Hi all, based on one of Scotty's vids, I was looking at later model Xterra's, I love the functionality/room, but the mileage scares me....as well as some of the sale prices...But I think that would be my ideal....
I really wont be doing much off-roading, maybe drive on a beach some day or dirt roads....Most of my use unfortunately will be around town/commute....More interested in room, toughness...like for weekend getaways, maybe camping and to throw things on top/inside without worrying...a bike, maybe a borrowed kayak
I have been struggling between the more refined SUVs like Santa Fe, CR-V, RAV...and others like Xterra//4Runner....I even thought of Ranger quad cab based on Scotty's vids regarding Ford pick ups. And trying to keep my upkeep costs low and purchase price around $16K.
*Appreciate any advice...or warnings.
If I fall back into the better mileage, more refined "UTes"....I was looking at 2015/16 Santa FE since appears to have better capacity than Tucson and some better write ups. Have seen a few concerns on Hyundai, but also a lot of praise. Seems like you get more for your buck with these vs. RAV or CR-V. Also heard some mixed things about CRV, I believe Scotty mentioned their transmissions in a vid I watched, but am sure long haul better than Hyundai.
I like buying used with more bells/whistles than newer and bare, btw. Not sure I can give up my sunroof/powered seats...defn not give up lumbar support, lol.
Thanks!!
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Nissan/Xterra/
Make sure to look for the most problematic years.
I would avoid anything from about 05 to 08.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Nissan/Pathfinder/2009/
I would also consider the 09-12 Nissan Pathfinder as I believe it is the same vehicle as the Xterra in those years @r4nier could clarify.
Of course nothing beats a 4runner in reliability though
Skip Hyundais, skip Kias models! Those are not SUVs, … they just pretend to be.
RAV4, CRV, those are a light SUVs - I wouldn’t call them SUVs of the type you are hinting you are looking for, … too light. That leaves XTERRA/4RUNNER, … plus trucks. I would look into those, … find a good one that you like. Check it thoroughly before laying out the cash, and be done with it! And, … if I were you, I wouldn’t take any of my vehicles onto the salty-water beach, … just sayin’.
F.S.
The xterra is a nice suv.. the mileage may be a little less than the others but the 4.0 is an awesome engine
it is rwd right? The transmissions are better than normal Nissan cars? Do you see less transmission failures on these than lets say an Altima or Rogue?
Just butting in, … forgive me: XTERRAs, Pathfinders (Japanese made) are excellent vehicles, RWD/AWD, … doesn’t matter. They just run, … all they need is prescribed service. You find a good one, … you will be very happy. Pathfinders are more luxurious - coil suspension vs. leave springs in the rear. Even automatics are reliable, unless the ATF cooler at the bottom of the radiator was not disconnected - there was recall on that! Plus, … there is that Infiniti-badged Pathfinder: more luxury inside, … look for that one, too!
F.S.
Those trans are pretty well bulletproof along with the engine. To weigh on the side of caution with earlier years I would recommend the external transmission cooler to eliminate the possibility of an intermix problem down the road
If you want to go used, get a Tacoma for 16k. The price will be better for resale. You can sometimes improve gas mileage, the Xterra was mostly a good car.
