Nissan XTerra SUV

sasquatch_2000

...are there any people who like that?

hotcoffee

... I think, sadly, MOST people are like that.

Wanna-be land.

Maybe not.

hotcoffee

Any of you guys who read this, live in, or ever come to the tundra known as Minnesota?

xcanuk

Actually made some friends out there, was hoping to hook up with them at GOX.. but I can't fit in 5000 miles in September...

( Yes, I'm addicted to these X get togethers )

mindie

I'm still mad that you're not going to make it out to Ouray! :P One of these days, I'm gonna have to try to make it up north. Maybe then I'll catch you somewhere.

Mindie

mindie

There are some guys with a club up in MN/SD, so you might want to check them out. They seem like a good bunch. http://www.gpxo.org/

I've never been to MN myself, but if I ever find myself there, I'll look ya up.

Mindie

xcanuk

Rotate your tires, but don't trust anyone, check your nuts. Just had a mishap where I "lost" my front driver's tire and rim doing 60 on a city highway. By all indications, they didn't torque on the nuts ( no broken lugs ).
No great damage, basically flattened hub and brakes as I ground to a halt.. the lucky part, the wheel bounced up ( 20 feet or so ) over 3 lanes of oncoming traffic, and ended up in water canal on the other side. This could have been a lot worse for me.. but more so for someone else. Just plain lucky I guess.

mindie

I read about your mishap over on XOC - I am so glad that you and everyone else on the road are okay! Have you spoken to your dealer yet about it?

Mindie

xcanuk

We are one of the few places where dealers are closed on the week-ends. The fight will begin Monday.

shocker3

The 02's are on the lot!! I was checking them out on Saturday. I have to admit I like them better in person more than I thought I would. I especially like the instrument panel better. Anyone out there have an 02 yet?

hotcoffee

Glad you are okay Xcanuk!

Been over at the SUV Haiku board yet? fun!

My Xterra Limerick...

My Xterra has looks that could kill
But has trouble going uphill
I looked under the hood,
And laughed where I stood,
The engine's a mouse on a treadmill!

msiseng

This may have been discussed as I have not been on the boards of late, but my friend informs me there in a solid hour of XTERRA talk on a National Cable Channel. Anyone hear of this?

msiseng

LMAO! Thanks for the smile!

xcanuk

I went to the dealer Monday, no fuss, no muss.. dealer handled everything, expressed shipped all the parts needed and my X is already back. ( I have to return for one minor part, but its caught at the border )
I've dealt with enough bad dealers, read more than enough about them, but this was the x-treme opposite. I still have to rank my dealer as one of the best. Let the fun and games continue...

hotcoffee

Xcanuk- that's a great testiment to Nissan. Again glad you are fine.

I had some problems with my payment getting lost in route, or at Nissan- when I called they were awesome- worked it out very satisfactorily.

I had another Nissan a long time ago and don't know what I was smokin' to have switched to a Jeep!

hotcoffee

Do you think the X handled acceptably after the wheel flew off?

It makes me think about the whole Explorer blow-out thing.

Would you consider the loss of a wheel similar in crisis, or is the dead rubber in a blowout such a drag on the car that it is more serious.

To me, loss of a wheel and losing the height and support of that entire quarter of the car seems more significant.

You must be a good driver, but beyond that,I wonder if the X has a better weight distribution to make a situation like this less critical.... hmmmmm.

xcanuk

There is one thing to consider, I've been driving 4x4's for a good long while, I've taken road hazard classes years ago, some things you don't forget. I would rate myself a a good calm driver, I know the manners of the vehicle I'm driving and don't panic. These little things add up.
A real blow out is a little harder to control, only because the rubber is going to pull and push the vehicle in more directions, being on metal ( the hub ) you remove the jolts and fly in a straight line as long as you don't hook anything.
Given the conditions, the X behaved perfectly, but luck had a big part.
I've been in blow outs as well, had a heavy metal bar a foot long go straight into my tire, they found it between my tire & rim...again lucky.
To any new suv driver, your best defence is to take a day and throw the truck around.. learn it.

xterracop

To answer your question cunuk.....No X owner will ever get a ticket in my town!!!!!!!

Let the xterra live forever

cynomin

glad everything turned out ok for you and no one was hurt

silverxglider

I'm buying a torque wrench. To check my lug nuts every morning.

xcanuk

Just luck, torque wrenches are on sale this week at a local shop, guess what I got and did last night.

cygnusx1

..don't wanna snap one.

xcanuk

Its in the manual.. 85 to 108 lb ( verify ) I cracked mine at 100.. nothing like tight nuts to make you feel secure and happy.

drmp

I just think that the supercharged xterra deserves a separate topic sense a number of kinks has been resolved on this models plus few minor changes were also made.

hotcoffee

I love my 5speed X with the regular motor. It is slow though.

I drove the SuperCharged Frontier and was not convinced that the extra power made a $1500 difference (est. markup for SC).

eaweg

Drmp...what were the kinks with the Supercharger? I am very seriously considering getting the 4x4 SE w/SC, however, the price tag is pushing $29K I believe. I have seen a couple of 2002 regular 6 cylinders but not the S/C yet. When are they due out?

hotcoffee

Improvement at take off in acceleration.

Not much difference in increased power once at speed- example 60 to 75mph.

This article confirms some of my observations.

(remember- I drove SC Frontier- but I don't think there is an appreciable on-road difference)

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/firstdrive/46806/article.html

hotcoffee

An option....- If you buy 2001 non SC Xterra 5 speed.... you could:

Add leather, Dump the junk tires and put on GoodYear Wrangle AT/S and a Carbon Fiber dash kit- and you will be at about $25.5K AND have 3.9% finacing.

I think you end up with a more unique rig for a better value... my opinion (that's what I did).

drmp

I mean kinks related to manufacturing such as minor rattles here and there, axle noise, etc...

It's more related to the body itself.

hotcoffee

I really haven't had any complaints for rattles etc. It's no Limmo- but I didn't want one.

I think they are screwed together pretty tight...I think most other owners will agree.

There was some sort of sensor that I saw a few posts about, but wasn't a problem for me- and was related to leaving the gas cap open while motor was on.

Good luck.

hotcoffee

STILL LOOKS GREAT! Exterior/Front end looks a bit better.... but the different hood would be obscured by a bug guard anyway...

Interior, a lot better from that other fabric.

2001 SE Rims are now on XE model.

2002 SE Rims are a 4 prong with a dark gray color- look tough, but are not really in keeping with the rack and step rails... I like them though.

Dash board- looks more like a goofed attempt at improvement- the 3 round gages do not translate to 3 humps on the dash, but one arc over all 3 and looks a bit hastily designed.. but as good as before, just not better.

MSRP up a little- but not significant. All that you'd lose by getting an '02 is bargaining power and 3.9%.

Still has the cruddy General Grabbers!! (Supercharges has better tires)

I am glad I got a 2001 for a steel and used my savings to get great tires, and bug guard, and tail lite guards, and carbon fiber dash kit... my upgraded 01 looked better than the 02 parked next to it! IMHO.

hotcoffee

Dark rims on the SE match a darker rack and steps.

clingmans1

Dear Ms/Sir:

I have a new 2001 Xterra with Utility Pkg and 5-speed transmission. I installed a trailer hitch and used the trailer wiring harness supplied with the vehicle. The trailer lights seem to function fine. After visiting the .xterraparts.com site I discover that the trailer wiring harness I used (#24167) is described on the web page as "will NOT work with the 5-speed manual transmission wiring harness."

I'm confused. The wiring harness seems to work fine. Why shouldn't it work? Am I missing something?

Thanks,

- Charlie

embassymarine

Ok, I am in a delema...For the same price of a 2001 SE 4x4 I can get a 2002 S/C XE 4x4 and in the color I really want (Gold Rush). So I have to decide if I want a newer one or get the '01 SE model? I understand that all the unpgrades (Sound, tires in the S/C,). Actually he told me that al lthe S/C have the standard features the SE's have. So in my opinion it would be best to get a '02. What do you all think? What difference does the S/C make and I was going to purchase premium fuel anyway so that is not a factor for me. BTW Rio de Janeiro is beautiful this weekend! Still no Xterra in sight here, I am curious as to why because I see a bunch of Pathfinders, but no X's in Brazil. None! Let me know what you all think! Much apreciated!
Jason

mindie

I drove one on Thursday, and it was interesting. The dealer just threw me the keys since he saw that I drove up in an X and knew I'd be familiar with how it drove. So I took it for a spin by myself and had some fun with acceleration. Anyway, first of all, it WHINES as I had heard that the S/C's do, but I didn't notice it after I turned the radio on. The radio/speakers do sound a LOT better than mine did stock. I'm still not fond of the new front end styling, and I don't like the 3 round gauges on the dash. The different interiors were nice though as far as fabric goes. The engine was still a little slugish getting through first gear (automatic), but it was noticeably speedier beyond that. The new pedal e-brake was kinda awkward and might pose a real disadvantage on the trails in some circumstances. Over all, it didn't lure me to want to trade mine in (as much as the sales guy wanted to "run the numbers" for me), nor did I second guess my 2001 purchase.

Mindie )

sasquatch_2000

What does a "carbon fiber dash kit" do?

I wish they would scrap the SC motor and just put in the 3.0 300 HP 300ZX motor from the early 1990's.

hotcoffee

Hope you had a nice weekend.

I am more comfortable in my 2001 purchase now that the 02 is out.

The difference in $$ is great enough to really do some fun things to an 01 and have a unique X.

For less than an 02 SE. I have an 01 SE, leather, carbon fiber dash, goodyear at/s, bug guard, talilight grate and 3.9% financing.

I kind of like the front of the 02- but I was affraid I'd like it so much I'd have buyer's remourse- and that was certainly not the case.

My leather interior with carbon dash BLOWS the 02 interior away.... way nicer with the a one window guage surrounded by that black carbon fiber complemented by the black leather seats.

Still I was impressed that the regular (non SC) packages did not go way up in price! Still a good value.

And those dark rims and rack.... I think I like them too....equally.

One thing though, from the side, an 01 SE looks looks like an 02 XE. Worth considering when thinking about cost...

hotcoffee

Its just a really cool looking material that is attached to the dash in the drivers area and on the door handles and around the radio/shifter...

It looks like a clear plastic (shiny) with a woven black fiber under the surface. Very industrial and classy looking.

The gray-black stock dash looks good, but this really pulls it together... there is a sample at the BOTTOM of:

http://www.exoticwooddash.com/woodtypes.htm

sasquatch_2000

So it really IS a carbon fiber dash kit?

I wasn't sure if you were kidding.

Isn't carbon fiber known for its strength to weight ratio? I never realized XTerra dashboards were so heavy yet needing of durability.

Well, glad to hear replacing your dash saved you a pound or two.

1/2 :-)

cygnusx1

A few negatives to the 2002... (these may not even apply to you if you never leave the pavement)

17 inch wheels. These just aren't good for off roading. 16" is about as big as anyone would want to go. 17" wheels just leave too little rubber between the ground and the wheel.

That silver bar thingy under the front end. Serves no purpose (purely cosmetic) and will get
trashed quickly off-road.

They took away a leaf spring (don't know why). The rear has two leafs, not 3 like the 00/01 X's.

Positives...

You can get manual hubs.

They redesigned the roof rack so the bottom doesn't touch the paint on the roof.

S/C

Better stereo

msiseng

Have been so busy purchasing a house that I have not looked at this board for quite some time. Seems to be a lot of talk regarding the '02 Supercharged model.

Well, I drove one and agree with Mindie. The interior is nicer, the radio is louder, but the engine whines like a little baby. Moreover, what happens if you get a supercharger wet? I am not a mechanic, so am asking this question to people more "in the know" regarding engines.

hotcoffee

Like a haircut- purely cosmetic.

No advantage besides liking the looks inside more as I drive it.

doverlxa

Well, it seems this was the weekend for test driving. I too test drove a new 02 today. I looked at the XE with all three packages. It was nice. One thing that the salesperson pointed out was the excellent turning radius on the X. Is this a new feature for the 02 or do they all have a tight turn?

I have finally decided on the X over the Audi. My roommate testdrove an IS300 today too. WOW! That is a nice car...too bad it can't go over curbs and go off road. Oh yeah, too bad it's 10,000 more. LOL

My only question now seems to be if I pass up the 3.9 APR and the price flexibility for the new look. I really like the new look better! But is it really worth it. Yet another question.

FYI: They wanted 23,5 MSRP for a 02 XE (3 pack). Also, they had a used 00 for 20k. Wasn't sure that price cut was enough to justify buying used.

Oh well! See ya soon

hotcoffee

For that price I'd get the 02 since you like it better.

The negative on the 01 is that you a model year and a style change old- which is nagative to resale- although 20K is awesome with 3.9%.

Turning radius is awesome in the X any year- hasn't changed as far as I know.

$23.5 on an 02 3pak seems low. It was 4wd? Must have been 5speed.

I say take that deal.

doverlxa

No, Hotcoffee...it was a 4X2 and auto. I'll have to crunch the numbers on my financial calulator and see which I want.

BEN

hotcoffee

I really wouldn't go 4x2.

In my opinion you are giving up one of the strongest points of the X.

Maybe decking out an '01 4x4 with new tires and foglamps etc will give you the looks AND the utility, as well as 3.9%. for the same $$.

cygnusx1

Yeah, go for the 4x4. You'll be glad you did. I know many an X owner who initially bought a 4x2 and then realized what the X was capable of. Now they all wish they had a 4x4, or are adding very expensive mods like lockers to make the X reach it's full potential. If you have absolutely zero interest in off-roading (even mild off-roading) and never will, then get the 4x2. But if you're buying a Xterra, I'm willing to bet that some day you'll be taking it on a trail somwhere. That's when you'll wish you had a 4x4. Plus, resale (if you should ever want to sell it) is better with a 4x4.

My .02 is get a 2001 with 4WD. The 02 is bit cheesy if you ask me, and geared more towards being a cool looking street machine than an off-roader. Why else would they add the silly bar across the front and put on 17" wheels? Just my opinion tho.

The X is a fantastic off-road vehicle. Get a 4x4 and you'll see why!!

hotcoffee

That thing (the lower one) is plastic....

Pretty vulnerable spot.

sasquatch_2000

what does it do?

hotcoffee

Doesn't do anything.

To be fair, it really isn't lower than the lowest part of the old front end, but I think it's more fragile.

I have a pic of an 02 front end:

http://www.mouseparty.com/xterra/02xterra_blue.jpg