Which Years Of Used Nissan Xterras Are Most Reliable?
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The Nissan Xterra is an excellent option if you’re in the market for a used rugged SUV with remarkable performance. The Xterra is a compact SUV primarily marketed as an off-road-oriented model with excellent towing capabilities. In addition, it’s a truck-based SUV designed to be a less-expensive alternative to the Pathfinder.
Unfortunately, the Nissan Xterra was discontinued in its 2015 model – a piece of news that many Nissan fans didn’t appreciate. Therefore, if you’re looking to buy a used Xterra, you only have a few model years to choose from. However, since you’re purchasing a discontinued SUV model, reliability plays a critical role when buying used.
What is the most reliable year for Nissan Xterra? Today, we will walk you through two generations of the Xterra and determine which models are worth buying, used or not. Let’s take a look.
2000-2004 Nissan Xterra (First Generation)
Unlike most vehicles, the first generation of the Xterra was reliable and offered good value considering their affordability. Below are some of the most noteworthy models from the first-generation Xterra.
2000 Nissan Xterra
The debut model of the Xterra is quite reliable, and many are still on the road today. Many owners claim they were able to clock in 200,000+ miles on their Xterra after owning it for more than a decade. Most of the feedback revolves around the 2000 Xterra’s reliability, towing capacity, and ability to go anywhere. On the other hand, the main complaint about this SUV is its less-than-ideal fuel efficiency, with only 17 owner-reported MPG.
A used 2000 Xterra will cost you around $3,000 - $3,575, making it an excellent value for prospective buyers. This should be a great first car for young drivers.
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2001 Nissan Xterra
The 2001 model is another of our top picks for the most reliable year for Nissan Xterra. The 2001 Xterra delivers in terms of reliability, versatility, and towing capacity. As such, the 2001 Xterra is an excellent family vehicle that can take you onto the off-beaten path. However, you have to keep in mind that you’re buying an older truck-based SUV, so there are bound to be reliability glitches and other trouble spots like fuel economy and electrical issues.
Still, the 2001 Xterra may cost you around $3,100 - $3,750, so you’re still looking at a tremendous value proposition.
2003 Nissan Xterra
With earnest care and maintenance, the Nissan Xterra will last you for a long while – the 2003 Nissan Xterra is no exception. In terms of reliability, the 2003 Xterra has an impressive track record. For instance, it received the “Pretty Good” seal of approval with only 100+ complaints and three recalls under its belt. But then again, you’re dealing with a decade-old SUV, so maintenance and parts can be tricky and expensive.
According to Consumer Reports, a used 2003 Xterra will cost you around $3,300 - $4,450, and its poor fuel economy holds it back.
THE NISSAN XTERRA YEARS TO AVOID
Some model years are less reliable than others: here are the Nissan Xterra years to avoid so you can make the best decision during your car shopping experience.
2004 Nissan Xterra
The last entry for the first generation, the 2004 model, is yet another solid option if you’re looking for the most reliable year for Nissan Xterra. Like the 2003 model, the 2004 Nissan Xterra was awarded the “Pretty Good” seal of approval by CarComplaints.com. It does have some mechanical complaints, such as transmission failure, cracked radiator, and coolant leaks. However, these complaints seem more like isolated incidents than widespread issues.
2005-2015 Nissan Xterra (Second Generation)
The second generation Xterra had a larger size and looked more civilized, but it’s still a solidly built SUV with excellent off-road capability. Below are the standout models in reliability.
2009 Nissan Xterra
If you’re going for a second-gen Xterra, we recommend skipping the first four models, namely the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 years. These models have many mechanical issues and complaints; you don’t want to deal with such headaches. Go straight for the 2009 model year for the serious off-road prowess, potent V6 engine, and innovative cargo features.
The 2009 Nissan Xterra received a lot fewer complaints than the previous four models, and many of its issues are minor in comparison. With that said, fuel economy is still a concern for this model.
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2010 Nissan Xterra
The 2010 Nissan Xterra offers a similar ownership experience to the 2009 model. Dubbed “one of the most livable trucks in its class,” the 2010 comes with a powerful V6 engine, top-notch off-road capabilities, and smart cargo features. Unfortunately, the 2010 Xterra doesn’t quite deliver in terms of ride quality, and fuel economy leaves much to be desired at 18 mpg.
Despite its issues, the 2010 Xterra remains one of the more practical truck-based SUVs in the segment. According to Consumer Reports, it has an owner satisfaction rating of 3.0 out of 5.0 and a price range of $6,825 - $9,200.
2013 Nissan Xterra
There’s a lot to love about the 2013 Nissan Xterra. It’s a solid off-road SUV with the spirit of the old Jeep CJ but with more reliability. No wonder it’s also one of our top picks for the most reliable year for Nissan Xterra. As usual, the 2013 Xterra offers top-notch off-roading chops, but many drivers were not thrilled by its on-road performance.
Over at CarComplaints, the 2013 Nissan Xterra only has nine complaints, and its top issue is an “uneven tailgate.” Therefore, the 2013 Xterra is worth the investment if you want a newer SUV without breaking the bank.
THE BEST USED MINIVANS ON THE MARKET
When it comes to hauling a lot of people and cargo, the minivan is hard to beat. We’ve factored in reliability, affordability, and functionality to create this curated list of the 8 best used minivans on the market today.
2015 Nissan Xterra
To the dismay of Nissan fans, the 2015 model marked the last entry of the short-lived truck-based SUV. Despite being the final production model, Nissan played it safe with the 2015 Xterra by not adding significant changes and staying true to its roots: a capable, off-roading SUV. It comes standard with a powerful 4.0-liter V6 engine, so you’re covered in terms of raw power.
Unfortunately, up to the bitter end, the 2015 Xterra struggled with poor fuel economy, firm ride quality, clumsy handling, and subpar interior materials. Overall, the 2015 Xterra had very few complaints regarding reliability, and many of its issues are no big deal.
What Reddit Says About the Best Year of the Nissan Xterra:
The Xterra was known for its rugged durability and tank-like construction, but does it translate to better reliability? Below are the comments and experiences by owners from Reddit:
A pretty good rundown of Xterra generations and years and their issues:
Comment
by from discussion
inXTerra
An advice to avoid the older units of the Xterra SUV:
Comment
byu/Street-Management-75 from discussion
inXTerra
It’s not surprising to find high-mileage Xterras like this one:
Comment
byu/Sgt_45Bravo from discussion
inXTerra
This person recommends the 2nd-gen Xterras:
Comment
byu/Llamaicous from discussion
inXTerra
The Xterras have a legendary reputation for reliability, and many owners would concur.
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