School me on the Nissan Xterra

[Todd Black 88]

Yep, problem with the radiator slowly allows coolant into the transmission fluid, thus killing your transmission and Nissan telling you to pound sand.



And this.

I'm looking for a V8 06-09 as a tow rig.

This is the issue only affecting the post 04 year trucks right? And also only autos, or did the manual tranny trucks have the same tranny cooler in the rad issues?

Thanks guys, keep them coming, but do any of you have actual ownership knowledge of the truck?

[Exodus_2pt0]

As an ex Nissan tech, I only saw the trans/radiator issue on the 04+ Automatics. If it's not that though, its timing chain guides.

Manuals don't use a trans cooler.

[z31maniac]

This is the issue only affecting the post 04 year trucks right? And also only autos, or did the manual tranny trucks have the same tranny cooler in the rad issues?

Thanks guys, keep them coming, but do any of you have actual ownership knowledge of the truck?

The radiator issue is basically all 05-13. I never saw the issue, but I only had mine from 5 miles to 20k. My buddy just crossed 90k on his, getting ready to replace the radiator and the transmission.

It's a well known issue.

[Exodus_2pt0]

Everyone I saw had it go around 80k.

[z31maniac]

I guess if you could find one with low enough miles, then bypass the radiator cooler and install an external you'd be OK. But there are a lot of other problems.

My biggest complaint with mine was the horrifically cheap interior materials.

[Todd Black 88]

I am looking at a 5 speed 05 with 150,000 kms/90,000 miles. The tranny won't be an issue, but not sure of the chain and guides. I will make sure to ask, and listen carefully.

[N2MYE30]

Ive had my 2002 supercharged se 4x4 auto for 10 years. Dead reliable after putting 90K on it. If your only looking at the 2nd gen then I wont go further about my experience.

[Todd Black 88]

No, I am looking at both generations, so please continue on.

[N2MYE30]

I like everything about my X except the gas mileage...14mpg no matter what. Only premium gas. Mine has sunroof, cloth seats, and tow pkg, No rockford fosgate but thats ok because I literally have a new Sony to put in this weekend with all the modern stuff in it. I can wait!

One of its major fault is its exhaust manifolds. Known to crack and aint easy to get to. I punted this work to someone else and glad to. Nissan updated the manifold so the new parts are suppose to be better. The money I save doing my e30 stuff, ill sent this out. If you do go for a 1st gen, listen for an exhaust leak coming from the manifolds especially when cold.

Last year I did the 110k maintenance work a bit premature as it brings me to its 2nd major fault. The knock sensors go bad, and throw up a cel and retards the engine. Just change them out you say? Nope, its under the intake manifold! Ive read that its easier to get to the rear spark plugs when doing that too so I did everything at one one shot. No regrets.

I have slept in the back of mine. It sleeps as you would think. I like having the option of putting my mountain bike inside upright. Its been on a sandy beach with no problems. Tows great. I actually like the interior, very simple. The original paint still shines great.

Like nissan said it....everything you need and nothing you don't.

BTW, the supercharger does make a difference in power and sounds great!

[Todd Black 88]

Is it worth the premium fuel price premium?

Is the exhaust issue on the s/c versions only?

Did your black plastic body moldings/grill fade to shit?

[N2MYE30]

It recommends premium.

I think the knock sensors changes the gas mix and breakers down the exhaust manifolds faster. Can't remember if it effects all models.

I painted all the trim black. I like it better.

[Exodus_2pt0]

I think the knock sensors changes the gas mix and breakers down the exhaust manifolds faster. Can't remember if it effects all models.

Don't trust the knock sensor. It won't throw a CEL on those so you can't really be sure it hasn't gone bad unless you scan for codes... Every time you drive it.

Used to sell timing belt packages and knock sensors at the same time. 3 out of 5 times the knock sensor was dead by 80k.

If you go S/C, run premium.

[N2MYE30]

Codes read bad knock sensor. I reset them and it came back. One they were off the X, it was verified to be bad. The cel read o2 out of range iirc.

[Exodus_2pt0]

Hmm... Maybe they did the S/C model differently for that reason.

I know I never saw one with a CEL from just the knock sensor. The code would be in the computer, but no light. That said, there weren't many S/C models coming through the shop.

[Todd Black 88]

I think I worded my question wrong.

Is the increase in cost for premium fuel on the SC version worth it, or would you get a non SC version.