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Beauty, comfort, and reliability are the top priorities when shopping for a new car —particularly reliability. The last thing you want is to spend a fortune on your dream car only to keep visit the mechanic now and then.
Therefore, when looking into your next car purchase, you might wonder how trustworthy and secure your choice of the Nissan XTerra is, which is why it is SO imperative to know the Nissan Xterra reliability before going to the dealership. But is Nissan Xterra reliable?
Well, that is the reason for this post. I want to carefully lay out the Nissan XTerra’s reliability to show you how good or terrible it could be.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Is Nissan Xterra Reliable?
The Nissan Xterra is a small SUV that was initially released in 2000 and continued to be manufactured until 2015.
The Xterra has been out of production for a while, but it’s still a favorite among off-road enthusiasts and people looking for a reliable, tough SUV. What gives, though? What makes this “old school” car model so unique?
Xterra’s reputation as a dependable car is one of its main selling points. Given that the average reliability of car models is 57/100, Xterra’s reliability rating of 59/100 is quite good.
Of the 32 Nissan models, the Xterra is also ranked as the 9th-best car. That is incredibly amazing.
Off-road adventures were the inspiration for this Nissan model’s design. The car is well-suited for off-road excursions thanks to its 4WD system and high ground clearance.
The 4WD system on the Xterra is available in two configurations: part-time 4WD and full-time 4WD. It has excellent traction and stability on a wide range of terrains.
The vehicle can easily handle challenging obstacles thanks to its high ground clearance of 9 inches, which offers better approach and departure angles.
And the body-on-frame design of the Xterra is another factor that enhances its toughness and off-road abilities. Compared to unibody construction, body-on-frame construction allows the vehicle to withstand the rigors of off-road use better.
In addition, it enables increased payload, towing capacity, and GVWR.
The Xterra offers a variety of engine options for different levels of performance.
For instance, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 143 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque serves as the base engine. Although, the more potent choice is a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque.
Furthermore, the V6 engine offers a smoother and more powerful drive than the four-cylinder engine. The V6 engine also offers a six-speed manual transmission, but both engines have a five-speed automatic transmission.
Additionally, the steering, braking, and suspension systems are created to offer a secure and comfortable ride, both on and off the road.
Also, the exterior design has a bold, recognizable appearance and is rugged and sporty. 181.3 inches in length, 73.3 inches in width, and 72.8 inches in height are the measurements of the car. Its off-road abilities are aided by its aerodynamic design and 3,541-pound weight.
Xterra’s interior is well-thought-out, practical, and has an intuitive layout. It’s a fantastic vehicle for off-road adventures because the materials are tough and simple to clean.
Air conditioning, power windows, and a four-speaker audio system are standard features; however, a six-speaker audio system and a navigation system are available.
Despite the Xterra’s many positive features, a few common problems have been reported by some owners. The transmission and suspension of the Xterra are the most frequently mentioned problems by owners.
Some owners have complained that their transmission slips or doesn’t shift correctly, while others have complained that their vehicle bounces on rough roads because the suspension is too stiff.
However, these problems are frequently easily resolved with routine maintenance and are typically considered minor. Owners also frequently report issues with the electrical system, power windows, air conditioning, and other components, but these are less frequent.
How Long Does Nissan Xterra Last?
It’s important to understand that the mileage of any car, regardless of model, is purely subjective before you can respond to this issue.
Additionally, maintaining an automobile according to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and doing regular inspections will extend its lifespan.
Nevertheless, the Nissan Xterra should survive for about 200,000 miles.
According to research, some dealers claimed to have received Xterras with mileage between 225,000 and 300,000 miles for repairs.
Thus, we affirm that the Nissan Xterra’s lifespan will be determined by how its owner treats it.
Following the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in the owner’s manual is a major factor in Xterra’s lifetime.
Does Nissan Have High Maintenance Cost?
Nissan owners spend about $500 a year on maintenance and repairs. This estimate covers all necessary maintenance and repairs, both anticipated and unanticipated.
Nissan vehicles require less annual maintenance than the market average of $652 per vehicle. Depending on the Nissan model you drive, maintenance costs will change.
As part of the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule, your Nissan should get a basic inspection, an oil change, and a tire rotation every six months or 5,000 miles.
Finally, your car will eventually need more maintenance than what is included in the basic maintenance package.
Are Nissan Safe Cars?
Nissan received top safety ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).
In addition to performing well in crash tests, Nissan cars have several driver-assistance features that are intended to keep the occupants safe while driving. Nissan’s numerous notable safety features include:
- Advanced airbags
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blindspot detection
- Forward-collision warning
- High beam assist
- Lane departure warning
- Nissan Safety Shield 360
- Pedestrian detection
- ProPilot Assist
How Soon Should You Expect Rust On A Nissan Xterra?
Rust is a significant problem for the Nissan Xterra, just like many other cars. No matter the circumstance, the Xterra needs three to four years before rust or corrosion manifests.
This is unaffected by the environment the vehicle is in. However, it should be noted that rust will happen more quickly if the Xterra is frequently parked outside and exposed to the elements.
Rust can also spread if you rarely wash your car, especially if you live near the ocean or drive on salted roads.
Conclusion: Nissan Xterra Reliability
And that is that!
You should only partially avoid the Nissan Xterra because of the above-mentioned issues. To be fair, if every car manufacturer were examined, they would all have well-known issues.
Therefore, there isn’t a brand that is an absolute saint and always operates without a hitch.
However, opinions on Nissan Xterra’s reputation will differ depending on who you ask. The XTerra is a model with mixed reviews in terms of quality.
The good news is that you now know what to avoid and what to anticipate from the car you want to purchase.
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