Being one of the unlucky Xterra owners to have already had my vehicle rear ended by a tractor trailer in heavy construction traffic on a highway, I know the strength of the Xterra's front AND rear bumpers. I also know that the rear bumper crumpled (probably as designed), and the "plastic" end pieces popped off, and were used on the replacement bumper eventually installed by the body shop. The front bumper was pushed in and down by the vehicle I was pushed into by the semi(all told, replacement parts, and labor for the repairs was less than $700). I welcome the strength of the replacement bumper, but would also rather have an "option" of having just the bumper, and not the spare tire carrier. I like the look of the Xterra without the spare tire on the rear of the vehicle, and that's the way mine will stay.

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Butch & Lisa
LYLAMYM
'00 BLACK SE 4x4
I'm out here fighting for your right to burn that flag