Hello everyone. This winter is supposed to be bad and with my line of work I cannot miss too much time at work. My BMW M3 will not make it through the snow and I need a good reliable vehicle for the winter conditions and for when I go shooting up in the woods. Nothing TOO major in the realms of offroading where I go but still, nothing I should take my M3 through. I just want to know some trouble areas as well as maintenance issues I should be looking for. Also, what gas does the supercharged Xterra take? Assuming 91 octane at least, right? What about the N/A Xterras? I want to use mid-grade as Washington has some crappy gas prices and the drive TO work everyday (50 miles each way) will play a big role in my decision. I will NOT be getting the 4 cylinder Xterra, cannot stand slow! But any info will be appreciated. Already tried to browse through the forums and couldn't find anything that jumped out as problem areas. Thanks for the info guys and hope to come here often! I'll let everyone know what I get! But right now, looking at a 2003 Xterra SE, supercharged, orange, etc... Just have to find the time to go actually LOOK at it now.

for starters, do not buy an X if you want good MPG's,... Its not their way......

I have the SC model, yes you got to run the good stuff in it and my average mpg's sit right at 14, that was while I was running the non ethanol gas, havent done the numbers yet to see what if anything I lost since they took the non ethanol away, but it's a pretty safe bet that it wont be any better. whats the miles on the one your looking at,... the biggest thing to find out (if you can) is if the Timing Belt Job has been done yet. they say it should be done by 105k miles and includes all belts, water pump, t-stat, tensionor, seals etc..... but the other way of looking at it is, belts, like tires can dry rot, so , even if its under the 105k, its still reaching the 7 year mark, so may need to be changed anyway... the complete belt kit can be bought for right around $300 bucks at Courtesyparts.com. instal price? you'd have to find out , or spend a few hours doing it yourself. Also, I think I just heard today that there was a recall which included the 03's , but cant remember what it was for so look into that also. good luck.....

Thanks E207. I'm fairly mechanically inclined so I can do any work myself as long as it doesn't require TOO many special tools. If there are work arounds I can usually do it...

Gas mileage isn't TOO big of a factor for me as I can USUALLY squeeze out better numbers than most. But using premium makes that factor a little bigger... I'd like to use mid-grade whenever possible or even *gasp* regular! I've gotten 30 MPG in my M3 where as most people can squeeze 27-28 at most... As well as my Magnum R/T getting 28 MPG in a Hemi... All numbers are actual and not from any on board computer.

What about 2002 Pathfinder? Anyone have any clues on those? Seems the Pathfinder is a little less of an off-road vehicle and more geared towards soccer moms...

Yeah, the Pathy is now a soccer mobile.

The X is a frame based truck with at least a live rear axle, etc.

If you get the NON SC model, you can run regular gas (BUT do NOT run "Mid-grade instead, or premium, etc....its timed to run on regular best)

The SC has a few more ponies, but you pony up for them at the gas station, as the SC ponies eat ONLY premium.

I have a 2001, 5 Speed (Non-SC) 33" tires, lift, armor, etc....and average ~ 17-20 mpg.

You are correct in that some people get better or worse mpg via their driving style, and, terrain. (Climbing hills is of course harder on mpg...)

I average 17 mpg on mud tires like my LTB's and KM2's, and 20 mpg on BFG AT ko's. (All 33")

The X can get through stuff you would not BELIEVE...its a beast.

I Also have a Jeep Wrangler....but I off road the X, and the Jeep's the wife's DD.

Just something to keep in mind, in 2005 Nissan launched the 3rd generation Xterra. The 2004 and older's V6 (not SC) made about 180hp out of 3.3 litres. In 2005 they kicked it up to 4.0 litres and about 265 hp. If speed is a factor for you I would consider looking at a 2005 or newer.

I saw one yesterday I liked... It was an 06, BUT... It had 210k miles on it and the rear end howls a little bit. They are asking $9k for it... Does the 2006 have a timing belt or chain? The rear end howl doesn't bug me too much as that would be an "easy" fix... I am going to go and look at it again today and do a good thorough walk around. 210k miles doesn't bug me as long as maintenance has been done on time and they were all freeway miles...

Well guys, I found a 2005 Xterra with 58k miles, white, off-road package. LOVE IT so far... 6 speed, 4x4, etc... Love the options on it like the cluth bypass switch from the factory, etc... I'll try to post pics on it later...

Congrats, Enjoy it.