Nissan Xterra, opinions?
05-20-2004, 11:27 AM
#1
Nissan Xterra, opinions?
My girlfriend is looking at gettting a new car. She is replacing her '97 Rav4 and we have started look at '03-'04 Xterras, which for the price seem like the best value. I was reading consumer reports and they rated the reliabilty GOOD, but the satisfaction (meaning the person would buy it again) was BELOW AVERAGE, which kinda seems stange. Do you guys have any experience with Xterras?
I know the '05 is comming out and it looks pretty sweet 6pd manual
, but I dont know if we will be waiting that long (ealry '05).
I know the '05 is comming out and it looks pretty sweet 6pd manual
, but I dont know if we will be waiting that long (ealry '05).
05-20-2004, 11:33 AM
#2
Photography Nerd
I have driven the xterra but I found it to be really underpowered. I'm not expecting racecar performance but it was even slow for merging on the highways. I think the new xterra is coming with a ~230hp engine that should make a major difference.
05-20-2004, 11:47 AM
#4
6MT Snob
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My friend has an 01 xterra and hasnt had any major problems with it. I checked on edmunds and it seems to have good reviews overall.. one guy had problems with the power steering and another with a timing belt but the rest of them were ovrall good.. the main gripe it seems is fuel economy.
05-20-2004, 12:05 PM
#7
It'll be available on both the Xterra and Pathfinder.
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05-20-2004, 01:39 PM
#8
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My fiance has an 02 Xterra XE. I agree on the power problem. Its SLOW (especially after I drive my TSX). She hardly notices since she is used to it when she drives just to work and around town mainly. When the back is full of stuff it is very sluggish. I dont think I would pull a boat with the Xterra.
However, we like having the room for moving stuff around.
It also seems to take a beating pretty well on the interior. Its the car we use when we know we are gonna get muddy or sandy. We also chose it for the price and I think overall she still likes it.
There motto was everything you need, nothing you dont. There were some things in there that I think you need like a coin holder that didn't come with the car. Also didnt have vanity mirrors (I know you dont NEED that but c'mon Nissan). Maybe the SE did or newer years.
However, we like having the room for moving stuff around.
It also seems to take a beating pretty well on the interior. Its the car we use when we know we are gonna get muddy or sandy. We also chose it for the price and I think overall she still likes it.
There motto was everything you need, nothing you dont. There were some things in there that I think you need like a coin holder that didn't come with the car. Also didnt have vanity mirrors (I know you dont NEED that but c'mon Nissan). Maybe the SE did or newer years.
05-20-2004, 02:27 PM
#9
Baka Unco
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I say it looks good and that's it. Their "super-charged" engines are a joke. Super-charged and only 210 HP?! You could super charge a '96 4Runner and get close to 250 HP.
Also if plan to do any work on your car yourself I'd think twice also, I don't know about now, but a few years ago that engine compartment was PACKED! Not much space to get to things, and I'd hate to change the oil on one of those.
Stricly my opinion. . .
Also if plan to do any work on your car yourself I'd think twice also, I don't know about now, but a few years ago that engine compartment was PACKED! Not much space to get to things, and I'd hate to change the oil on one of those.
Stricly my opinion. . .
05-20-2004, 03:18 PM
#10
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I've also heard of them having tranny problems as well as quite a few having coolant leaks at or near the intake manifold.
That and the poor, poor gas mileage (some have reported as low as 8 mpg) but I think it averages between 14-20 mpg.
That and the poor, poor gas mileage (some have reported as low as 8 mpg) but I think it averages between 14-20 mpg.
05-20-2004, 03:49 PM
#12
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My room mate has a super charged Xterra and my fiance has a RAV4. So I've personally driven both. The Xterra looks good and drives well, but that thing is a pig on gas. She'll be shocked at the fuel consumption after coming from a RAV4. Space wise...I found that the Rav4 has much more interior room. I don't know if that's a major consideration in the purchase.
Also, the Xterra definately has much more power than the Rav4. Your girlfriend will definately notice this.
Also, the Xterra definately has much more power than the Rav4. Your girlfriend will definately notice this.
05-22-2004, 05:16 PM
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Xterra Owner Here
I've got a Yellow SE 4x4 and absolutely love it. The five-speed is fun to use and the engine (while not a racer) has the perfect amount of power for everyday driving. I live on top of a hill (literally--at the 2000 ft. "summit") and my Xterra does extremely well in the snow going up a fairly steep hill. I love the utility of it and I love how it looks. Reliability wise it has been great--all I need to do is change the oil and get the wheels rotated and balanced every now and then. There are a couple rattles...but nothing serious. The rattles are only noticeable when driving up the hill, where the roads aren't too great. It does suck the gas down, but really doesn't get too bad MPG--I get about 17/18 MPG. My friends love it...I love it...I'd whole-heartedly recommed one, if you need an SUV.
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