...I am actually tempted to buy a 2008 Xterra with the intent of putting it in the shop right off the bat
Pretty solid trucks as long as they are taken care of.
Here are a few things I experienced and learned about:
- The old dreaded faulty factory radiator can destroy the transmission. (Suggest a new radiator immediately)
- The timing chain guides can wear out prematurely. (That is a monumental job to fix. Not shadetree friendly)
- The IPDM can go south because of corrosion, but I think an OEM one goes for 200-300 on ebay.
- You must use the OEM T-stat, as an aftermarket will make the engine run a lot hotter.
- The passenger side valve cover can leak. Not too difficult of a fix and the OEM valve covers are cheap. (50.00 ish)
- The Camshaft Position Sensor on the passenger side head is not fun to get to if you have big hands.
- Oil changes have a little drama rolled in with them, if you have big hands.
Other than those main issues, I enjoyed our 07. It got 16 city, 21-24 hwy.
It was 2wd and it was a solid truck. It handled snow very well and had some serious pep with that 4.0L V6.
It was a bit swifter than our old 95 nissan maxima.