New Car Time

[KayakinBoy]

As some of you guys remember, Mrs. Kayakinboy was in a wreck in November... We've settled everything out with the insurance and bills and the doctor says she might start walking on her foot again in the next month, but she'll be in the boot thing for another 7-8 months.

Anyways, she's decided to get a car, she says to help the healing process, and even thought it's "her's" it'll end up being mine in a few years when we get married (No I'm not engaged, but we've dated for 3+ years) and I was just wondering if anyone owns a 2005-2006 Nissan xterra. We plan on getting an 06 SE and putting a brushguard on it, she thinks this will make her feel safe... anyone have anythoughts on this car?? ???

Thanks, KB

 

[Peekay]

A brush guard won't provide won't anymore safety, they look cool though. My brother has an Xterra ('03 I think), overall he likes it.

He really likes the truck frame and inside room; and for some reason he loves the spartan interior of the Xterra.

The things he doesn't like about it are the refilling costs and it is a little shifty in the rain like most trucks. I would check out the crash test ratings for SUVs, that would give you and her the biggest piece of mind when buying a new car.

 

[Gonz]

Same as Peekay said, go get a consumer reports and check out the crash test ratings for compact and midsize SUV's and use that as a big factor for her peace of mind.

As far as fuel consumption goes, unless you plan on towing alot, or really need to power, get a 4 cyl for it. It'll get you where you need to go without a problem, and will get much better gas mileage. I used to have a Tacoma with a 4 in it, and I never really regetted it or thought I just had to have the 6.

 

[geldor1]

I/we have a 2001 Xterra with a 6 cyl. I personally won't own another 4 cyl.

I like the room in the vehicle and the way the rear seats are stadium.

We had to take the thing in 3 different times when the power window motors burned out. :angry: They covered all under warranty. Then Nissan came out with a recall and they replaced all 4.

That is the only issue we've had (other than the wife blowing out both front speakers ). Other than that, I like it.

It's been on several 2500+ mile trips and it travels quite nicely.

 

[KayakinBoy]

Thanks for the input guys

We are getting the 6 cylinder and not the 4 due mainly to the fact we plan on getting a boat this summer (I want a motorcycle but I think i'll lose that fight )

A friend of mine in high school got a 2000 when they very first came out and that thing was heavy as a rock and slow because of it, that's another reason I wouldn't get a 4-banger, just because it'd be towed down. But they rock ass off-road. :thumbs:

 

[cookie_1978]

Just remember, the 2nd happiest day of owning a boat is the day you buy it, the 1st is the day you sell it. You are not married - get what you want -

 

[jgohlke]

On the boat towing issue....you may want to think about your boat before you buy the tow vehicle. We've owned a boat for 8 years and have used several different tow vehicles for it.

Here's some info on my experience....YMMV

We have an 18-Foot Searay, with the 4-cyclinder I/O motor. It just barely gets in under the 3000lb limit here in Florida for a boat/trailer combo that doesn't need trailer brakes. We used Ford Explorer's to tow it with (5000lb towing capacity, 6 cycl engine just like the Xterra) and it was ok...on flat ground. Kind of exciting if you had to make a quick stop. Towing in hills was a drag (Florida barely has hills compared with TN)...trying to stop coming down hill was more exciting than my wife liked...

The last trip of several hundred miles to the west coast (of FL) cooked the Explorer tranny. We needed a new tow vehicle.

I bought a Ford F-150 4WD pickup with the 5.4L V8, auto transmission. Surprisingly, gas mileage is only reduced from about 18-20mpg with the Explorer to about 14-16 with the truck (around town).

We also sometimes launch the boat at less than perfect boat ramps. The 2-wheel drive Explorer would often get stuck or spin the tires, even on concret ramps. Particularly if the ramp was steep and wet. I always carried a shovel. It's no problem with truck. With the beefier motor (more torque) and more aggressive tires, I haven't even had to use 4WD.

Genral towing is much improved too. I barely know it's back there. It goes, we don't have to worry about getting stuck, the truck sits up higher so I can back clear into the lake if I need to (I regularly submerged both the bumper and tailpipe on the Explorer) and the truck stays high and dry. Mostly importantly, when I need to stop, it STOPS! Being able to stop safely is easily the single biggest improvement in our towing situation.

Buying the tow vehicle first will limit your boat choices and you may find that you'll want a bigger boat than your tow vehicle can safely handle. Although the Xterra is rated at 5000lb towing capacity (the new ones, older ones are 3500) that is the max and not necessarily what you will feel safe towing.

Like most boat owners, I wish my boat was 2 feet bigger (and had 2 more cylinders)...maybe some day!

Cheers,
Joe

Also, tell the Mrs to get better, darn it! If she is still crutching around and can put some pressure on her knee, here's a gizmo that she might find useful. I used it for about a month, post foot surgery. It's called a "Roll-About" and I rented it from the local medical rental shop.

 

[KayakinBoy]

she was embarassed of the wheel chair, there's no way I could get her to use that thing, but thanks for mentioning it. that's pretty cool for around the house.

 

[Mr_Wolf]

Wife has an 03 Xterra, fell in love with it! Wants another one when the time comes. Funny thing was, this was going to be my next car! She heard me rant-n-rave about it, then I made the mistake of stopping by the dealer and test drive one....well, long story short, we drove HER new Xterra home that afternoon

Yes, get the 6 cyl, not the 4!

 

[Qualls07]

Same as Peekay said, go get a consumer reports and check out the crash test ratings for compact and midsize SUV's and use that as a big factor for her peace of mind.

As far as fuel consumption goes, unless you plan on towing alot, or really need to power, get a 4 cyl for it. It'll get you where you need to go without a problem, and will get much better gas mileage. I used to have a Tacoma with a 4 in it, and I never really regetted it or thought I just had to have the 6.

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The 4 banger in the Tacoma has enough pep if you arent towing anything, but the Xterra 4 hardly moves it, I would not feel comfortable driving one

 

[gregor22]

Honda Pilot, don't know about towing capacity, but this is an excellent vehicle. Also rates high in safety.

Gregor

 

[KayakinBoy]

Honda Pilot, don't know about towing capacity, but this is an excellent vehicle. Also rates high in safety.

Gregor

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we've looked and the prices on the new ones are ouragous! We've looked for used, but can't seem to find one she really likes... I've honestly begged her to get a Land Rover (discovery was my fav) but she won't even look, insurance rates are too high.