Ive had many sleepless nights recently. I am trying to sell my VW jetta 1.8t and wanting to pick up something a bit...larger. Being I have fallen in love with the wife's OS I would like to stick with Mitsu, but Nissan has always had a soft spot on me. I am looking at either a 2001-2006 Montero, or 2002-2006 Nissan Xterra. Does not need to be 4x4. We bought a 5x8 trailer to haul the dirt bikes and camping gear around and just feel like I am beating up her new ride....Any one have any previous experience with either? I have read scary reviews on the newer Xterra's about cracking radiators. Have not read too much bad stuff about the Montero's. Both are V6's, I think the Montero is a 3.7 and the Xterra is a 4.0L. Not looking to spend more then about 6k. I can grab a pretty decent Montero Limited for about 5k, the 02 Xterra's all day here in Phoenix for 3-5k, but the newer Xterra's, (05-up) are around 6-8k for a 4x2.

Thanks guys as always!

 

Both would be nice. Our second car is 2003 Murano owned since new and it's still in amazing shape so I'm partial to Nissan. I've always love the Xterra and know people who have had good luck with them. One thing to remember is up to the 2004 they used a 3.3L V6 that really guzzled gas and also used a timing belt not chain. Only had about 170hp as well. The '05 and beyond had the 4L which is just a longer stroke version of their 3.5L V6 which is widely recognized as one the best engines ever built, I have the 3.5L in my Murano. All that being said, the Montero just looks cooler, there's hardly any of them up here.

 

Thanks for the response, the Murano is one that didn't cross my mind. I do love the Xterra's. Just seems like a lot of people are having this radiator/transmission issue, where the coolant gets into the tranny....I found an awesome 2002 Montero Limited, 4x4 but has 165k on it.

 

We had a 01 Montero LTD..hands down one of the best vehicles we've ever owned..wish I could find a nice low mileage one.

 

I had a 05 xterra. Loved it. But Nissan did nothing to fix fuel sending unit and the transmission. The tranny is a big deal breaker. Mine started well after I had passed my warranty. Thing is they knew the radiators where causing the issue. I bypassed the oil cooler on the tranny,but the damage had been done. Still drove till the day I traded it.

 

I'm really leaning towards the montero. Have read nothing but greatness from reviewers. I found the baby about an hour south of me. Has 165k but only a two owner and clean carfax.
And…its $4900 👍

http://www.autonationhondatucsonautomall.com/bargain/Mitsubishi/2001-Mitsubishi-Montero-1cbe22f00a0d04d30237ef11f24ad714.htm

 

Ugh.....you guys are really lucky down there not having salt all over the roads rotting cars up here past 8-10 years old. That thing looks brand new. If the engine still pulls/idles well, tranny shifts fine and brakes/steering/suspension feel good. It's a bargain.

 

I dealt with that for 10 years in Missouri and said enough was enough!! Been in Phoenix the last 5 years now .......That Montera does look great. It spent its first 140k in California and from service records..previous owner took pretty good care. But we will see, just because the tires look shiny, doesn't mean it runs good. May take a trip down this weekend...On a side note, if any one is in the Phoenix area and wants a 1.8t jetta for 2k let me know!

 

Welllll… went and looked at a nice 06 xterra last night. Test ride was amazing! I'm gonna say, why doesn't the OS come standard with a V6! This thing pulls! Put a deposit on it so they'll hold it over the weekend. Here's some shots from their website. Found a lot of threads about guys doing a tranny line mod. Only concern is timing belt and when/if it's been done yet ��

 

After they switched from the 3.3L to the 4L, I believe in '04, they went to a timing chain not a belt. So you're good there. Nice choice. What's the tranny line mod? Is it run to the rad?

 

Ya your pretty much swap the lines and make the radiator a closed loop system keeping any chance of coolant going into the tranny. This guys Sums it up pretty well.

http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthr...5/topics/25955

 

I had to do this on my 05. I dont think Nissan ever directly fixed the issue which was the radiator. Once you do the bypass mod, you should be in good shape, with that being said if there isnt any existing damage.

Being as hot as it is where you live, since you will be bypassing the tranny cooler you might want to put a stand alone cooler on the tranny. I seen some of the guys wire it up to just a switch...You may not need it but since you live a hot climate it might be a good idea.

 

As I do plan on towing with this car and the summers in Phoenix are awesome! I plan on getting this soon.

http://www.etrailer.com/product3.asp...eid=2009756192

 

Pickin' her up tomorrow AM!