Is it safe for me to buy a Nissan Xterra?

2008 Nissan Xterra

What you need to know:

  • Nissan Xterra regular maintenance will be easy as service and suspension parts can be bought affordably at the local Nissan dealer. However, you will have a small challenge getting body parts such as lights and panels promptly, in the unlikely event of an accident. But that is not a show stopper.

Hello Paul, I drive a Toyota Mark ii Grande with a corner light. I would like to go for the Nissan Xterra. What are the benefits and challenges I am likely to encounter? Enock.

Hello Enock, if you are used to the Mark ii 3.0 litre engine power then the Nissan Xterra should meet your performance expectations. The Nissan Xterra, is a compact SUV built on a Nissan Frontier pickup plat form.

Xterra is larger than a mini sports utility vehicle but smaller than midsize SUVs. In terms of size, you will be upgrading to better ground clearance, stadium seating space and impressive 4WD off road ability courtesy of its stout body on frame. The Xterra will inspire confidence as you head into the wilderness.

The Xterra has two generations. The 1999-2004 and 2005 to 2015 when it was discontinued. It was very popular in North and South America for its flexibility. The second generation Xterra looks bigger, bolder and smarter than the first generation with better comfort, convenience, safety and 4WD system than its predecessor.

However, the first generation Xterra has a bigger and better assortment of engines to choose from: petrol - 2.4 litre KA24DE giving you 143 hp (horse power), 3.3 litre VG33E V6 engine delivering 170 hp, 3.3 litre VG33E V6 180 hp and my pick the exciting 3.3 litre Super charged VG33ER V6 which gives you an impressive 210 hp.

If you want some more fuel miles you can go for the diesel options: 2.8 litre Turbo diesel 4.07TCA which gives you 132 hp or the later 2004 2.8 litre TDI with a smoother quieter common rail fuel delivery system. The second generation Xterra’s better looks and innovative features (push button AC control, blue tooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls), modern comfort and safety amenities all mounted on the F alpha Nissan platform add value to this rolling real estate.

The 2005-15 model only offers one engine the 4.0 litre VQ40DE with VVTi so you will be treated to even bigger engine power and torque band courtesy of the whooping 265 hp. The drawback is the toll on your fuel wallet. Perhaps that is why it was only popular with the speedy petrol heads or those with a bigger fuel wallet whose priority is adventure in the wild, at any cost. PROX 4WD system rounds of Xterra’s rugged off-road capability well.

Nissan Xterra regular maintenance will be easy as service and suspension parts can be bought affordably at the local Nissan dealer. However, you will have a small challenge getting body parts such as lights and panels promptly, in the unlikely event of an accident. But that is not a show stopper.