I am new to the forums, and to Nissans. I got an 02 Xterra SE 2 days ago, with 88k mileage and took it to the mechanic because I smelled coolant.
After running diagnostics, the bring me a laundry list of things they say "need" to be done to this car.
Any mechanic can take one look at me and size me up as an easy target, and it is true. I do not know anything about cars, don't plan on ever really working on them myself and wouldn't have the time anyways.
Back to my point- According to the mechanic---
-Needs to replace radiator $245
- Upper and lower radiator hoses $160
-Thermostat $160
-Major tune up $330
-Complete Timing belt- $650
-Valve cover gasket leaking $320
-oil change $23
-clean the battery (?) $20


seems excessive to me, but what do i know?
any ideas?