I'm looking to buy an Xterra or a 4runner very soon. I've got a couple questions I'd like you guys to answer for me.

How much horsepower does the 3.3l v6 make in the 04 model?

I'd be curious to hear from those of you who've owned an Xterra for a while what the reliability has been like.

Any recommendations on what to look for when I'm inspecting the vehicle before I buy? (I'm going to be buying private party most likely.)

Thanks for the help!!! Looking forward to owning an Xterra.

What are you doing with it?? Thats the question your going to need to answer before you get any replies.. Just a quick note. If you are going third party take it to a mechanic you trust and ask them to have a look at it..

I think the HP was about 180, its torquey though....and only needs regular gas.

The SC (Supercharged) versions have more than that, but require premium fuel.

There's no wrong answer between them...one may be more right for you depending upon what you plan to do with it.

I drive an '04 4X4 and my wife drives a '99 4Runner. We haven't had a problem with either one. Depending on what we're doing, we'll use one or the other. The 4Runner definitely has more horse power, faster pickup/acceleration, and better gas milage. The rear window can be moved up and down (Xterra's don't) which comes in handy for long stuff that needs to hang out the window a bit. We use the X for off-roading, getting to trailheads for backpacking, pulling our Sea-Doo,taking the kids to the beach, driving up to the mountains, etc. If you are choosing between a 4Runner and an X with about the same mileage, I think the Toyota will cost more. As far as style, the X has, by far, more personality (minus the '05's, which is an "Ele-Scape-ish" boxy-blob that blends in with every other car on the road--purely my opinion). When I have a choice between the two, I always drive the X!
Good Luck!

i have a 04 S/c and i love it...never had any problems and the power is great ...i have never needed anymore../you cant be a racer but it built for abuse and offroading...a top notch truck

I've had mine for just over a year, have almost 20,000 miles and so far the only problems have been the window regulators and heat shields. Nothing major!

what was happening with yours. mine might be doing the same thing. i just wanted to check.

I bought my x about 3 months ago and so far i love it. I made a trip from texas to california and it did great. I also have taken it on some trails and it climbs wonderfully. I am very pleased with it. ever since nissan came out with the xterra i have wanted one, so naturally i would recommend it to you. One of my friends owns a 04 4runner and he loves it as well. Like Terratup said, it will cost more, but you may like it better. as far as me, i love my x.

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to be offroading in it, and my wife will be using it to drive to work during the week. I had to get an automatic for my wife which bums me out, but it's really more for her than me.

Anyone here have the auto trans. and use it for offroading? If so, how's it do?

Auto here!

Love my slushbox!

x2

x3

x4

I've had both the stick and the auto and, for off-road applications, I really love the auto a lot better.

My windows were making horrible grating, squealing noises when raising or lowering. The heat shields was just a constant rattle when sitting at an idle.