I bought this suv used. It overheated and need the head gaskets replaced. This was due to the wrong antifreeze being put in after it was originally sold new. Every Xterra does this and you have to change the complete cooling system and eventually rebuild the top end of the engine to remove all the sludge. After you do that it will run like new, engine wise, and have the power it originally had. I have 275,000+ miles on mine.

I have owned my XTERRA for 20 years and 366,823 miles , it has never left me stranded. It still has original alternator/ AC system engine transmission/fuel pump. The only things I've replaced are the timing belt spark plugs and starter.

I bought mine back in 2014 4x4 v6 XE 5 Speed with 172k(nearing 300k now). After blowing a head gasket(my own fault) and having transmission completely rebuilt for the most part it has been pretty reliable with the exception of the annoying check engine light constantly being on and the ABS light as well. Truck still ruins great so I just have gotten used to both being on. Everything was replaced when I rebuilt the top end after the blown head gasket, even went with a brand new Distributor and OEM injectors. Truck still runs pretty decent gas mileage not great (avg 15-16) still better than the 98 Explorer I had before. Just had to replace gear box and the clutch rattles. I do a lot of highway driving for my job and it does pretty well on cruise control( switch in awkward spot) Mine does very well in the winter snows as well even if not in 4WD. Sadly am going to have to get rid off here soon and upgrade to something with a bit better gas mileage. I highly recommend this vehcile if looking for a nice reliable off road utility vehicle.