I don't know too much about this so here are my questions...

1) My BF Rugged Trail TA's (17") lasted 50,000. Is that good..not so good? My nissan dealer told me I'll need new ones at the next oil change which is at the 50k mark.

2) Any recommendations of where to go/what to buy when i do? The dealer wants $188 a tire.

I have a '04 xterra se 2wd which I treat (and it looks) immaculate. I don't go off roading or anything. Thanks for your input and time!!!

BFGoodrich® Rugged Trail T/A P265/65R17

At costco run $147.99 / Fitted & Balanced.

So even if you don't have a costco membership and need to pay the $40 for one. You'd still save yourself $120.

$116 each mail order from Tire Rack. + Shipping etc.
Tire Rack Clicky

Nice Find Rog!

Ya, 50K miles are pretty good for those tires, mine were rather worn by 30K, but I also used them for offroading too, until I bought a set exclusively for going off-road.

As far as selection, good luck. The Stock size is very limited, however if you go a bit bigger (265/70/R17) which is about an inch taller, you have a lot more to choose from (66 tires on Tire Rack vs. 18 for 265/65/R17), but now you have a descrepency in the Speedo (at 60MPH you'll really be going 62MPH) and Tire places may not want to deviate from stock sizing, unless you take just the wheels down to them for the tires to be installed.

Whatever kind of tire,go to Discount Tires,and buy the replacement certificates.They've already replaced three tires [one blow out,two trashed by rocks]no questions asked.I run the BFG a/t,these seem to be a good compromise between off road traction and highway quietness.

Thank you all for your input! Makes things so much easier. Good fortune to you all!!!