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I doubt if people will buy such vehicle for almost 29,000.... but I need to see a vehicle to say for sure...
I just got a 2004 4x4 XE MSRP 24,950 for 20,700.
Having said that, I hope that once they have been out a little while and dealers have built their inventories, it will be possible to buy one for a few thousand less.
2FastDre.
When shifting into 4 high it makes a load grinding sound. It also does this loud sound when shifting into low 4 wheel.
Does the warranty cover this: it has 42,000 and I understand the xterra has a 60,000 power train warranty. This should be covered? I just purchase this xe 4wheel drive.
Any help on this would be of great help. I do not want to tear anything up.
Except for a fatal flaw. The Driver Seat. They changed the Head Rest & Seat. If you rest your
head back on the active head rest & roll over some minor bumps it will about rattle the filling
out of you head. I tired ever position on a Se with no luck. Very hard on the back. No sweet spot to be found. Yes this has 8 Way seats. The seat feels like you are being pushed forward. Sorry to say you can fix a bunch of problems but replacing two seats on a 30 K vehicle is just ridicules. Very bummed out. This is the most imporant feature. Has anyone felt the same problem. If not please take a test ride & let me know what you think.
I'm seriously looking at a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. There is no doubt that there are some offroad situations where the Rubi would smoke an Xterra, but there is also no doubt that in the 99.9% of other situations, the Xterra is more practical, refined, capable and safe.
I read all the Nissan propaganda, and thought the hill descent/hill hold, 4-wheel limited slip and other features were awesome.
In digging a little deeper, it turns out that hill descent/hold is not available on the six speed and the 4-wheel limited slip is "late availability" on the 6-speed. So as of right now, the Off Road package with 6-speed consists of Bilstein shocks, rear locker and a switch to allow the starter to operate in 1st gear low range.
I'm guessing the hill descent/hold is just some electronic trickery inside the auto transmission.
The 4 wheel limited slip is electronic brake actuation based on information from the wheel sensors. This is a cool idea, but of course it is disabled on the rear if the locker is engaged, and I'm a little skeptical about how well it will work on the front. I've never had a vehicle with electronic traction control.
Anyone have any insight as to when the traction control will be available on the 6-speeds?
I also did an inventory search in the Denver area, and there are no Off Road models available. Have they all been bought, or are they not yet available? Anyone seen one?
Honestly, I like the styling of the '04 better. They had an '04 sitting next to the '05s, and the '04 looked cleaner and tighter. The '05 has too much MechWarrior squared off robot look for me. It wouldn't keep me from buying one, but the thing is pretty ugly.
I like the interior. Very functional. The curvy dash doesn't do much for me, but I guess that's just me, since all vehicles seem to be going that way.
Now some rants.
The Nissan web site absolutely sucks. Trying to get any real information out of that thing is maddening. Lots of slow-mo videos of trucks splashing in mud, almost no hard info, and in some cases it is just plain misleading. It talks about optional features like they exist on all models, and it is impossible to tell what does and doesn't come on each trim level.
For example the fold flat front passenger seat is trumpeted, but at least on the 'S' model you don't get that unless you get the 'Utility' package for over $500 with a bunch of fairly useless crap.
They talk about the traction control, then bury in the fine print that it isn't yet available on the 6-speed. It is ambiguous about whether it is a feature on the 'S' model at all. What about the people who buy a 6-speed now? Are they SOL, or is it retrofitted later (I doubt it).
And no where does it say that you must use PREMIUM gas in the thing. I read that in a magazine article.
I think I'm going to download the owner's manual and go through it.
After lookin' this here horse in the mouth, there might be a few teeth missin'.
I think the biggest problem is going to be dealers ordering all the little splash guards/side rails/floor mats, etc. etc. etc. Finding an Off Road 6-speed with no options but the airbags is going to be impossible, I think.
Without skid plates, the oil pan is really exposed on this thing. It is really narrow and sits right in front of a frame cross member. I'd be scared to death to take one of these into any kind of rocks without a good skid plate over the pan.
Does anyone know the ETA of 6-speed Off Road models?
My thought is wait a few months until I see some discounts and rebates, and then possibly go in at the end of the month (May or June), and place an order. Right now I'd go with the OR - 6 speed in Yellow. Get exactly what I want. And since I ordered it, I would save the cost of all those options which are added to the ones on the lot. And you know those options are 2X or 3X higher than you can aftermarket.
I'd bet that most Xterras on the lots are going to be autos., and you'll have to get lucky to find the color, model, trans, and a dealer you like all at the same time. Find a dealer who'll give you a good price, and order one.
I always like when a manufacturer states the vehicle is "limited"; yeah, limited to all they can build. ;-)
Tynans, Elway on Arapahoe, and Peak all have an off-road Xterra as of 3/11/05. Good luck.
The Xterra and the Rubicon are two completely different animals. The Xterra is more comfortable will provide more than adequate off-road capability. But the Rubicon has much better approach and departure angles, metal bumpers, front and rear locking differentials, and lower gear ratios. The Rubicon has a 4:11 rear end compared to a 3:63 in the Xterra and that is a big difference in crawl ratio and low gearing. If you don't plan on tackling Hell's Revenge and Elephant Hill in Moab, then the Xterra might be OK. But these two vehicles are built entirely different..the Rubicon for serious off-road stuff and the Xterra for moderate off-road situations. Comfort, storage, and probably gas mileage go to the Xterra; coming down a steep wall of rock goes to the Rubicon. It's a matter of deciding what you will do most of the time and which gives you the best all around situation for your needs. It sounds like you need the Xterra and your butt and back may like it a whole lot better, also.
Unless there ends up being some serious first year teething issues, I plan on purchasing one in the fall. I've test driven & research the heck out of a lot SUV's, the X is the best bang for the buck.
They aren't as far apart as you would think, given that the number of vehicles with lockers is pretty small. Rubicon, Xterra, and the Frontier and Tacoma pickups. That is about it, and I don't want another pickup.
There is no question the Rubicon smokes the Xterra on extreme off road, and there is no question the Xterra kills the Rubicon in every on road situation.
The question I have to answer is whether I can live with the Rubicon deficiencies every day, to get the extreme off road capability (and the convertible top).
Seat are a lil stiff but still love it. I highly recommed them good value for the money. Engine is sweeeet!! very good in the power range for cruising.
I agree. The bumpers suck. Particularly the front one. it is a huge plastic wall with that dull raw plastic material color. Black plastic would be much better looking. I am not sure how can one ever fit a winch on a 05 Xetrra without doing some cuting on of the plastic bumper or the grill. One thing a Jeep is adventagous is that it has virtually unlimited modifications readily available.
I rented a Rubicon in Moab last year and had a blast. For anyone considering a Jeep, going to Moab and renting one will show you how cool they can be, and also can show you how noisy and uncomfortable they can be, too.
Speaking of dirt bikes, towing is another point in favor of the Xterra. 5000lb vs. 3500lb for an Unlimited. I can't imagine towing at either of the vehicles limits. Once you put on a hitch, you have that messing with your departure angles, but maybe for the Xterra you could look at it as a bumper guard!
The Calmini website has pictures of their bumper/winch, rear mounted spare, and lift kit for the 2005. Quite frankly, I think their 2005 X is really ugly. Maybe it is just the flames they painted on there......
I'm waiting for a Colorado dealer to get a 6-speed Off Road I can test drive before I make a decision.
The 05 has a much bigger body overall but the head room has not increased to a point that is comparable to the size of the vehicle. On the edge of the windshield there is also a area of very thick headliner hanging down that further restricts me from leaning forward or around(body and/or head movements are likely needed in low speed road spoting). I know this is very subjective finding, but if you have a long upper body you may see the same problem.
The X does have strong pluses on power, rear locker, and decent sized tires.
This is a very good suggestion. Could you provide the link for the rental company?
- the 2004 looks much cleaner than the 2005. The 2005 looks ungainly and, well, a bit strange. Fortunately the 2004 is on the cool side of the cool-weird dividing line.
- the 2005 has serious horsepower. The 2004 has about the same performance as my (6 cylinder) Explorer. Certainly adequate but definitely uninspiring. However I understand the 2005 requires premium fuel ... a big no-no in my book.
- the 2005 has an absolutely marvelous interior. It is as if Nissan listened to complaints about the previous models and improved everything. The 2004 interior is fine but nothing special.
So I bought the 2004 because of price and styling. However both cars "really rock". I am thrilled with my purchase.
_Lazza
PS - I have a XE 2WD model. I live in south Florida and drive in urban areas. I didn't see the value (for me) in purchasing a 4WD (, although I understand the merits of it).
The 05 rocks but the 04 is cool too, You can not go wrong with either.
Yes, both the 2005 and 2004 models are terrific. My negative opinion about the 2005's exterior is only one person's judgement, although its terrific interior should please most everyone. And both vehicles have that certain muscular, brute-ish aspect I really like.
_Lazza
PS - btw, what sort of mpg do you get with your 2005?
I live in Colorado, also, and go to Utah for about 4 weeks each year. Used to live in Montrose and now (Ugh!!) have to live in Parker and travel those long hours. I agree with you about the noise and comfort lacking in the Rubicon. And after real careful consideration and comparing gearing ratios, I'm leaning toward the Xterra regardless of the bumper/tire thing. I'm waiting on a 6 speed, also, since no one in the Denver area has one to date. For the money, and unless your hell bent on Hell's Revenge for fun, the Xterra with a 6 speed is the best all-around. If I can't get there with the Xterra, then I'll get close and hike the rest of the way. At least my left arm won't have to wear an elbow guard to keep from rubbing the skin off on the door...and I'll be a lot more comfortable getting there. The Rubicon is for Hell's Revenge and Elephant Hill..for most all other trails it's the Xterra.
Holler when you hear about a 6 speed in Colorado and I'll do the same.
As far as the X - Jeep debate, whatever short comings of a stock X, it can be modified. Approach and plastic bumper can be replaced with an ARB, Calmini or Shockworks winch bumper, and then you can go for suspension or body lifts.. there is pretty good support out there geared for the X.
Out of the dealer lot, a Rubicon will take it, with a little investment (like any offroad rig) the X is no dog and will handle (and has) class 4 & 5 trails.
http://www.cliffhangerjeeprental.com
They were new vehicles last year. It was a new business, and I don't know if they planned on getting new ones every year. I'd like to try a Rubicon Unlimited (I don't know if they have them now), but I'm probably getting an Off Road Xterra now.
The only option on the one they have is the Rockford Fosgate stereo. Boy, does that thing kick.
I would have bought it on the spot, but I want Granite and side airbags. Also, anyone buying an OR 6-speed right now will not be getting the VDC. As far as I'm concerned, you will have an orphan that will haunt you unless the VDC can be flashed in later. It is just software, so maybe that can be done, but I'm not taking that chance.
city it varies 15 to 18. I expect it to get better with proper break in after 7000 miles.
Can some of you more serious off-roaders chime in and give me some of your opinions/experience in reguard to the advantages/disadvantages, specifically referring to off road ability of a manual transmission vs automatic. I currently own a 97 Tacoma Extra Cab V6 with a 5-speed manual and am leaning towards staying with a manual trans for the Xterra. I am not a hard-core off roader by any means but several times a year I like to venture off with the family and explore. I've read the biggest advantages of the automatic are ease of brake and throttle control and perhaps (please correct me here) significant Torque Multiplication offered by an automatic transmission at low speeds. Thanks for your help on this.
A 6-speed will give you more engine braking coming down a seriously steep descent. But the auto in the Xterra has hill descent control, which uses the braking system automatically to control your downhill speed. But if the brakes heat up on a really long descent, then what?
The auto in the Xterra also has the hill start assist, which holds the brake for a second or so on a steep uphill so you don't roll back when you move your foot from the brake to the gas.
The six-speed Xterra has the clutch interlock defeat, which allows you to start the Xterra in gear when you are in 1/Low. This is a cool feature if you happen to kill it on a steep, rocky uphill.
Really extreme rock crawlers are almost always automatics.
I've been driving sticks for 28 years, and I'd much rather have a stick in any situation other than a couple of pretty extreme off road situations I got myself into that I shouldn't have been in anyway. And the ability to start in gear would have gotten me out of those, so I'm going with the stick.
One other consideration if you are looking at buying immediately is that the 6-speeds are not currently available with the Vehicle Dynamic Control feature (stability control). It is supposed to be available beginning in May on the 6-speeds. This feature is standard on the Off Road package, but 6-speed Off Roads on the dealer's lots right now do not have it.
BTW, the current issue of Consumer Reports has a good overview of stability control and why you might want it. I'm not a big fan of CR, but their explanation of this feature is excellent.