Topic: CD Article: Nissan Xterra, 2000-2004

[Autos_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Used Car Review:

"Rugged," "reliable" and "durable," the Nissan Xterra is a desirable vehicle choice for those with "active" lifestyles, says Chris Chase.  As a result, used values in general tend to be a little higher than those of the Jeep Liberty and TJ, he says.      More...

[Bullet Blue]

The Xterra has always been one of the more capable SUV's in my eyes. I like it a lot. If i were forced to buy an SUV, this one would make the short list.

Care to comment on your experiences Kelli? 

[jww]

The Xterra has always been one of the more capable SUV's in my eyes. I like it a lot. If i were forced to buy an SUV, this one would make the short list...

From a true truck/suv perspective, this is a great vehicle. Tough, hard working, drivable just about anywhere, and space to haul what you need.

[smainville]

Affordable and retains a good value, best fo both worlds

[Trainman]

Another link to add : http://www.nissantruckclub.com/ntc/zzforum/default.asp

[Trainman]

This comment in the review caught my eye  :

"While Nissan's latest truck models have had a few teething problems, the Xterra used proven components, including a 3.3-litre V6 (170 hp) borrowed from the 1996-2000 Pathfinder. That engine gets lots of love from owners of older Pathfinders for its improved durability over the more-powerful 3.5-litre engine used in 2001-2003 versions. The 3.3-litre engine has proven just as durable in the Xterra."

The 3.3 more durable than the 3.5?  Any data to back that up, Mr. Chase?  Will my 3.5 implode on me any day now?   

I posted the same question over on the Pathfinder forum, will have to see what happens.

[safristi]

Hmm let me answer that Conundrum......"It's NOT the size of the tool..it's how  you "stroke" it that lends durability"......... ....short  short  Long ..L..O..N..G  short short short short..sh*T......

[chrischasescars]

The 3.3 more durable than the 3.5?  Any data to back that up, Mr. Chase?  Will my 3.5 implode on me any day now?   

I posted the same question over on the Pathfinder forum, will have to see what happens.

Got that info from one of the Nissan forums back when I did the review of the 96-00 Pathy. Don't remember which one, but it'll be one of the ones listed at the bottom of the article. 

[johngenx]

Those of us with an "active lifestyle" can't afford to drive something that gets 15L/100km or worse.  Not sure about other "active lifestylers" but head to Jasper/Banff/Kootney and check the trailheads and climber's parking areas and most regulars have either small cars (Civic is popular) or cute-utes/wagons.  (CR-V, All Subies, Rav4, and so on)

The occasional person has something like a Pathfinder/Xterra but most needing hard-core off-road ability often buy an older Toyota 4x4 pick-up with a four-banger and manny-tranny.  They're incredible off-road and use far less gas than "modern" SUV's.

[Trainman]

Got that info from one of the Nissan forums back when I did the review of the 96-00 Pathy. Don't remember which one, but it'll be one of the ones listed at the bottom of the article. 

Thanks for the reply, that is why I like Canadian Driver.    

FYI on some Nissan truck links, here are a couple that get missed (I post links to CD and CTC at these all the time):

http://www.nissantruckclub.com/ntc/zzforum/default.asp Nissan Truck Club, was the Southern Ontario Xterra Club but is expanding to cover all Nissan trucks.

http://npora.ipbhost.com/  Nissan Pathfinder Off Road Association.  Covers all Pathys and not confined to the off-road aspect.

You may want to consider adding these links next time around.

[baumer00]

I've always admired the Xterra, it's great looking and the 2000-2004 is better looking then the current model IMO.  A good friend of mine had one in Uni and we'd often drive around in it, it had a sort of rough ride but I still enjoyed it, he even took it offroading a few times.

[Visitor915]

I have visited your site 240-times

[HeliDriver]

This is where I used to hang out when we had our Xterra: http://www.xterraownersclub.com/forums.html . Pretty entertaining, and some useful info.

As for the Xterra's fuel economy, I didn't keep records for the whole time we owned it, but in the last three months before we sold it we averaged 16.3 litres/100 kms. The tank is kind of small, too, so we'd often be lucky to get 400 kms before we had to stop for fuel.

Coincidentally, when we're not towing with it, our Suburban has also averaged 16.3 litres/100 kms.

[johngenx]

we averaged 16.3 litres/100 kms.

That jives with what most people I know with this type of vehicle get.  Our friends with a V-6 4-Runner get similar mileage and his sister's X-Terra is about the same.  Unless you need that towing/off-road capability, a Forester/etc. offer the same space and 10L/100km economy.  I'd love an X-Terra for the occasional trip down cut lines and other difficult ares, but the hold their value way too well to buy as a third vehicle...

[HeliDriver]

That jives with what most people I know with this type of vehicle get.  Our friends with a V-6 4-Runner get similar mileage and his sister's X-Terra is about the same.  Unless you need that towing/off-road capability, a Forester/etc. offer the same space and 10L/100km economy.  I'd love an X-Terra for the occasional trip down cut lines and other difficult ares, but the hold their value way too well to buy as a third vehicle...

We were still doing lots of white-water kayaking when we bought the Xterra, so wanted the extra ground clearance to get to a couple of difficult put-ins and out-of-the-way camping spots. We also figured a rugged body-on-frame SUV would last longer when pounded relentlessly on washboarded logging roads.

That said, our friends still managed to paddle all the same rivers in their Corolla. They may have had to drive a little slower to get to the river, and maybe had to park a few hundred meters farther from the put-in, but having the Corolla was hardly a deal-breaker.

[safristi]

female workmate had an X Terra ..this is 5 years ago when GAS woz wot 3 cents a TONNE ...said the Family would have to sell it,as it woz eating into their EATING budget....I suppose using it fer 1 Km trips to the market is FOOLISHNESS,,,but prolly 96% do THAT thang....