I'm in the process of buying a 2001 Xterra SE (V6 4X4), but it has an automatic trans. It's low mileage and very well maintained. This will be my daily driver but I want to do some beginner off roading. My question is will an Automatic trans do ok on an xterra that will have some minor off roading once a month-ish and alot more paved miles? Or should I look around more for a manual trans? Just looking for some opinions. Thanks

what i gather from reading others posts on this subject.. is that auto trans actually do better off-road than manuals.. manuals tend to burn out gears faster.. im sure someone with more knowledge will chime in as well..

Personal preference. Just make sure it is in good shape.

Whatever you get you will have a great time.

Yes, definetly...and since you are a beginner off-roader, I would strongly recommend an automatic Tranny...it will be better for you to learn in a Automatic, it's alot of fun also...Dooo it!!!

There also isn't a handbrake so going up steep hills can be intimidating offroad. Another advantage to having an automatic is towing capacity 5000 lbs vs. 3500 lbs.

I love my auto.X off road.

Don't quote me on it...
But, I got an auto when I bought my 02 X because it had a higher towing capacity. I believe that manuels were reated for 3,500 lbs and the Autos were rated for 5,000 lbs. Sound to me like the Autos are tougher