

I will say that I don't want to daily my Xterra. The 2nd Gen has more power and gets better mileage. You can get it with a factory locker and 32s stock.

That being said, Offroad, I prefer my 2003 xterra. It's a beast, and built like an absolute tank. It's got plenty of power for offroad use (especially if you get lucky and find an auto with 4.90 axle ratios).

I've beat the absolute piss out of mine on some very rough trails, and she's never complained or left me stranded, nor have I ever broken anything on it.

Both generations would work great.

 

[BigEd13]

I have both a second Gen Frontier and a 1st Gen Xterra.

I will say that I don't want to daily my Xterra. The 2nd Gen has more power and gets better mileage. You can get it with a factory locker and 32s stock.

That being said, Offroad, I prefer my 2003 xterra. It's a beast, and built like an absolute tank. It's got plenty of power for offroad use (especially if you get lucky and find an auto with 4.90 axle ratios).

I've beat the absolute piss out of mine on some very rough trails, and she's never complained or left me stranded, nor have I ever broken anything on it.

Both generations would work great.

I saw a youtube video about why you should get an Xterra, Pathfinder or Frontier. The guy said he had an Xterra and now has a Frontier. He was talking about the Titan V8 motor swap and said that it bolts right up and that you simply had to send the wiring harness off to this company that makes it work on the Xterra or Frontier. If that's all it takes that would be really cool. If so, does that work on the first gen as well? Does the transmission and transfer case take that power? I assume that it is the same as the Titan since it bolts right up.

I only ask because I have seen some good Xterras but they were in the 200k range and IF I went down that path I would want a back-up plan for when the motor goes, and if I'm going down the path of replacing the motor, go big or go home.......lol. And the Titan swap on the front and rear ends.

Thanks for everyone's advice and help. I hope to be able to get something and get it rolling soon, then I'll sell the Powerstroke and have the $$ set aside for the upgrades. I would love to have it going before elk and mule deer season, my F250 won't make it up all the tight switchbacks here in the mountains at all.

 

[kirk]

I have been a first gen Xterra guy forever. I absolutely love the first Gen Xterras, but they do have their flaws. They dont have much power, their gas mileage is bad (I pull 16 commuting in mine) and the aftermarket support isnt what it once was (still options though). That being said, off road they are tanks, mine have always been reliable, and they look super cool. You can still find deals on them, as the world hasn't snapped to them just yet.

Plus, they made a bunch with manual transmission if thats your thing.

I'm 6'3 (mostly leg) and the seating is a bit odd, but not overly so. I commute comfortably 32 miles one way every day in mine just fine.

 

[TerryD]

Honestly, the 4.0L in the 2nd Gen is plenty powerful. The V8 swap is neat, but I personally just see it as a way to start blowing up more driveline.

 

[Prime]

Honestly, the 4.0L in the 2nd Gen is plenty powerful. The V8 swap is neat, but I personally just see it as a way to start blowing up more driveline.

This. I would v8 swap if I had 1-ton axles. But without that, it's just not worth it.

 

[BigEd13]

This. I would v8 swap if I had 1-ton axles. But without that, it's just not worth it.

So I take it the Titan axles won't handle the v8?

 

[Prime]

So I take it the Titan axles won't handle the v8?

So. Here's the thing.

04-09 Titans had a bad habit of blowing rear differentials while driving on the street.

They had to have Dana redesign the D44 carrier because of the v8 torque.

 

[BigEd13]

Back in the early 90's I had a 1984 Dodge 1/2 ton with a 318ci. The truck had what the guy at the local 4x4 shop said was a Dana 44j front axle. He said the bearings were good for about 30k....he said the axle wasn't around long, and that the j stood for junk. I just know it was the worst dana axle I have ever dealt with.