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Comments
They raised the seat level!! Yupper... no idea why, but that's where the lack of entry room came from.
So I was pretty excited about upgrading this year to the 2005 and went for a couple of test rides. Now I'm really bummed.
PROS: Nice power plant, though I have no complaints with the old one. This one claims better mileage. Still a great unique body style... a little more squared this year. Back to a preferred emergency brake lever on the middle console (not under dash)
CONS: No six speed manual in the SE (I was "converted" to a manual three years ago and I love it... you drive, not ride). No sunroof anymore. All plastic door panels (no more fabric inserts to add warmth). The stereo is now above the climate control so the sun totally obscures the dark brown on tan display (also due to the awkward mounting angle). The Rockford Fosgate stereo can't hold a candle to the past BOSE system, sub-woofer or not... it's very middy and harsh, and the sub is annoying under the driver seat. (I'll get my thrills other ways tks :-) The BOSE also has a fabulous system that prevents clipping distortion... I question the Fosgate power claims. They replaced the fabulous and easy to operate steering column mounted stereo and cruise control "meaty" buttons with horrible little "mini" multi-switches on the steering wheel face you struggle to identify. All the carpeting is gone from the rear... if I wanted a pick-up, I'd buy one. Now nothing stays put in the back, and it looks cheap. And as posted previously, the seat is higher making entry a head banger.
NISSAN, what the heck did you do to my favorite SUV? You went cheap on the inside is what you did... I am so disappointed. I find it difficult to believe these are claimed "improvements" suggested by Xterra lovers. So now I wait for 2006 and continue to enjoy my 2002. (and still an incredible ride w/o a single rattle or squeak)
Personally, I think the Xterra rocks in almost every way except looks. I like the steering wheel controls, the carpetless back, and I'm only 5'9", so I have no headroom problems. Add to that the locker, the ground clearance, the clutch interlock defeat, the VDC, the ABLS...nothing can touch it for all around capability on and off road for any price. At least until the Toyota FJ hits the market in another 18 months.
Stability Control: Either Save My Life or Stay Out of the Way (Inside Line)
Steve, Host
Stability control is another gimmick that I dont need. Slow down is the only sure bet in bad road condition. Being a longtime software engineer myself, I know first hand that you dont want to push your luck with the stablilty control.
4rider has the right idea, but no one slows down either.
Steve, Host
Mine should arrive mid April.
Won't know if it will have VDC until it gets here. Nissan says it will give me a credit if it doesn't. Anyone gotten a credit for this?
Thanks
I appreciate your view of the 2005 shortcomings, but I found the vehicle to offer so much more than comparable vehicles. Very few vehicles in its class have the hardware, performance, or luxury and styling of the new Xterra. Good luck to everyone.
I think it will be awhile before we know how tough the running gear is on the '05. It is all brand new.
I have personally experienced the very bad characteristics of ALB. I live on a dirt road with a 20% grade on a switchback. On snowy days, I've had my WRX go over 150 feet with the brake pedal down and the ALB buzzing like mad. The car PICKS UP speed when this happens. I always end up aiming for a snowbank. My cars without ALB will stop by pushing up a berm of snow. We actually got rid of a Mazda minivan we had because the ALB were so dangerous on our road. If you look in your owner's manual, there should be a disclaimer about ALB being for control only, and that stopping distances will increase in some situations. It sucks. Manufacturers are afraid of lawsuits I'm sure, so there is no defeat switch, but usually one can be pretty easily wired in. I recognize that ALB is good in 99% of situations, but when you are picking up speed down a one lane road with absolutely no stopping power, that means nothing.
Newer cars have a cutoff speed below which ALB doesn't work. I think I read on the X that it is 3 mph. Of course, once you are going 4 mph, all bets are off.
I am interested in getting an 05 Off Road Xterra and wonder if a locker can be installed in the front differential??
It's too bad the Xterra doesn't work for me. I do like the rugged styling, high ground clearance, pwrful engine, 6 spd manual, and low low price. I am not sure how much budget I will have but if it's low I may get the base model Titan extra cab. In front, there are space for 3 and in the rear, it's surprisingly roomy. The Titan were on the ad for around $19000 before tax. That's a hard to beat value.
007
brad cook
brad cook
I am 6' and could stand to lose a few pounds, but I thought seating front and back was roomy and comfortable. Even though the Xterra does not have the most cargo capacity in its class on paper, just like in my wife's Forester, I think a squared off box shape gives you more real world space and utility as compared to some of the swoopier designs that have more cubic feet but less utility.
In my mind, the only competition in this size and price class is the Liberty and Sorento. While I like the Liberty (especially with the diesel in these days of high gas prices), there are issues with the cargo compartment. And my wife nixed buying a Kia, which I agree with as I am trying to break my habit of buying cars with high depreciation. In my mind, the Xterra is the last of the "real" SUVs, which is why I like it. Now if it only had a diesel...
Anybody have any answers out there?
Thanks!! Rich :shades:
I winced when I read that. Light, and UV in particular, isn't attracted by any particular material. The light that does impinge on materials may affect them in different ways, however. I just had to comment - carry on!
tidester, host
Steve, Host
I could not get a dollar amount from them.
It has these round plastic blanks where the fog lights should go, and I would really like to put in some nice driving/fog lights. Any recommendations for aftermarket lights?
Thanks in advance.
The Xterra is an Off Road 4X4 with 6spd. in Granite, Rockford radio, Floor mats, Micro filter, Auto-dimming rear view mirror and Protection Package. Splash guards too. Didn't want them but internet manager said they all have them especially around Wisconsin. Internet discount of $2400. I am paying tax, title and license of about $1400 up front in cash. Out the door price is $24,812. Seems like a good deal. Can't wait to get it. Hopefully will have it by May 14th. Will keep all of you posted. Now, any engine mods to hit the magic 300hp and 300lbft numbers?
Safe driving all.
Steve, Host
I just picked up my new Xterra on Monday the 16th. Overall, yes I like my new truck very much. Some small quibbles would be splash guards, hood deflector, and window deflectors came on the truck. And I paid for them. But I did not order the truck with them. Part of the hassle of doing a vehicle location. The other dealer installed the items and my dealer would not remove them. I already took off the deflectors. I think I will keep the splash guards on for now. I want to get a carpeted cargo mat since the floor back there is plastic and if you don't secure everything down it will slide all over. A cargo cover and auto dimming rearview mirror would be nice to get as well. I was supposed to have the mirror already but again it was not on my vehicle. The stick shift for me seems fine. I think getting to 6th gear takes effort but it is worth it for fuel economy. My last car had a 5spd. I think I forget that there is another gear. Reverse is to the right and down but to get to it you need to push down on the stick shift in order for the gate to let you in. When I picked up the truck the shifter seemed out of adjustment but it was dark out and I could not tell. The next morning leaving for work I noticed that the shifter boot was wrapped tightly around the stick. Unraveling the boot material did the trick! Now it shifts fine. Clutch effort is light and it seems to grab high. I haven't driven stick in over a year but have only stalled it once. My last car was an A4 1.8T with 5 speed. That clutch had a firmer spring and grabbed high as well. I do not have VDC on this vehicle. Guess they haven't phased it in yet on the manuals. I am not even sure if it has the ABLS feature. If I do I don't think I activated it yet. The VDC could be nice I guess but somehow I feel it could be one more thing to go wrong. Since I have the manual there is no hill descent control or hill start assist, two features with auto only. Speaking of the auto that was the vehicle I test drove and to me it seemed after hard acceleration the transmission was trying to catch up to the driver and get to the proper gear. For me it was somewhat annoying. I am not sure if the automatic is a 'learning' transmission or not and adapts to your style of driving but I found that trait somewhat annoying. By the way a Trailblazer felt he had something to prove the other morning and lets just say the Xterra put him in his place! Would love to see some performance parts. Can't wait for a supercharger kit or for one to come factory installed. Any other questions just ask! Safe motoring.
Brian