2005 Nissan xterra Drive and Review

[@Ricky16317]

I really wanted a good 3rd gen 4Runner but they all cost roughly double a comparable 2nd gen Xterra when I was still looking around. I got an '05 Off Road about a year ago and honestly I couldn't be happier with it! It does have its issues, but its reliable and goes anywhere I'll ever need it to go. I actually like all the plastic too, makes it much easier to clean after a trip, and the 6 speed manual in mine is one of the best manuals I've ever driven

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Yep thats what Ive been saying. I do see the practicality aspects of the plastic thats for sure. Save the manuals!

[@davidsears5176]

I don't know if it was marketing or what, but it seems like the Xterra is the one everyone forgot to consider. It is a bit spartan, but I don't think people realize it's actually Nissan's spin on the old Jeep ethos. Simple, no frills, but VERY capable offroad SUV. Cloth seats and plastic interior, but the Offroad/Pro-4x has a nice push button rear locking diff. It has a full box frame. Plenty of power and torque. To quote Han Solo, 'She may not look like much kid, but she's got it where it counts'. The nice things about the Xterra are not on display. Maybe that was it's problem?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Completely agree

[@louieep3400]

The han solo quote made my day 🤣👍🏽

[@protoman1214]

They are selling one near me, 4x4 manual, one owner.... 126k miles for 4500$ The outside is in perfect condition... pretty tempting.

[@DrewAlphaable]

Good video review and many excellent points. About the interior - The Nissan xTerra was specifically designed for rugged off-road use as a competitor to the Jeep in the late '90s. The interior is is the way it is because it was meant to be easy to clean, easy to maintain, easy to upgrade, and entirely utilitarian. Additionally, the xTerra was meant to be an affordable entry into the off-road world, for the money, it's hard to beat the low cost of ownership as it is a low maintenance and high capable vehicle. I was really sad when Nissan discontinued the product line in the U.S.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

I agree/understand about the interior, just not my favorite.

[@andrewtrejo5237]

Just bought a 2005 one, wish me luck! 140k miles. Original owner and did all the maintenance

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Sounds good!

[@daretutorial]

How's your xterra 05 doing? Interested in buying one.

[@andrewtrejo5237]

@@daretutorial it's good! Not problem whatsoever

[@anthonyperez589]

@@andrewtrejo5237 I have an 06 xterra with 178k miles. I’m in Chicago where the salt eats under the car but other than that runs nice for the v6. It’s a rear wheel drive with 4x4 not sure on the trim I think off-road. My bad long ass message

[@panamdragonboat]

Bought my '07 Xterra 4x2 in 2011 with 80000 miles. It had been in a front end collision so the radiator was replaced with a new generation one so I have no SMFH issues. Currently 225000 miles with synthetic oil changes every 10k miles. I tow with it regularly. Still going strong no issues. I'm in Florida so body and frame are like new. Looking to buy another one.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Awesome

[@Hpencer]

What kind of towing do you do? I want the off-road, mpg coolness of the xterra, but also able to tow about 5000 pounds, about a 20 foot RV potentially with gross weight of 5000. I would have a weight distribution hitch, sway bar links and brakes for the trailer.

[@manateeproductions310]

Just bought one it’s amazing so far

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Awesome

[@elonsus9747]

I just bought a 05 Xterra S 4x4 with 200k. I bypassed the radiator. Timing chain tensioners are dead silent, new cats. And I’m going to do the rear diff vent mod. So most of the issues are taken care of. Been doing some TLC to it. Love it.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

awesome

[@eminiscalperpro9729]

the cloth seats in the early 2nd gen is some of the best in this generation. I like the interior very much and it's easy to keep clean for the most part. I have an 05 with the manual trans and it's been very dependable and super versatile.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

The seats are very comfortable. A manual would be really fun

[@scottChapman25]

They are a lot less expensive than a Toyota. That's why the interior is, "plastic". Also parts are easy and cheaply replaced

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Youre definitely not wrong

[@robertpoirier8520]

I’m betting the toyota is not plastic? Right.

[@TubeYou7]

Other than being cheaper I believe one of the reasons they cited for it being all plastic is it makes it an easier to clean more rugged "off-road oriented" interior.

[@user-wo7rz3yn4o]

Not many vehicle interiors are anything but plastic/vinyl.

[@tejano2828]

I have a 2005 Xterra SE manual and we Love it it's a rear V6 very powerful and immaculate on the inside we have it in the garage mostly. I probably will never sell it currently at 98k it's my second Xterra both have been very good. If you find one especially the manuals below say 50k miles get it you won't be sorry.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

would love to have a go in a manual one for sure

[@alesan509]

Back in the 90’s, this car is featured in most 4x4 racing games. Side by side with the Isuzu Vehicross

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Aleo Jelo Coronado-Santiago that’s pretty funny actually, and pretty cool

[@ko6jay681]

I had a 2005 Xterra and now have the 2012 Xterra PRO4X. Love them! Not knocking 4 Runner, but too expensive for what you get

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

All sound reasoning!

[@davidsears5176]

I am here because I am about to pull the trigger on a 2012 Pro-4x. I take it you won't be talking me out of it...

[@scott8238]

My first choice was Toyota now it's Nissan. The cool thing about the Xterra is it sits on the Titan frame so you have the ability to titan swap suspension, engine and front diff, has locking rear dana 44, spicer transfer case and a dana front diff, plenty of power and most importantly no Toyota tax:)

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Yes that part is awesome. My dad was shocked when I told him we could Titan swap everything.

[@scott8238]

@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks The nissan community is very helpful for this and if have questions about swapping the the titan engine in check out driven desire if you haven't already. Good luck!

[@DonnieDeLo4577]

I just picked up a 2005 today! Let’s how it treats me! It has 188k miles and is my first car

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Awesome, good luck!

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

@@jawadbhuiyan1576 No its been great, the fuel pump/sending unit acts up sometimes so the gas gauge doesnt read correctly. Its a known issue with these. I have the same problem with my GX too, Im thinking it was an issue at that time due to whoever made all of them, DENSO???

[@uploadtime1780]

@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks if you haven't look into the radiator bypass

[@kiethj7]

@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks How is it now? Just bought an 05 with 190,000 on it. Seems to be solid so far considering I only paid $2,000. A steal in today's market

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

@@kiethj7 So far no issues, dad loves it.

[@shawntallman6263]

I have a 06 4x4 and love it

[@jasonyoung5913]

This has been a great 2nd car for me. It is my toy car. Not my daily driver I have an 05 that had 202000 when when I got it. I did end up having a antifreeze leak. I had to fix. I had a new chain belt on it. Because it was old and it was all in the same area. I do not have the off road package or i should say it is 4x4 but does not have skid plates nor rear differential. I did tent the windows and did a radio upgrade. I added a GMRS radio to it. It has been a great suv. What i would like to see i you could find someone who has done a furious over landing up grade 4x4. I am located in California bay area.

[@rrich52806]

IowA here Got a Pathfinder 2010. 90k. I had front end and shocks done, override add radiator, plugs and push bar n lights. $17k invested total.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Very nice

[@carlito7274]

Just bought a 2006 4x4 Xterra last week just because (sadly to say) a good Toyota 4runner cost almost twice as much.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Yep I believe that

[@smashmonster6760]

The 2005 through 2008 are the best years and can easily go 300k with little repair. They are gas hogs.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Dads has been pretty good on gas

[@scottharrisohn6972]

what happened for 2009?

[@Adeline9418]

I have a 2005 Ford Escape hybrid. My first suv. Love it. Really wanted an exterra but I think my escape kinda looks like it.

[@smashmonster6760]

The escape is 2/3 its size and looks like a Focus on a Ranger body.

[@Adeline9418]

@@smashmonster6760 thanks dude. You're probably 23.

[@smashmonster6760]

@@Adeline9418 What? With your reply, you don't have a car, you ride the short bus.

[@Adeline9418]

@@smashmonster6760 careful you're showing how immature you are. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@DonnieDeLo4577]

@@Adeline9418 Don’t let them bring u down lol. I juts picked up my Xterra today and I love it but those escapes are super cool to! They do look pretty similar and are close in size as well!

[@williamperri3437]

The reason I love my Rodeo so much is there's a lot of space in the cabin. The Xterra clearly has a much more reliable transmission but the first gen was just too small of a cabin. Is the 2005 second gen any more spacious in the front seat?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Yes it is

[@OscarSaul]

Thanks for the review!!! This Nissan is more Comfy than the 3gen runner? I mean for long trips?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Couldn't tell you, haven't done a trip in either

[@scottharrisohn6972]

very good review, honest and insightful

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Thanks for watching

[@Chambers-ie8ie]

The only thing that would ever concern me with an xterra is the smod affect but that can be fixed easily with a new radiator

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

And LOTS of vehicles suffer from this exact same issue.

[@Chambers-ie8ie]

@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks makes me feel a lot better about the xterra for sure.

[@louieep3400]

What's the smod effect bro ? 🤔 I just bought a Nissan Xterra and I'm tryna to learn all about it

[@Chambers-ie8ie]

@@louieep3400 it’s the strawberry milkshake of death basically is when your transmission fluid mixes in with your coolant. You know this by opening up your radiator cap and see foam almost like a milkshake affect

[@GreenMasterMike]

Dude I got me one silver just like that 2006 that thing was the catalytic converters are insanely expensive and somebody had stole one of them good thing only one about five hundred bucks a piece to $1,000 depending on which one

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Yep replacement cats can be very expensive.

[@faceinthecrowd5810]

I just bought a 2006 4x4 xterra, I think it is a S model? 5 spoke alloy wheels, just the VDC switch to the right of the 4WD knob. It has 97,000 original. Question???? The SMSD thing….any solid clues that may tell me the problem is coming? Or should I just take action as soon as I pick it up?

[@mpiers9792]

I don't disagree. If you can afford a Toyota, even just a nice high mileage one. Absolutely 💯 buy a Toyota, they are the best there are. With that being said as a professional automotive technician, the Xterra is not a bad second choice. I would take one over any Chrysler/Ford/GM counterpart any day..... But still, just buy the Toyota

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Great info, and I agree. Around here mileage isnt the biggest concern, rust is unfortunately, especially on 3rd gen 4runner frames.

[@mpiers9792]

@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks haha, I'm in Michigan. Everything rusts to pieces here. I was fortunate to find a clean high mileage 4th gen, and it has served me well so far

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

@@mpiers9792 Seems that 4th gen frames wither rot or people who own them drive 24/7 and rack up the miles lol

[@rupertnewton]

Thks for review, you mentioned rear sag, I couldn’t tell, is there a way to measure or reliably eyeball this, as I’m looking to buy used xterra soon. Tks

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

You just have to look at it on level ground and see if the rear looks like its sitting lower than the front.

[@Jesuosivwi]

Almost wasted my data. In general, the Xterra is a great vehicle as a daily driver. It has Plenty of power and has great handling as well. Playing something nice from the speakers drowns out most of engine and road noise. Requires scheduled servicing, as do other vehicles.

[@dlaw3734]

Upgrade to PRG motor mounts for more engine noise! Worth it for the performance when accelerating and shifting.

[@Dagrootx]

Good stuff! I’m building some cool Nissan myself!

[@PSYSO-3]

I am looking into buying an '05 Xterra, but the motor/engine may need to be replaced. Where can I get a good engine for the best buck?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

pass on that for sure

[@RoughRaiders13]

Definitely surprised you recommend Explorers. I started auto mechanics in 1997 and did it for 10 years before joining the Marine Corps and hands down the Ford Explorer came into my shop more than any other vehicle type ever. I am definitely far from the only person that refers to them as the Ford Exploder. If you've had ones that were good, consider yourself lucky sir.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

IDK that Im really recommending an Explorer....Im definitely recommending 4Runners lol. Was my 4.6 Explorer pretty good? Yes. Besides the trans, but everyone knows they are taking that gamble with a 4rd gen Explorer. My 2nd gen Explorer sport 4.0 was awesome.

[@tgvcfr120]

Is this car soft (comfy)and quiet?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

As much as early 2000's SUV can be

[@juniorsainvilma]

Hello sir ...hope you and your family are doing well..... I am a fan of nissan xterra , specially the version 2005 to 2008..i am leaving in Haiti 🇭🇹 can you help me on getting a use one cheeper in good condition. 4wd specially 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@rumeodibo]

How can I get one shipped to Nigeria. We got bad roads here

[@Fender0nfire]

Question for anyone who owns or has owned a 2nd gen Im probably getting this car this weekend. Ive been reading about the SMOD problem. What should i do when/if i get it? bypass? change the radiatior?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Just bypass the radiators internal trans cooler, just use the external one

[@dlaw3734]

It was fixed half way through 2010 production. There are resources that give you specific part numbers to look for, and how to check if previous owners already did the reroute.

[@MichaelLee-yh7ss]

Whats a SMOD?

[@afout07]

@@MichaelLee-yh7ss it stands for strawberry milkshake of death. The xterra and frontier were kind of known for the radiator and transmission fluid mixing due to a failure with a transmission cooler. The ATF and coolant would mix and fry the transmission. It's an easy fix if you catch it before that part fails, they revised it later in 2010. It also doesn't affect the manual transmission versions of these vehicles.

[@ashtonhodde7855]

I’m sure you said this but I didn’t catch it, but is there a lift on it and if so how much did it cost?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Rancho quick struts up front, it basically just levels out the rig, well it would have but the rear leaves are little saggy.

[@Adeline9418]

Only reason I subbed is because of the Xterra. Do you have a breathing problem??

[@nissanxterra4339]

Привет скажи пожалуйста там есть межосевая блокировка?

[@NissanPodcast]

Awesome Nissan stuff :)

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Thanks 😀

[@Hpencer]

What do you guys think of me trying to tow a 5000 pound trailer? There would be hills.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

I would say no, already not for any distance.

[@elfandre6498]

Hi, what fuel consumption on higway?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

not sure

[@elfandre6498]

@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks sorry for my bad english, how many liters benzin your nissan take on 100 km road higway?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

@@elfandre6498 I dont know what kind of mileage it gets.

[@George-zd7mu]

which year 4runner would you recommend?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Which gen are looking at?

[@chrisstrande5878]

Also if you have one get a aftermarket trans cooler.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Yes if youre going to be any significant towing a bigger external trans cooler is a great idea. If youre just going to be daily driving with little to no towing the oe external one by itself is fine.

[@levelgrainwoodworks7913]

@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks I think Chris is referencing the SMOD issues with these years. The trans cooling system fails and mixes with the coolant.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

@@levelgrainwoodworks7913 Yeah, thats why you just bypass the internal cooler like I did and save money. Unless youre actually going to be towing stuff.

[@benjaminbritt7862]

I that issue with the transmission (strawberry milkshake) wasn't an issue until 2006? Could be wrong

[@mattfrenette8907]

Came here for a xtterra review left with thinking it was a 4Runner

[@wilfrandieumogene9341]

How much the car

[@KenfurVinas]

The only thing I've learned about this video is that this guy hates plastic. :)

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

You’re not wrong.

[@KeepMoving24_7]

What do you think of a 2013 nissan xterra? X model 79,000 miles

[@KeepMoving24_7]

I drive 20 miles 4 days a week

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Im not an xterra expert but Id that would be a good vehicle, low miles and only 7 years old.

[@Agent.K.]

I have a 13 X with little less than 130k km. So ~81k. I got it used 2 years ago at 80k km and so far changed engine mounts and fan clutch. It’s my only vehicle. I’m extremely happy with it even though people say it’s “very plasticy”. I don’t care, cuz it fits my lifestyle well (lots of beach and off-road). Only thing I wish is if it was a manual with diff-lock. But I haven’t been stuck beyond traction control limits.

[@KeepMoving24_7]

@@Agent.K. Thank you for the input :) I wish I had that Pro-4x

[@TopshelfJunior]

I'm looking at a 2000 Xterra w/ 85k miles on it, in Cali... $5500 a good deal ?! It's one owner, immaculate condition... Other option is a 2003 Xterra w/ 115k miles on it, for $3500.. Also good condition, not AS pretty as the other..

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

sounds like a good deal to me if its optioned well and in good condition. I assume its 4x4....

[@TopshelfJunior]

Hawkeye Garage Neither of them are 4x4.. Actually looking to get the XTerra as just a second car, can put a hitch on it, and carry a dirtbike.. Don’t technically need 4x4, especially in LA but...I guess I should talk them down some since it doesn’t have it.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

@@TopshelfJunior I dont know about 2x4 SUV values, here, those arent worth anything.

[@smashmonster6760]

As long as you change the oil every 3 to 5 miles the Xterra will get you well into the 300k range. This guy's Xterra is missing the side step which makes it look way meaner.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

@@smashmonster6760 Yeah normal oil changes can definitely help. I think this was before they offered the step

[@ahtoh1]

Plastic lasts longer for people that use it hard.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Youre not wrong.....

[@robertpoirier8520]

Im kinda wondering why you you dont compare the X to the 4Runner performance results. The X smokes the 4Runner in every performance stat. C’mon. Man!

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Ive only looked into that stuff briefly for the X, the stats differ from year to year on both vehicles but over all they looked pretty even.

[@vegasxventures]

Hawkeye Garage Nope, the Xterra was the same from 2005-2015.

[@robertpoirier8520]

@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks how about the seat in the pants acceleration test?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

@@robertpoirier8520 Theyre heavy boxes on wheels, not really important IMO lol

[@alejandroochoa3541]

Horrible "review" Zero depth of abilities, no mention of anything critical at all this is hardly a review this is a silly "Which interior and sitting position do i like more and let me slip in my 4runner did I tell you my favorite car is a 4Runner? i love my 4Runner this is not a 4Runner" you talk more about the explorer as far as mechanical aspects than the damn Xterra.

[@iknowmostthingz8831]

xterras better more torque

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

The difference has got to be pretty negligible, that being said Im fairly certain the xterra is lighter so it could definitely be noticeable.

[@irvinwhitehurst9068]

I agree with the 4Runner being better but you are reviewing an XTerra but said 4Runner 100 times more than you said XTerra, super annoying, horrible review

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

haha guess I didnt need to say "xterra" as much since it was sitting right there and since I was mainly comparing it to my 4runner 4runner 4runner 4runner! Thanks for watching!

[@irvinwhitehurst9068]

Nonetheless a shitty review, didn’t learn a thing, never waste time on you again

[@abelgonzalez6280]

@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks guys an idiot. It was a good review. I'm only here trying to learn a bit more of the Nissan xterra because my Co worker just got one and I want to see how it compares to my 94 Mitsubishi Montero SR.