I haven't bought my Xterra yet -- still gathering info and deciding what to buy. I noticed that Motor Trend tested an automatic trans for their 2006 SUV of the Year award. I loved my Jeep Wrangler with manual trans, then I went to an Isuzu Rodeo with auto trans, and now I'm thinking it would be better to go back to a manual with a new 2006 X. It just seems like a better way to go offroading using a stick. My buddy in South Africa is a die hard Land Rover guy, but I can't afford one. The Xterra seems like a great value.

Welcome

If you do a search you can pull up a lot on auto
versus stick. Try this link for examplle

http://www.xterraownersclub.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=78;t=000936#000007

Need to go test drive both and see which one you lik best.

manual seems to get the job done in low range as 1st gear is about a 40:1 crawl ration on the offroad package.

strange that reverse is not at low as first. I stalled it once trying it out going uphill in reverse.

other than that, the economy is always something I hate to give up just to have a slushbox do the shifting for me... not to mention the $900 you save by not purchasing that option.

but really, the high tech variable cam timing and intake make the power and torque broad enough to make driving stick real easy.