Nissan XTerra SUV

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Comments

  • embassymarineembassymarine Member Posts: 51
    I think I am getting a deal... '02 XE S/C 3-pk will run me w/tax title and lisc. 26,500. It was the same price as the '01 SE with tax title and lisc. I kind of prefer the look in the new one, but in the same hand think the '01 and '00 models all look great. I think it would be best to go with the newer model like some people say...just because it is the newer model. Not to mention I get the Gold Rush with the newer tunes same size tires as the SE better cloth and redesigend features as well as a little more pep. I like to see all the information that everyone is posting about their experiences in driving a new X. Thanks a lot and if you all have any more pros and cons I would like to know them! ANd I heard everyone paying below invoice and all, but most peoples totals came around 24 - 26 K right? Due to tax, title and lisc.? Just curious.
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    Just extending the invite, anyone ready for a road trip.. Sept 15th, Mt Washington N.H. Details can be found at www.nexterra.org. I went last year, and haven't stopped hitting the road since.
  • embassymarineembassymarine Member Posts: 51
    Ok, for the SUV buff's what are the beni's to having either one and does it all boil down to, "what the buyer wants?" Or is it or can be a more complicated equation if you like both the auto and the manual? Inquiring minds wanna know...
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    Now at days anyway.. people don't want to deal with a stick, traffic. Off hand advantages, mechanical, with the X and auto, higher towing limit ( unless you know how to use a clutch ), engine runs at a lower rpm when cruising, better gas mpg. I paced another friend coming back from an event.. at 60mph, we had a difference of 500rpm, my manual running higher.
  • hotcoffeehotcoffee Member Posts: 218
    I like a stick. I have more control in the snow. And I feel more connected with my driving... It makes me pay more attention.

    And I think, (correct me anyone) transmission repairs are fewer and cheaper compared to the more touchy auto.

    I felt acceleration was better with stick in the X when shopping both....this could be an illusion, but it made a difference in my mind.

    I think it does rev higher though as Xcanuk mentioned.
  • cygnusx1cygnusx1 Member Posts: 290
    Gotta disagree...the auto trans isn't "touchy" in any way. Auto transmissions today are very good, in many cases much more reliable than manuals. Hell, toyota is even starting to do away with manual transmissions all together. Auto's are so reliable now that people just aren't buying manuals at nearly the rate automatics are selling. 4-Runner and Tundra manuals are rare now. The Nissan auto transmission is very reliable, and can tow more than the manual (if towing is a selling point for someone). The shift points are perfect and shifting is hardly noticeable unless you're really going all out and flooring it.

    I have never liked manuals on the trail. Clutch slippage happens pretty quickly on the trail, and to me, it sucks to have to navigate a trail and worry about shifting, but that's just me.

    It's mostly personal preference, but as far as reliability, except for Ford, most auto tranmissions today are very good if not equal to or better than manuals.
  • hotcoffeehotcoffee Member Posts: 218
    I am in no educated position to disagree, but I have an observation...

    Why are 90% of Jeep Wranglers 5speed?? That is certainly a respected off-road vehicle...

    (by the way- I am not being sarcastic- I've had Wranglers and when shopping I've noticed that most are 5's)
  • sasquatch_2000sasquatch_2000 Member Posts: 800
    I have a Wrangler.

    A:

    more fun
    better mpg
    better control
    off road advantages (see better control, start in gear, ...)
    more fun
    less maintenance
    less expensive
    stronger (can be built up more with less problems)
    more fun
    jeep guys aren't wimps (just kidding)
  • cygnusx1cygnusx1 Member Posts: 290
    Also, part of the charm of owning a Wrangler is the 5 speed, coupled with the top down - it's all part of the back to basics mentality that is a selling point for that particular vehicle. The whole "open road" thing. As for the Liberty tho, same as I mentioned about Toyo...I'm not sure manuals are even available yet (maybe they are by now), but DC has reported that like 90% of the Liberty's will be autos.

    I'm not saying 5 speeds suck at all. They defintely have their place. I was more referring to auto's being "touchy" (which I took took to mean less reliable). I've driven both out on the trail and happen to personally like autos better.
    But that's for my own personal reasons.

    Like I said, it is all going to come down to a persons preference. It's totally subjective.
    The obvious "bonus" to the auto is towing capacity, but like I said, if you're a person who doesn't tow anything then it's not a factor to begin with. The manual is cheaper, butif $$ isn't a consideration, then that's not a factor either.

    Just my .02 cents. I couldn't really recommend one over the other. "Stick with what you're used to" would be my only suggestion.
  • sasquatch_2000sasquatch_2000 Member Posts: 800
    good pun!

    I have a manual, and I tow.

    Why is auto better for towing? I don't get it. I would think a direct connection, rather than fluid, would be stonger, more economical, and longer living.

    Not being "funny" here, just trying to get an answer.

    Thanks.
  • cygnusx1cygnusx1 Member Posts: 290
    Anybody ever used Bridgestone Dueler AT's? I'm wondering how they do in snow and rain. I'm sure they're decent for average off-roading, but I've heard conflicting reports about how they handle in the snow. The consumer mags rate them as pretty good, but not all that great in the snow. But customer reviews on a lot of web sites say they are fine in the snow and rain. Any thoughts?
  • cygnusx1cygnusx1 Member Posts: 290
    No pun intended. :)

    Most vehicles have a higher rated towing capacity with auto transmissions. The X in particular is rated at 5,000 lbs vs. 3,500 lbs. I think the main reason being clutch wear and tear. And also gearing. The auto tranny has a torque convertor. Below the stall-speed, the fluid is in "shear", and the convertor performs a "torque-multiplying" function. So, rather than a first-gear of 2.5:1 (for example), the auto tranny's convertor makes this more like a 5:1 first gear. Significantly lower than the Xterra manual-tranny.

    There are domestic truck manual transmissions with "granny" gears, featuring 5.6:1, 6:1 or even 7:1 first gears. It's rare that you can use these on the street, but towing or getting a heavy load moving is one great use for them.

    In the case of the Xterra, I think it's simply the lower effective gearing offered by the automatic.

    And it's harder in general on the manual with all the added strain. It's not that you can't tow with a manual, just not as much.
  • sasquatch_2000sasquatch_2000 Member Posts: 800
    Thanks for your informative follow-up.

    I did not know that.

    What about longevity? Especially for towing, say 1500#? I would think all that "shearing" might not be too good for fluid life and therefore, tranny life.

    ??
  • cygnusx1cygnusx1 Member Posts: 290
    I think, like anything, as long as you maintain the system, get it flushed often, and maybe add a cooler then it'll be ok. I'm sure to a degree -towing anything will shorten the life of any transmission at least a little bit. The stupid thing is, I asked Nissan about adding a tranny cooler to my automatic, and they told me if I did that it would void my warranty. WTF????? I think I need to ask another dealer or something.
  • sasquatch_2000sasquatch_2000 Member Posts: 800
    with a manual, there is none of that maintenance required.

    :-)
  • cygnusx1cygnusx1 Member Posts: 290
    Well, the so called "maintenance" isn't a big deal really. Just swing by a dealership or local service station and ask for a trans flush. It's like $60 or so. Takes 10 minutes. I usually do it once every 2 yrs or 24k miles. No big deal. I've never (knock on wood) had any transmission problems with any automatic 4x4 yet.

    After a few fiascos with clutches on some pretty nasty trails, I switched to automatics and haven't regretted it. Like I said tho, it's all what you're most comfortable with.
  • hotcoffeehotcoffee Member Posts: 218
    6 to 90%, half dozen to the other 10%!
  • xsexse Member Posts: 66
    forgive my ignorance here-- i noticed the tranny cooler suggestion at the uhaul when i got the hitch put on (great hitch, no problems btw). is it a hassle to put one in? from their giant, colorful diagram; it goes in front of the radiator and has piping to the ???tranny?

    i would just worry that the new pipes would leak or cause leaks. is it a DIY or something a pro should do. thanks guys
  • cygnusx1cygnusx1 Member Posts: 290
    It's a bit of hassle and unless you're pretty good with tools and know what you are doing, it's best to have somebody else do it. Keep in mind tho, I called the 1-800-Nissan number and they (as well as my local dealer) told me adding a tranny cooler would void the factory warranty. So keep that in mind. Chances are though that no one would ever know you had one on there uless they were specifically looking for it.
  • embassymarineembassymarine Member Posts: 51
    I hear a lot of talk about the design of how much the Lib looks like the X. Well I asked an X-pert and he said that it was Nissan that origionally had that design and the Lib just came out before the '02 X so it appears that Nissan is mocking the Lib, but in theory that is vice-versa. I had a dealer take a bunch of photos of the '02 X inside and out for me and if anyone is interested I can post them somewhere. And for those whom have already drove the '02 X, how is the sound system improved? Not that it made anyone feel bad for not waiting, as I am positive everyone is more than satisfied with their investments. As I will be even if I go with the S/C X. DOes anyone know of someone who has purchased one? And for those that are participating in the XOC, have fun! Cheers, Jason
  • tonysracingtonysracing Member Posts: 80
    Or is it more accurate to say Nissan copied the design from the old Jeep CJ, or the 1998 Jeepster concept? Anyway, I really don't think they were copying off each other, they just both happen to have round headlights.

    Tony
  • xsexse Member Posts: 66
    well, i guess the tranny cooler is a common, safe device? my truck is out of warranty so i don't really care about that. i'll look into pricing...thanks.

    design of the xterra-- the '02 x and liberty are following current design trends so are not copying each other but more are products of a trend right now. if anything, i think the xterra owes alot to the land rover discovery. thematically they are similar from the angled roof, odd-shaped rear window and "boxy" design--i just think the xterra took it to a whole new level and did something completely fresh.

    if you want to see where jeep 'copied' the design from, look at the old Korando. they had that round headlight design for a few years befre jeep (although the korando is basically a wrangler copy) that is EXACTLY the liberty front end. jeep tried to sue for copyright infringement before the intro of the liberty--dont know how that went.
  • xtirol9xtirol9 Member Posts: 27
    Well, after finally months of waiting, I finally got to test drive a '02 Xterra SE Auto. The engine is pretty decent and the acceleration is okay for a truck. Also, can anyone confirm that the engine is based on the old Pathfinder engine? Anyways, I didn't have time to test the stereo system because it was kind of rushed and also I noticed that the stereo was NOT a Rockford Fosgate system. Can anyone confirm that this is standard on SE's? After about a ten minute drive, we started talking about the price. Included on the SE was the tow hitch, protection package, microfilter, carpeted floor mats, and splash guards for a total about 25,600. It was a ripoff charging at that exorbitant price so I told him 23,500. He refused so I left. Then, when I got home, he told me he would set me at that price but the interest was 7%! Anyways, when you are buying for the Xterra, try to get the car 6% under of the "sticker" price. Also, wait and see if the interest will go down. If not, you are paying too much for it and the dealer has won. Hopefully, this will help any future buyers.
  • embassymarineembassymarine Member Posts: 51
    I read on the site www.xterraparts.com that it (Rockford Fosgate stereo) was standard on all SE's and all S/C Trucks. I am getting more use to the way the new X's look (front design) the more I look at it. I guess it is a matter of what is available that shapes my decision. Even though I have a 2001 SE saved, I will still go with the '02 XE 3-pk S/C. Just because I get everyhthing minus the (caugh) sunroof and 6 in-dash cd changer (such is life). Hey how was y'alls traveling weekend?
  • xtirol9xtirol9 Member Posts: 27
    That's really weird because the unit that I test drived did NOT have the Rockford Fosgate labeling although it was a 6-disc in-dash. Also, Nissan's website did not say anything on that either although it has 210 watts in it. And yes, the '02 design kick serious butt. Also, the roof rack on the SE models are smoked color instead of the silvery color. Neat.
  • grisouegrisoue Member Posts: 18
    I understand that 4x4 should not be engaged on dry pavement.

    I also heard that it should not be used at high speeds, at least not for very long.

    My primary concern is winter driving on highways & secondary roads. In fact, the snow is the only reason I am considering a 4x4. In this respect, I understand that a compact SUV like the Escape would perform better since it is FWD with rear-wheel assistance when needed. However, I much prefer the X-terra's styling, reputation and solidity, and I don't mind that it drives more like a truck.

    So here is my question:
    Is it possible to safely (for the vehicle) use the 4x4 at highway speeds, for long drives?
  • hotcoffeehotcoffee Member Posts: 218
    It is not a good idea to drive the Xterra in 4wd on dry pavement.

    If you browse back this didscussion was very thoroughly covered.

    The X is not an all wheel or a full time 4 wheel drive vehicle.
  • embassymarineembassymarine Member Posts: 51
    Hey hotcoffee, can you post up you url for you X again? I wanted to get another good look at that color as I am still debating with the dealer between Alpine Green and Gold Rush, even though I have reserved the Alpine Green one. Spasebia...Jason
  • sterashoppingsterashopping Member Posts: 4
    Has anyone seen a 2002 Shock Blue Supercharged X? This is the car I've been waiting for since February and still have not seen it close up. I would order it but want to be positive that I like the color before I do. Its either that or the Jeep Liberty. Decisions, decisions...I have to decide soon!
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    Given the "right" conditions, you can keep up to highway speed while in 4WD. Mixed conditions won't bother it much, given most highways are straight, hitting sections of dry won't harm it much, as long as its not twisty side dry roads.

    Warning, the X is a truck and not a tank. The 4Wd gives security, but once you hit ice, you are not any better off.. if anything, worse due to the height. ( Its the main reason you see so many suv in a ditch at the first storm )
  • silverxglidersilverxglider Member Posts: 125
    Another thing to consider is that once the hubs are locked, you can switch from 4HI to 2HI and back again as needed. So if you hit dry pavement and can safely go faster, you can switch back to 2HI. If conditions deteriorate, slow down and go to 4HI. This is no problem as long as the hubs remain locked (i.e., you haven't reversed direction). There may be a slight mileage penalty though, because more parts are turning when the hubs are locked.
  • xtirol9xtirol9 Member Posts: 27
    The Shock Blue color really stands out. I'm sure you can spot it from some distances away. The interior is pretty nice, charcoal colored. If you like pastel colors, then this is the one.
  • doverlxadoverlxa Member Posts: 15
    DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion!

    When I went to the dealership this past week to test drive the new 02 X, I saw the "Shock Blue." Let's just say it's name is appropriate. I thought it was UGLY. Although you have to take into account your environment. I'm in Central FL and not everywhere is like central FL.

    Let me just say that I love the "Just Blue" but this new concept of "SHOCK" is too much for me.

    Just throwing out my thoughts.

    BEN

    By the way, I have decided for sure to wait and go with the 2002. I know I'm sacrificing a lot but I liek it more and I'm in nor financial situation to buy NOW anyway. Oh Well...guess I'll be waiting a few more months. How long 'till they start coming down on the MSRP for the 02's????
  • hotcoffeehotcoffee Member Posts: 218
    I found a pic of an '02 GoldRush for you- (aren't I swell?)


    http://www.mouseparty.com/xterra/02.nissan.xterra.f34.500.jpg


    Here are pix of my '01


    http://www.mouseparty.com/xterra/new/

  • eawegeaweg Member Posts: 50
    Those were nice pics. Didn't you get the interior done with a carbon fiber kit? A friend of mine has the exact same color Xterra and it is beautiful. I have a chance to get a '01 4x4 SE in the same color for $22.9K at carmax...with 6K miles. I really want to test the '02 with the supercharger before I decide though. Do you have those pics of your interior?
  • hotcoffeehotcoffee Member Posts: 218
    I will take pix of interior ASAP (keep posted- probably next week). The main thing on my interior that looks great is the leather.

    I put black leather in and it looks cool in the door panels etc. It is as nice on inside as out.

    Also- with the 01 you have room with the $$ to upgrade tires too. I think you can see them on my pix.

    But I must say, the 02 is sweet, and wouldn't need the dash kit.
  • embassymarineembassymarine Member Posts: 51
    You da man, da Dolphins!
  • hotcoffeehotcoffee Member Posts: 218
    I'm here for ya man.
  • cygnusx1cygnusx1 Member Posts: 290
    ...what kind of snow are you talking? Deep, unplowed snow, or just a dusting? The Escape and similar vehicles are fine for getting you out of the snow in the mall parking lot, and do provide added traction. They won't really help you too much if you are talking about major snow.

    The X uses a part time 4wd system. After initially engaging the 4wd at a slow speed you can then switch in and out of 4wd at highway speeds as needed, provided you haven't gone in reverse and unlocked the hubs. Many 4wd vehicles use this system and it works fine, especially off-road. The Escape and the other cute-utes are no better off than regular car when it comes to heavy snow.

    Also, the Escape lacks a 4wd low gear which the X has. This can only be used at slow speeds (like 15mph and under), but is great for "crawling" your way out of mud, deep snow, etc.

    It all depends on your needs, and the weather conditions in your area. The cute-utes are fine for their intended purpose (added traction on slick or slightly snow covered roads). Heavy snow or mud, you want to go with a "real" 4wd system.
  • sterashoppingsterashopping Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the replies on the color! Sounds like a real love it or hate it color and now I really can't wait to see it up close!
  • hotcoffeehotcoffee Member Posts: 218
    It's AWESOME! It is about time a car company has the guts to go out on a limb.

    It's like the Khaki, all tan no depth. All blue- no metallic flake.

    I personally wouldn't get it- because I just might not feel that BRIGHT and noticeable all the time.

    But that is no knock to the color.
  • xsexse Member Posts: 66
    i'm disappointed to see some of the changes they made to it:
    1. full plastic front bumper- now its all plastic, i like the metal of the 00-01.

    2. weaker leaf springs (or should i say one less leaf per pack)

    3. relocation of the turn signals to a delicate area right next to the wheels! its more efficient, clean and purposeful next to the headlight.

    otherwise, it looks great.
  • xsexse Member Posts: 66
    while i agree that the 4wd on the xterra is best for off-road and perfect match to the xterra, i love all-wheel drive/ ful-time 4wd systems.

    they are much safer for the majority of drivers out there for the majority of driving situations.

    for example, if it is raining outside people will not switch on 4wd (city driving). awd/ft4wd is utterly unflappable by oil slicks, slippery situations,etc.

    the thing about switching on 4hi when you see a slick spot coming up assumes that you actually see it coming. now if that were always possible, there wouldn't be any accidents.

    now i know this stuff isnt always true and situations differ. for off road driving, nothing beats a 4wd system with hi/lo transfer case (like the xterra) but if youre sole purpose in getting 4wd is to be safer ON road, then there are better options out there.

    now, as for a better suv? good luck 'cause the xterra is the best all-around pkg out there. there are only 3 things that matter to me: reliability, daily useability, style. no other suv can match it...well, i like the 4runner too (just too pricey for what it is).
  • hotcoffeehotcoffee Member Posts: 218
    I agree with the above.

    The full-time 4x4 was one thing I liked about my Jeep Grand Cherokee.

    But I'll take the X anyday.
  • cygnusx1cygnusx1 Member Posts: 290
    Like I said, for light snow or slick roads, a permanent 4wd or "all wheel drive" is fine. For deep snow, you might as well be in a regular car though. The posi-traction or torque on demand is nothing more than a limited slip differential. Useless in heavy stuff.
  • sasquatch_2000sasquatch_2000 Member Posts: 800
    I was thinking of putting a posi or detroit locker in my Wrangler specifically for driving in snow and off road.

    Care to explain in more detail?
  • cygnusx1cygnusx1 Member Posts: 290
    A locker is not what I meant. There are many alternative names for these awd systems (maybe it's posi-lok instead of posi-traction). I dunno. They go by all sorts of names and are traction control devices that redistribute power to a slipping wheel for a short period of time. ALmost every auto maker puts their own spin on it and calls it something different.

    A locker on the other hand is for locking the wheels and going up hills, rocks, etc. Keep in mind with a locker (as nice as they are) your ability to turn is severely limited, as is your speed and mileage. A locker isn't meant to drive with on the road really so keep that in mind.
  • sasquatch_2000sasquatch_2000 Member Posts: 800
    They just click.

    Why do you think most old muscle and race cars have lockers or posi? Better grip.
  • zorglubzorglub Member Posts: 79
    Hi,

    I'm no expert, but here are a few transmissions alternatives that I know of:
    - viscous coupling: basically a differential with some oil filled device that will distribute the torque where it's needed (i.e. the wheel with the most traction). I believe that basically, the oil acts like a clutch when one wheel spins faster than the other and locks the differential (correct me if I'm wrong). That's the system used by Audi. It's mechanical and works great.
    - electronic traction control: Mercedez uses a reversed ABS system. Basically, the computer will brake the wheel that spins (i.e. no traction) to redistribute the torque through the differential to the wheel with traction. Advantage: transmission is lighter and freer (3 straight differentials instead of the viscous coupler which is heavier). Acura uses discs (like a clutch) on each half of the differential. A computer then decides what wheel needs to be engaged and when. From what I read, works great, but seems rather complicated of a solution to me (IMHO).

    Regarding the comment about deep snow, I'd like to know how deep it has to be before you need a 4WD, in your opinion. My experience with a Subaru (AWD) in 6 - 8 inches of heavy Tahoe snow was just fine. Maybe, being Californian, 6-8 inches seem rather deep while it may be a dusting somewhere else :-) My point though is that AWD is fine for most snow conditions that people will encounter ON the road, because most roads would be closed when it gets so deep that only a 4WD would go through. Truth is, 4WD is only useful for off-roaders who gonna go in deep mud and such. Other than that, AWD is superior to everyday driving condition.
  • cygnusx1cygnusx1 Member Posts: 290
    Yeah, and they also go in a straight line. Try navigating your local roads while locked...and tell me it's fun. A Detroit will unlock in turns, but your drive line will last maybe a month if you use it daily. I'd suggest reading up on lockers a little if you seriously think you're going to put one on and drive around town all day locked. A locker is for going prmarily in a straight line with minimal turning involved.


    http://www.4x4now.com/bb0297.htm

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