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The trimming involves taking a Dremel or some other cutting tool and shaving a bit off the bottom edge of the mud flaps that are behind the front tires. The bottom edge of the flap bends to form a little lip that sticks out toward the front of the truck. That spot is just a mud collector anyway. Basically, you just trim part of that lip off on the side of the flap that's more underneath the body of the truck (not the side closest to the paint). Maybe 1/4 to 1/2". Just do trial and error. If you haven't trimmed enough, you'll hear the tires rub when turning so trim a bit more. If you do it neatly, it will be invisible.
If you can read .pdf files (adobe acrobat) go here for a list of BFG tire sizes. Near the bottom you'll see the flotation sizes for 15" wheels. Look for 31x10.5x15
http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/2001_PDF_files/All-Terrain_KO.pdf
Both are great vecicles. I chose the Xterra mainly because I actually take my SUV off-road and couldn't justify paying over $35,000 for a 4Runner and then taking it out on the trail. Apparently that's how most people must think because I have never seen a late model 4Runner on the trail anywhere. The 4Runner I believe has about 10 more horses under the hood than the Xterra doas, but the X performs fine around town and has plenty of power for highway cruising. It's not a rocket, but it's not meant to be.
I personally think the 4Runner rides a bit bouncy, but that's probably due to the tread of the tires that Toyo throws on. Both are reliable vehicles in general. The 3.3 V6 in the Xterra has been around for quite a while (used to be the 3.0 of the old pathefinder). It's a great engine, runs like a swiss watch, and pretty is much trouble free with regular maintenance.
All in all,I couldn't justfy paying Toyota's price for the 4Runner when the same options were available on the Xterra (4wd, power everything, six cd in-dash changer, steering wheel audio controls, cruise control, etc). But the 4runner is a nice vehicle. It just never leaves the pavement, not because it can't, but rather because it's too expensive (and repair costs are outta sight) to risk having something happen to it on the trail.
I have the Long Trails. I think they're fine in the rain but other people have complained about them. I have never skidded or hydroplaned with them though so maybe it's a question of how you drive.
In snow, both the Long Trails and Grabbers puke. I put on Bridgestone Winter Duelers in winter.
In 2WD, you will slide around on snow or on ice, just like any other vehicle. The 4WD is very sure-footed though. I have the LSD. Can't tell if it's ever really helped but on the other hand, when you're going up about a 20 degree grade on ice, probably nothing will help but waiting for summer.
JANET
LSD: It defintely works and is worth getting, but it's not something you really "feel" like you do when you engage 4wd. Try driving an SUV without it and then drive the X and you'll see that it does indeed work. It's very helpful in limiting wheel spin in the rain, on wet ramps (like a boat ramp or something), icy patches, etc. But it's not going to get you out of deep snow or mud or something. Only 4wd will do that.
does anyone have experience or opinion on this in terms of performance, maintenance and long term reliability
i usually keep cars well over 100,000 miles, my last nissan was a 89 maxima with 120,000 that my new driver daughter totaled the car was mint
I do dog/cat/wildlife rescue. Live in hilly country (live on a street of about 45 degrees...) often carry 700 pounds of dog food, etc. No snow, lots of rain from time to time. I drive about 20k or more anually. Frequently cart 4 large *65 lbs or more) dogs at a time.
Those of you that have an x, what ya think? I'd like to own a Suburban but the pricetag is just, well, about as affordable as buying the empire state building. Would appreciate your thoughts.
BTW.... any options you feel are indispensible? I'm hoping to go pretty simple... after reading the above, any way to have the dealer put on diff tires at purchase? Has anyone tried purchasing through a broker, v. a dealer? *help, i'm terrible at this*
I do dog/cat/wildlife rescue.
I was curious - do you get a tax deduction for buying a vehicle for doing your job, something like a home office deduction? It would seem to me that your employer ought to be paying for that kind of vehicle.
tidester
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The X is fine for getting around town, and downright awesome off-road. But if you spend lots of time travelling hilly, twisty roads, and not a lot of time off-road then I would say you should first spend some time in the X and take it for a week long test drive to see if it meets your needs.
I love my Xterra, and wouldn't trade mine for anything. But just going by your description it sounds like there are other SUVs that would meet your needs. Not saying the X is bad at all, just that you might consider other options with all the SUVs out there today.
But....if you haul stuff and also like to off-road once in a while too then the Xterra might be perfect for you. I find it to be the perfect combination of a daily commuter vehicle and weekend off-roader. Just my .02 cents....
Mindie
canyon53s
tidester
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Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
bought for the following reasons. Ruggedly
built and excellent price. I am not an off-roader
but am tired of many cars falling apart in <100K
miles. My rational is that the Xterra was built
for trails and since I will not go off-road, it
should give me a gooooood loooong ride.
Though it is not a rocket, I consider acceleration
completely acceptable. Yes, the ride is somewhat
trucklike but it is designed to be. This is an
EXCELLENT vehicle and Nissan has hit the ball
VERY FAR relative to Liberty or Escape. You
simply can't compare them.
My only concern is gas mileage. On my first
two tanks, I averaged 13-14 mpg on highway with
cruise control set at 75-77 mph.(Chicago>
Minnesota on clear roads) I have read previous
posts here and at www.xterraownersclub.com and
this may be normal but I am hoping for better
gas mileage as the engine "breaks in". Has anyone
else experienced improving mileage as the car
"breaks in"? For my return trip, I will set
cruise to 70 mph and post my results.
Has anyone else checked highway mileage related
to cruise control regulated speeds? I would
really like to get upwards of 15mpg more for the
range of a tank than the expense of the fuel.
(I have a big bladder and HATE to get off the
road to gas up!)
It may be early but I know I'm going to love this
truck!
Mark
As for the cruise control, I find that mileage is not as good when using it. You'll notice that somtimes when the X is climbing a hill the cruise control will really kick in and send the rpm's way up in order to maintain the set speed. This burns gas (more then you'd would think). If you were driving without the cruise you'd probably lose a little speed at first when you encountered the hill and then you'd slowly accelerate to get up the hill - not mash it.
Others may have different experiences, but when I use the cruise I use it for comfort/convenience and not to improve mileage.
Congrats on your X and have fun with it!
http://www.truckworld.com/4x4-OffRoad/01-tokicoxterra/tokico-trek-master.html
That didn't turn off the light. I read tonight on another site, another 2002 owner had a faulty purge volume control valve. I am suppose to drive to a wedding out of town tomorrow. Is this safe until Monday? I called the dealership and, of course no one is in service tonight. ANY SUGGESTIONS? THANKS so much! maureen
maureen.. if you just tightened the gas cap ( 3 clicks ).. it takes a few start ups to clear the light, you still might be OK. Try that tonight
As far as the purge volume control valve... dunno.. sorry.. hopefully you can get your dealer before you leave.
I eased up to 70mph. Gas mileage improved from 13 up to nearly 16. (After just 850 miles on the X) Also noticed that when driving at a steady 70mph and engaging cruise control (no grade), the gas pedal depressed slightly while holding speed. Agree with you that cruise control is not very efficient way to drive the X. Really lovin' the
Xterra!
When the light came on I looked it up in my manual and they said that it has something to do with the exhaust and if it is due to the gas cap, the light would go out after a few trips. I went on a couple trips and started my car about 10 times and the light never went off. The dealer said it has to be stopped and started around 30 times before the light will go off. My thing is what if the light comes on and you just think it has something to do with the gas lid and keep driving and there is something wrong with the vehicle? At least they reset mine at the dealer. I wish they had a different light besides "service engine soon" because it freaked me out; I remember when I first started driving years ago, lol, that my father said, if the service engine light comes on get to the nearest service station.
knows the bike that is part of the WC package?
I know it is a K2,, but which one?
The package overall seems from my comparisons to be fairly priced out.
In my opinion, the regular six is adequate if you get a manual transmission. The supercharger makes a big difference in power, especially in an automatic.
The supercharged models are tough to find, at least in NJ. I've only sold two of them. 4x2 are even harder. The resale on a 4x2 is in the toilet, unless you live in Florida or California. Its like trying to sell a car without air conditioning. You probably wont find them on dealer's lots, but you can always order one. It takes about 8 weeks.
I should also say that you can lease these pretty cheap. I remember the last time i did a worksheet on a supercharged, Chase had some ridiculously good program on it.
Sid
Comparing the Xterra to the CRV, RAV4, Escape/Tribute is kinda like apples and oranges. Those vehicles are very different from the X. They all have full independent suspension and aren't really meant to actually leave the pavement. I don't think any of them even have a low-range gear, do they? Those SUVs are more for street and urban cruising and probably handle better (like a car) than the Xterra on pavement. Off the pavement they aren't good for much and it's very easy to damage their car suspensions.
So it depends on what you're looking for. If you will probably never go off-road then there are probably better choices than the Xterra for getting around town (although the X does just fine). If you go off-road then you'll want the Xterra's solid rear axle and 2 speed transfer case so you can use the 4lo range.
However, now I find myself in a quandry. Do I buy a 2000 Xterra with the bells and whistles or do I purchase the 2002?
One dealer in my area has committed a price to me -- $23,800 for a 2002 4x4 XE with the S/C v-6 (excluding tax,title, license). But I'm wondering if I should wait on purchasing new until the redesigned X is released (I've heard 04 for the biggest changes).
Plus, the price for the 2002 I'm looking at is so close to what I could get a loaded 2000 SE (seen a couple offered for around $22,000 before negotiating). It would seem that spending the extra $2,000 for a new X would be worth it -- but I'm still torn.
Any wisdom from current Xterra owners????
Does anyone have any info?
I usually like older versions anyway, only because they have had time to iron out the bugs from the new ones.
For 2000$ and peace of mind, I'd go for the 02, you will never be sure how and where the 00 has been, and the Xtra bows and whistles won't matter much.