Purchasing an Xterra (1 Viewer)

[N22]

A family member is looking to buy an Xterra. Any one here have any experience with them?
What years are desirable? 1st or 2nd Gen?

I read of the early 2nd gens having tranny issues (2005-2007) and timing chain tensioner issues(2005-2009).

Anything else I should be looking for? Most I'm finding are between 100,000 and 200,000 miles.
I'm kinda leaning toward the 1st gen while they are looking at 2nd gens.

Any info on this is appreciated.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

I would prefer a manual transmission. Not sure what to look for, other than low original miles. 2005 up have the strawberry milkshake of death syndrome threat. Good luck!

 

[NMuzj100]

To me the SMOD is not a concern if you are shopping. The truck will have a working trans with clear fluid or it'll be a parts unit.

Once you own it it is easy to get a updated radiator without the problem or run a separate trans oil cooler.

Looking for a Xterra myself right now. They are going fast.

 

[NMuzj100]

We ended up purchasing a 2007 with 165,000 miles in Solar Yellow. You can pretty much spot it from space.

It may make me a Nissan fan - the 4.0L V6 has real pull.

I'll see if I can get Toyota longevity out of it with good maintenance. I already have a Denso Radiator to swap out because it has the dangerous Calsonic radiator still in place.