Nissan XTerra SUV

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Comments

  • sasquatch_2000sasquatch_2000 Member Posts: 800
    I have a 1992 Honda Civic DX hatchback. With snow tires, that thing will go anywhere, just about. The trouble is, after maybe 10-12 inches, you start "floating" and the tires no longer touch the ground. I had to shovel out from under my car several times in a drug store parking lot when I was sick during a blizzard and needed medicine.

    In many mountainous areas, they REQUIRE you to have either chains AND/OR 4WD in order to use certain roads, period.

    AWD might be fine for "snowy" roads, but not for serious snowstorms, nor for offroading in general.

    I bought my Jeep Wrangler (and like XTerras and Libertys) because they have a low range which enables this kind of driving. I want to be able to climb mountains in the snow and cross streams and rocks when offroading. I have had my Civic to its limits in the snow and off road, and had a need for something more.

    If I had unlimited income, I'd have AWD (Audi perhaps) for a general purpose car, and a 4WD for off roading. For now, I have a Jeep, and drive slower (and enjoy every second of it!).
  • sasquatch_2000sasquatch_2000 Member Posts: 800
    My friend's dad had a 64 1/2 classic Mustang convertible. It had a Detroit Locker rear end, and they (we!) drove that thing everywhere A LOT!

    Never had a problem, never noticed any noise for that matter. That car eventually was rear ended while his sister was driving it, and they finally sold it maybe in late 1980's. Never heard that the D.L. gave out on them.

    I have many more posi and D.L. stories if you want.
  • cygnusx1cygnusx1 Member Posts: 290
    You're talking about a soft locker for the rear end, not a front locker for off-roading. Two different things. Anyway, D.L's are great, but the do hinder steering on the trail so keep that in mind if you ever get one.

    Anyway, as for snow, a lot of the floating problem is tire related too. Depending on the type of snow, sometimes you do want to float on it, other times you need to bite through it.

    I pulled a Subaru Outback out of a ditch last winter that had AWD. The AWD was useless once the car was stuck. But I'm sure they are great for rain slicked roads, light snow, etc. I don't think I'd want to rely on one in cases of major snow tho.
  • koolbeanskoolbeans Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Xterra, and the traction on it is terrible. When it rains I have to put it in 4WD just so I don't slide all over the place. The tires are still the original tires, but they're not even half way worn. Does anyone else have this problem? Otherwise I love the X.
  • xsexse Member Posts: 66
    koolbeans,
    any rwd truck will slide out the rear faster than a front wd car- but i have not had this problem in 40,000k miles. maybe the tires are overinflated. they should be around 28-32psi
    maybe some of the others can help...
  • silverxglidersilverxglider Member Posts: 125
    Hmmm. I have never had a problem with traction in the rain. I have stock BFG LongTrails with 20,000 miles on them. Hate to say it but maybe you're just driving too fast?
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    I'm still on longtrails and I can get my rear to swing out in wet when "I want to", but generally not daily driving. I can come up with 3 excuses,
    1) water doesn't drain fast enough on your roads
    2) your losing it in the first few minutes of a rain storm, when oil residue rises causing loss of traction
    3) wrong inflation and too heavy of a foot on the gas.
  • mindiemindie Member Posts: 109
    Ohhhh, you guys missed out! But I took lotsa pictures. http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4292369625 I ended up spending 5 nights in Ouray and 2 in Moab. It was my first trip to both Colorado and Utah, so it was quite interesting. The trails weren't difficult AT ALL, but the scenery was unbeatable! The worst part was the 22 hour drive back home. :)


    Mindie

  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    Do I get or owe 10 bucks ( sorry, inside joke ) Nice pics... :)
  • mindiemindie Member Posts: 109
    Actually, there was no shin kicking. :) But he did back away from me right after he shook my hand, so maybe that's worth $5 or something. Hehehe!
  • xsexse Member Posts: 66
    pretty informative and hopefully helps you winter snow people out


    "REMEMBER that 4WD is not really 4WD. It is only 2WD.

    I’m not here to start a debate about how much torque goes to which tire, but to shed some light about traction conditions when driving what a majority of people think is really 4-wheel drive!"


    http://4x4now.com/bb1197.htm

  • xsexse Member Posts: 66
    oh, heres a description of all the 4wd systems out there:


    http://4x4now.com/bd0599.htm

  • xtirol9xtirol9 Member Posts: 27
    I know this is off-topic but I wanted to say that with the deepest condolences for the people who have died in the plane crashes, the Pentagon, and the World Trade Center. Also, if Edmunds would have some kind of statement saying that would be appreciative. Thanks.
  • cygnusx1cygnusx1 Member Posts: 290
    It's defintely the tires. The BFG longtrails and the General grabbers are both very inexpensive tires (Like around $45 a tire). This helps keep the purchase price of the X down, but also provides next to no wet traction on the road. Most X owners I know quickly ditched the stock tires. They suck pretty bad in the rain and the snow. Most OEM tires suck though, so it's no surprise the X's do too.
  • eawegeaweg Member Posts: 50
    After reading a couple of the threads...what tires are the most popular to swicth to? Also, with 17's available on the new SE model is this a wise choice?
  • xsexse Member Posts: 66
    i just changed to pirelli scorpion a/t (all-terrain) and they are great.

    there are 2 diff. types of tires you may consider for all-around use:
    all-weather and all-terrain.

    all-terrain is more aggressive and good if you go off-road more. they are heavier and use more gas because of the aggressive tread but the trade off is you get fantastic traction in all conditions.
    if youre more of an on-road all the time-type of driver, a better version of the stock all-weather tires may suit you better.

    popular all-terrain tires: bf goodrich a/t ko, pirelli scorpion a/t, yokohama geolandar at+

    for even more aggressive tires there are mud terrain like the bf goodrich mud-terrain or tsl super swampers, etc (keep in mind, the more aggressive the tire, the noisier on road but more grip off road)

    it all depends on the conditions in your area and the type of driving you do. all tires are a trade off in something so you have to give a little here to get a litte there...

    as for 17" wheels-- they are strictly on-road. if you go with these, you must understand you can't go off-road very far. the dirt parking lot is about it. you need a tall sidewall tire to protect the wheel from damage.
    also, it is common to 'air down' to about 10-25psi(take air out of the tires to get alot better traction) off-road. the tall tire on a 15" wheel allows this and you get good 'flotation' over sand, rough terrain,etc. you cannot do this on a 17" wheel. that is why 15" wheels are so widely used in off-road vehicles. i was thinking of getting a 16 or 17" tire/wheel set but decided against because i like to hit the dirt every once in a while and the traction you get from 15" is just so much more than bigger wheel/lower profile tires. also, bonus- 15" tires are ALOT cheaper than 16 or 17.

    on the other hand, 17" wheels have a short tire sidewall which gives you a stiffer tire- meaning more responsive on-road. also, its a style thing for a big wheel look- again, more of a car-like attitude.
  • embassymarineembassymarine Member Posts: 51
    I test drove the s/c se today and loved it. i am looking for the 02 s/c xe in gold rush now in the dfw area. that is what i want as apposed to the alpine green 01 i had reserved. i like the 02 in person and the 02 will be 4x4 as well (manual). i may have to settle for a auto because there are about 0 in this area or texas and lous. for that matter that have the exact model i am looking for and i will not compromise the color i want. i did like the 01 as well, but just prefered the new design. cheers...jason (and glad to be back in the states)
  • eawegeaweg Member Posts: 50
    Could you tell a noticeable difference in power between the s/c vs. non-s/c? I am strongly considering getting an Xterra but I am torn between a S/C vs. non-S/C. Did it have the Rockford Fosgate stereo? Thanks for your input!
  • marlboroguymarlboroguy Member Posts: 17
    Hello All,
    It's been awhile since I've been part of these discussions. In April 2000, I bought a 2000 SE 4x4 Silver X....I love this vehicle, (even though everyone and their brother has this color!)
    Ever since I purchased it, I was hoping that they would improve on the 170hp and the stereo system, which they've finally done! (now all they need is to have a sunroof that pops totally out!)
    I am contemplating buying a 2002 SE S/C 4x4 and have already gone to a dealer to check them out. I did listen to the stereo, and it does kick [non-permissible content removed] (as compared to the lame one in my current X) so I assumed it was the Rockford-Fosgate...(I was previously spoiled by my Bose system in a leased Pathfinder).
    I haven't driven one yet, but hear that the 210hp is very noticeable, coming from the 170hp. I read that the power was mostly on the low end at 0-45mph off the line, but at higher speeds, not noticeable. (which is understandable, we aren't driving Porche's now!)
    Since there are barely any used X's out there available on the market, I think those of you in my predicament will be able to cut a good deal either with your dealer, or sell outright, and walk into a new one like I am hoping to do.
    One concern is that I heard that the 2002 S/C ONLY takes premium gasoline and that any lower octane will harm the engine. Does anyone know if this is true? I heard that this came directly from the Xterra manual.
    Also any other info on the 2002's that anyone has would be great!
    Thanks!
  • embassymarineembassymarine Member Posts: 51
    Well I secured my deal with signature and bought a 2002 SE 4x4 auto Gold Rush w/front grill, t-lamp, floor mats, sun roof, micro filter, and side window deflectors for $26,900. I got a great deal and it is the only of of its kind in the Tex, Lou, and Ok states. I got it off a dealer trade from Courtest Nissan in Dallas (they are super) and service was out right done well.
    In response to the things I notice with the 2002 S/C...YES very quick on the take off (and I am now driving the dealers demo SE until mine arrive in Tex tomorrow. But after 45 mph, no difference. The prem fuel is mandatory and the only reason why I am not driving a non S/C is because 1. I want the option to put any kind of gas 2. the extra power does not weight heavy into my decision making and IMHO is only a status issue upgrade. The stero in the SE is a RF and is more than sufficient. I was jammin all day today. I had the biggest smile on my face cus I had just got a good deal on a multi optioned X and now am drivng a car that I can test the abilities of the X without have to worry that it is mine. I take care of it like a baby, but it is nice that I can accelerate many times w/out having to worry to fill it back up again. Those are my inputs and I hope it helps you out.
  • mindiemindie Member Posts: 109
    I'm glad to hear you finally decided on one. I'm also glad that you went with the 4x4 - I really think you'll appreciate that choice! And the Gold Rush is a great color, so I'm sure you'll love it. Welcome to the Xterra cult! You're now an official member! :)

    Mindie
  • embassymarineembassymarine Member Posts: 51
    Well thank you very much Mindie. They have given me a 2002 X to drive around in yesterday and now a 2001 X to give me until tomorrow because that is when my X gets here. I have noticed more than a difference in preformance and ride. It was way more comfortable (seat wise) in the 2002 X. For me and my tastes I am most happy with my choice of the 2002 X. As all of you are with your choices. See you all around soon (on and off the road)! Jason
  • maccmacc Member Posts: 11
    I have a 2000 xterra se and somehow this weekend the back rail of the roof rack acquired a two inch long dent. The dent is deep enough to displace the rack alignment in the back. It is the long rail that runs from the driver's side front to the rear of the car. Do you think a body shop could repair it? The two I've taken it to suggested replacing the rail, which unbelievably costs $189! Are there any parts places with cheaper parts - I thought I read about a web site with good prices on xterra parts. Thanks
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    Given the material, I'd replace it, or no longer trust it at all if you repaired it ( which wouldn't be perfect looking anyway ), you have 3 options, order from Nissan ( maybe xterraparts.com would be cheaper ), find a junk yard X ( good luck ) or replace the whole rack altogether with a safari looking type rack/basket.
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    Just a memorial FYI, this past week-end, I got together with the Nexterra group. Due to what was happening, we constructed a memorial to Sept. 11, 2001 Attack at the top of Mt Washington in New Hampshire. If anyone is in the area, and willing to make a detour, bring a rock from your back yard and add to it. ( the road to the summit should be closing by the end of the month )

    http://www.geocities.com/x_canuk/mmw1.html
  • xtirol9xtirol9 Member Posts: 27
    Does anyone know if the stereo system can play CD-R made from home? Thanks.
  • embassymarineembassymarine Member Posts: 51
    Yes, I have some dubbed CD's and they play just fine. There maybe a few case where they do not though. I know of some people telling me that their cd player did not recognize anything that was recorded on that cd. So, I would say yes because they (cd players inthe X) are all made by the same people.
  • xtirol9xtirol9 Member Posts: 27
    Great, because who would want to buy CD's when you can just d/l them anyways? Thanks.
  • embassymarineembassymarine Member Posts: 51
    Here is a phot of my Xterra...

    http://communities.msn.com/JasonandDenises2002Xterra/shoebox.msnw

    I am leaving for NY Wednesday and id any of you want to do any offroading and as well teach me while you all are at it, I am a great and fast learner! Talk with y'all soon. I tell you whatm I cannot wait til lI meet some people with X's that are more outgoing! Loads of people have an X here and when I wave or shine my lights (during the daytime)...no respones. Such is life, I guess I am just trying to create too many friends with people who do not want to be friends.
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    But I don't think those shorts will go over well in New York ;), Look up the NJ club, a number of NewYorkers belong, they will show you the way, or Nexterra ( New England ) club. Doubt I'll make another road trip to NY/NJ this year, but we should xross paths at some point. Enjoy the road trip out.
    Hate to break it to you, the X-wave was a 2000 thing, the only place it exists now is going to, or at, a gathering.
  • hotcoffeehotcoffee Member Posts: 218
    Congrats.

    Nice truck!

    I hope you like the Gold as much as I do. The way it looks in the sun is awesome!

    Nice grille guard too!

    I still need to take a picture of my dash and post it.

    Have fun!

    John

    PS If you're in Minnesota and wave or honk- I'll return the kind gesture.

    I think the only vehicle that has the wave ting ongoing are Jeep Wrangler owners. I had one and it almost got annoying!
  • jnutter2jnutter2 Member Posts: 5
    I just bought a Yakima Space booster luggage container for my Xterra but it does not fit. Has anybody else ran into this problem. I was told I would need to by an X tower or Lowrider towers for another crossbar to install it. Should I install this and take off the factory crossbars.
    any help would be great
  • eawegeaweg Member Posts: 50
    First, embassy marine, that is a beautiful truck...I love the color! Second, I have posted before because I am seriously considering a 2002 4x4 w/SC. One of my concerns are the 17" wheels. I know they are very good off road but I am really not planning on doing some "trekking" like I have read on some threads. I want a 4x4 because in the next couple of years I will be moving to the mountains or New England. However, most of the time I will be in the "suburban jungle". Doesn't the S/C upgrade only come with 17s? Thanks for the advice!
  • jnutter2jnutter2 Member Posts: 5
    I just bought a Yakima Space booster luggage container for my Xterra but it does not fit. Has anybody else ran into this problem. I was told I would need to by an X tower or Lowrider towers for another crossbar to install it. Should I install this and take off the factory crossbars.
    any help would be great
  • hotcoffeehotcoffee Member Posts: 218
    scroll up to #1684
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    The suggested way ( $$$ ) or the non-standard way (cheap). According to Yak, Thule etc ( for 99% of their stuff )and as well as Nissan ( in Canada anyway ) You are supposed to rack the xterra rack. I have gotten away with a heavy use of Mightymounts for everything, from my bikes to my bin.

    In my case, I didn't want to move or alter my bike rack to use a bin, so I retro-fitted a bin meant for golf clubs.. ( just for the fit ), I imagine the space booster would fit using a similar method

    http://www.geocities.com/x_canuk/roofbin.html
  • mindiemindie Member Posts: 109
    Ummm, maybe I'm missing something, or I'm misunderstanding. 17 inch wheels are NOT good for offroad driving, reason being that the larger the wheel, the less rubber "height" you'll have. Offroaders generally go with 15 inch wheels so that the tires can have a higher sidewall to offer more protection on the trails. The 17 inch wheels actually provide a better onroad ride. So if that's all you're looking for, the 17s won't be a problem at all. I hope this helps - let me know if I misunderstood what you were asking.

    Mindie :)
  • doverlxadoverlxa Member Posts: 15
    Well...

    I just had the worst experience at a local dealership. In fact, on the way home I considered looking at a different vehicle all together.

    First, I was told by the sales person that "the internet prices are always wrong." Then they wouldn't even discuss the final price because the vehicle I wanted wasn't on the lot but was scheduled to be delivered in 3 days. Then they proceeded to tell me that if they could get me to sign the paperwork today they would negotiate the price. Why would I sign over 23,000 to them without even seeing the car? I know that it looks just like the one in the lot and it's simply a different color but I want to see mine. Why couldn't they tell me the price and let me take care of the final signature when I came in?

    Now, dont get me wrong, I understand that they are a "right now" company as they stated. However, it just didn't make sense to me that they couldn't negotiate a price without making me sign the paperwork. Even if I came back in 2 months and bought an XE it would still be the same price.

    Regardless, they told me to come back in a few days and I proceeded to ask them why we couldn't work out a price...at this point I told her not to worry abotu it I could just find it at another dealership. Well, she said ok and suggested that I go to a different dealer then she told me that I was rude. NOW, NO MATTER HOW RUDE I MAY HAVE BEEN, YOU SHOULD NEVER TELL A CUSTOMER THAT! So I handed back her card and said nevermind I would take my business elsewere...before I could get out of the office she had already started laughing with another sales person about what had just happened. I asked her for the number to corporate and she didn't know it so on my way out I happened to run into a manager...he of course told me how sorry he was and if I needed anything to just call him...That is his job I suppose. Screw it...I'm done buying in person...XCANUK...I'm calling Steve tomorrow...I'll pay more to have it shipped to me or at least I wont get told I'm rude.

    Thanks for listening,
    BEN
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    You were smart enough to walk out, sorry for your bad experience.. but you should be treated right by Steve.. I really don't know if he still flies people in, but pick it up yourself and enjoy the drive back.. worth the 2 days ( long week-end drive ) back.
    If I remember right, you're in Naples or Fort Myers.. maybe we'll cross paths, I should be heading down this winter for a break.
  • xtirol9xtirol9 Member Posts: 27
    According to Nissan, the S/C upgrade includes:

    SuperCharged 3.3-liter V6 engine (210-hp)
    17-inch aluminum-alloy charcoal-color wheels
    P265/65R17 tires with raised outlined white lettering
    Unique charcoal-color seat cloth
    Polished exhaust tip
    Unique S/C badging

    Hope that helped.
  • doverlxadoverlxa Member Posts: 15
    Hey Xcanuk -

    I'm impressed with your memory...I am from Fort Myers. I'm also impressed with your knowledge of FL. Actually, my parents live in Fort Myers, I'm in Lakeland, which is Tampa Bay area. Why are you heading to FL? That's quite a hike from the artic weather of Canada. Maybe I just answered my own question.

    BEN
  • eawegeaweg Member Posts: 50
    Mindie...my apologies. What I wanted to say was that 17" were NOT good for offroad. I guess next time when I do my spellcheck I should actually read what I wrote! Thanks for your input. I do have a question however...for your occasional dirt roads and snow would 17s be a problem?

    Edwin
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    I've been there one too many times on both coasts of Florida, thought it would be fun to see how many X-clubs I could hit on the way down.
    I actually prefer Florida in the summer, I love my 4 seasons here. Let us know how it goes with Steve F.
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    For mild offroad and snow, it won't be the size of the tire that will do any harm, its the thread on the rubber. If the 17" have an semi-agressive lug, you'll be fine, in anycase, if you're hitting real snow, I suggest real winter tires for a seasonal swap..
  • eawegeaweg Member Posts: 50
    I appreciate your advice...I will be test driving an Xterra today whether or not it is the S/C I don't know...not one of the 3 Nissan dealers can confirm if they have one on the lot. That's just great...I have to deal with ignorance even before I sit down and talk. Xcanuk...what would be your personal recommendation for buying an X for someone who will be moving to either Colorado or New England within a coupple of years? I would like to do a little offroading but not the hardcore stuff. I am torn between an X with 17s and/or 16s. The only problem is that the S/C only comes with the 17s. Who knows, maybe I am making a mountain out of a molehill...I am under a lot of duress being a Vikings fan...0-2 ouch.
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    You will be fine with the S/C & 17". If you really get into it, look at a 2nd set of rims (15") and serious tires. Prices for rubber go up as soon as you leave the 15" standard, so you might as well get shoes to knock around in and leave the 17" as the dress wheels for the rest of the time. ( I've got 3 sets myself depending where I end up on my road trips )
    I already had my time with offroading, my X is basically a hauler.. ( bikes, dogs, gear )
  • jnutter2jnutter2 Member Posts: 5
    I just got an answer from several stores. Mighty mounts will not work with the space booster. You have to install x-towers or the lowrider and put another crossbar on your xterra. 48". I wish nissan would come up with a better solution. The racks look good but you have to buy expansions for anything to fit.
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    cause you don't have to double rack it. I was told the same thing for anything I wanted to put on my original rack. The Thule box is very similar, http://personal.mco.bellsouth.net/mco/w/a/warmongr/mods/thule.htm

    and I've seen pics with the yak version as well. Some managed with mmounts, others with U-bolts.


    Geez.. I'm posting too much, slow day at work... I'll go away now..


    You can also check this thread from XOC.. complete with pic of the yak
    http://www.xterraownersclub.com/cgi-local/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002364

    ok... now I'll go away.. really

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