Going from Xterra to Explorer what to expect??

[Tario]

Hi guys,

I've been looking atthe new 08 09 Eddies and I'm kind of ready for a up rooted level in ride comfort. I have been the owenr of a 2002 Xterra Supercharged model and all was great until this last summer and winter where the gas is just falling out of this thing..
On a full tank of gas at 65 litres (17 gallons) I am doing about 280KM (173 miles) This is not not normal..and I don't feel like spending 2000 to nissan to fix it.

There is a Knock sensor code going off and that might be screwing up the air feul mixture and causing the gas to be used less sufficiently..

In any case..I has a look at the new Xterra - and yet being built like a bull and having some great OFFRAOD features..its kind missing the finer touches that the Explorer is giving away.

And Im buying in Canada and I'm just waiting to see what Ford will be pricing the 09 at.

I have never driven a '08 '09 yet but from the looks of it - it seems solid.i had only driven a 2002 Explorer and this was a police cruiser in our fleet..
This was a real truck feel...much more than my Xterra...

Anyhow...all open to hear your opinions and if you don't mind your gas consumptions compared to the oil tanker I'm driving with...

Thanks guys...

 

[ericautopart]

I had an 04 Xterra. The Xterra was stronger, slower, more durable, cheaper, less comfortable, worse on gas, and cooler looking. That's my opinion..The explorer will be bigger, more comfortable, and cheaper to fix. If you ask me, the best value on the market today for a REAL truck (not a rav 4, highlander, etc) the xterra is the best bang for your buck. The new explorers are real nice but not worth the money of a new xterra.

 

[Donner]

Welcome!

More spacious, more leg room... more comfort for you and your passengers. I tried to test drive the Xterra once, couldn't get the seat back far enough or the steering wheel any higher. I wouldn't compare the two because the EB Ex is a far better product, in my opinion. And when the door closed on the Xterra, I felt held in, boxed in... I never drove it. They do look nice...

 

[Tario]

I had an 04 Xterra. The Xterra was stronger, slower, more durable, cheaper, less comfortable, worse on gas, and cooler looking. That's my opinion..The explorer will be bigger, more comfortable, and cheaper to fix. If you ask me, the best value on the market today for a REAL truck (not a rav 4, highlander, etc) the xterra is the best bang for your buck. The new explorers are real nice but not worth the money of a new xterra.

Thanks...but you say the Xterra was more durable but yet cheaper??? Cheaper how...you mean in build or quality of interior..
Kinda what I had in my mind as well...
I think for towing the EX is better than the Xterra...and I think for offroad the Xterra is way better - but I'm not much of an offroader - aside some country backroads...
I just got a great deal on an 09 XLT V6 with leather,heated seats, climate control, and rear seat electric fold down..36,700 tax in! Canadian.. retail was 41,000
The 09 Xterra came to about the same thing....but gas is a bit of an issue....
I know the Expplorer is better on that - but 2nd is reliability...

 

[bender]

Couple of things that you need to keep in mind, the 02 XTerra you have was a much different platform than the current 09. if you havent yet driven a 05+ Xterra, you really should. the ride, fit and finish and especially engine are all much improved. the 4.0 V6 is quick very quick. gas mileage is a concern as you mentioned my 05 4.0 pathfinder averaged about 16mpg. On the other side of things, the 09 Explorer Eddie is also much more refined than the 02 explorer you drove. the 06+ explorers ride amazing, feel very solid and ride (in my opinion) like a large sedan. They are quiet.

if you are looking at v6 explorers, the xterra (4.0) will make the explorer feel like a slug, i have the 4.6 V8 explorer and my 4.0 pathfinder was still noticably quicker.

depends what you are more interested in: ruggedness, utility, value = Xterra
luxury, ride, comfort, features = Explorer

In my opinion, two great choices, but with many differences that make each unique.

 

[ericautopart]

Right, I didn't realize...Test drive the 05+. They are QUIIICK and much more spacious. The price of the Xterra is way lower than the explorer from what I've seen. That's what I meant by cheap..nothing to do w/ build quality. I'm a die hard ford fan and I'd love a new xterra or new explorer, if I had to choose between the two it would be difficult. I think unless I could afford a fully loaded limited..I'd go with the xterra..Just watch the rear diffs on the xterra..they've been having problems

 

[Tario]

Update

For those who asked, yes I did drive a 09 Xterra OFFROAD model last week..quick isn't the word..made my 02 feel like a tricycle. It kicked very well and the VDC feature and diff locker are GREAT features...No heated seats is what honestly killed it for me. I think if the X came with FACTORY ( not Joe blow placing heat elements in the seats at $400.00 a seat mods) heat seats..i may have gone for it a tad more. At least another look at it.

I just came back from Ford 5 minutes ago..my misunderstanding on that final price...it didn't include tax and tax is 5G's more. Quebec is known for taxing their people right where it hurts..So final price come sto a big $41,600.
Still a great price considering the upgrades - I checked on Ford .CA and before rebates etc..It was close to 41,000 plus taxes for the added extras I mentioned above...

Anyhow..the problem is this..I still haven't even SAT in a recent model Explorer. I'm sure the quiteness and luxury of it are killer over the X..
I don't mind that kind of ride -
..It's an expensive move to "just try out" kind of thing...

The new Xterra was a great ride and I don't mind the ruggedness of it..The OR model came with Bilsteins ( I have them on my 02 as well) Made the ride much better.
But I felt that it would be a gas killer and I don't think it would be doing more than 380 Km on a full tank..That's truly peanuts..

Question remains - if going with an Xterra or Explorer..do I keep the knock sensor problematic 02 Xterra and try fixing it.. and give it to my wife) Hard to tell.

I just reserved the V6 '09 model and I will confirm tomorrow if I go for it or not...I ll keep you guys posted.

 

[JoeCool6972]

I traded an 01 Frontier crew cab for my 07 Sport Trac in May of 07. I have noticed more power and torque in loads, towing and speed. WAY better ride, better fuel mileage, more interior room, more bed space, and better overall quality, both inside and out. Biggest difference interior wise is the seats. A lot more comfortable. Even a better sound system. It's like comparing bottled spring water and raw sewage!

So far as off roading goes, just look at RoadBully's ride on here. Don't underestimate the Explorer because it has four wheel IFS. After all so does the HUMVEE.

I just looked at Nissan's site, and the comparison of other vehicles is biased lies and BS. They say not available on stuff that is standard on Explorer, lie about power, torque and towing, etc.

 

[ericautopart]

Still, the 08 V6 Explorer LTD I drove was a F'N DOG. The thing couldn't get out of it's own way for a modern 6 cyl truck and the fuel mileage sucked. Other than that I loved it..I really did. I'd take that over many other vehicles...I just can't afford it.

 

[Tario]

Explorer milegae sucked???

First time »I hear that...

Nissan 09 Offroad on the nissan .ca site states 10. km (28miles) per 100 km
Ford Exporer states 15.9km /100km
Yet I keep hearing how the Xterra is the worst on fuel economy..I`m pretty sure the Nissan site said more than that a few weeks ago..

 

[Four0Sport]

i havnt driven the newer frontier/xterra/pathfinder but did drive an 03 xterra quite a bit for a year or so and i liked a few things about it. my former boss has a 00 frontier and has had numerous problems with the engine.. dist., cam sensors, plugs, wires, etc.. the build seemed sturdier, the truck felt lighter, but i didnt like the interior and the drivetrain felt weak. ive driven an 09 explorer and it is a nicer ride, but feels a bit akward in the cab and deffinetly more car like. ill take my 2nd gen v8 over each anyday.

 

[ericautopart]

Explorer milegae sucked???

First time »I hear that...

Nissan 09 Offroad on the nissan .ca site states 10. km (28miles) per 100 km
Ford Exporer states 15.9km /100km
Yet I keep hearing how the Xterra is the worst on fuel economy..I`m pretty sure the Nissan site said more than that a few weeks ago..

You've been on here less than a month, do some reading..you'll hear it more than once.

 

[hunterdan]

Here is my opinion, and I own a 2008 Frontier with the 4.0 4x4 auto. For the price of the Explorer, you could likely get a Pathfinder. The engine/trans in the Nissans (4.0/auto) is much stronger imo than the explorer. The 5 speed auto they use, is the same one they use behind the 5.6 V8 Titan and Armada. Towing capacity on my Frontier, is 6500 lbs. That is the highest capacity for a midsize truck other than a V8 Dakota, which is only rated at 500 lbs more. I do believe the Explorer will get better mileage, and have a better ride, but performance wise, the Nissan 4.0 can't be beat, and I have driven a few Ford 4.0 SOHC vehicles.

Dan

 

[bender]

I honestly believe gas mileage is going to be a wash regardless of v6 or v8 explorer or 4.0 Xterra. My wife's 03 4.0 explorer, my previous 4.0 Pathfinder, and current 4.6 v8 explorer all get very similar mileage.

the comment about a pathfinder is a good point, you arent interested in them at all? i had an 05 se-offroad with leather (heated seats) full skids, rancho shocks, hill start and decent and the same wheels/tires as the Xterra offroad. kind of get the best of both worlds. (however, i think 08 was the last year that was offered).

agreed on the engine and transmission being stout in the nissans, however, they are not without their issues, both front and rear diffs have had issues.

 

[ericautopart]

Just one thing to remember and it's important..there is no aftermarket gears, axles, etc for Nissan. If you ever have trouble in that department be prepared to spend some cash. With the explorer, you'll have trouble finding the rear CV's for a good price but everything else is easy.

 

[JoeCool6972]

Here is my opinion, and I own a 2008 Frontier with the 4.0 4x4 auto. For the price of the Explorer, you could likely get a Pathfinder. The engine/trans in the Nissans (4.0/auto) is much stronger imo than the explorer. The 5 speed auto they use, is the same one they use behind the 5.6 V8 Titan and Armada. Towing capacity on my Frontier, is 6500 lbs. That is the highest capacity for a midsize truck other than a V8 Dakota, which is only rated at 500 lbs more. I do believe the Explorer will get better mileage, and have a better ride, but performance wise, the Nissan 4.0 can't be beat, and I have driven a few Ford 4.0 SOHC vehicles.

Dan

WRONG! Towing capacity for 06-up V8 Explorer is 7500 lbs.

 

[Tario]

Just canme back from Ford.
I backed out of the 2009 deal for the Explorer. I was a great deal but just too expensive...came out to 41650,00 and the funny thing is ..and I just found this out tonoght at the delaer..
They had a used 2008 Limted (mint) (which retails here at nearly $50,000.00 plus taxes...Brand new) in teh back - with all the fixings - it had 14,000km and look at the price ... a negociable $30,000.00 That's almost $20,000.00 off...and its spakin; new...
So the rep. asks me if I would be interested in a used 2008 XLT with some options like leather etc etc - with under 20,000km...he tells me it 'll cost around $28,000.00. I said well sure, now you tell me that...

So I'd rather get a fmint low milegae Explorer mint and approved by the used car deopartment etc etc..and save nearly $16,000.00. I just can't believe how much teh orice drops for a used one qith so little mielage..it's unreal!

And yes..for buddy who asked about teh pathfinder..ido like them a lot...and didn't lok into any really...but yes...I wouldn;t mind a opathy too..they are beautes. Might as well take a look at them as well....

sorry for all the sp errors..I type too fast at times...

 

[hunterdan]

WRONG! Towing capacity for 06-up V8 Explorer is 7500 lbs.

Correct, but I was under the impression we were talking about 4.0 V6 models. Almost any SUV with the V8 will out tow anything with a V6. The important thing is that this guy finds something that he likes, and can live with for the next several years.

Dan

 

[Tario]

It`s a tough choice..
What Im going to do is fix teh X and the knock sensor feul problem...(It`s getting worse) Good thing I use public transport for work..

Then, I will still be looking for a used Explorer 2008 with low mileage and MINT shape.é..

BUT I would still love to drive one before spilling the cash for one..
So the Xterra once fixed will go to my wife and she can sell out her leased rabbit.
two SUV's thats's considering the Xterra feul issue is fixed and wokring better than before.

As for the Pathy,,,I like them a lot too..but I'm not sure they're great on gas...At this point anything is better on gas than my current Xterra.


That 208 Explorer Limited with 14,000KM was grat at just under 30,000.00 but do I want V8 - not really, I don't pull anything that`s for sure..

I'll keep a look out for something great....
Thanks for all your help guys....

 

[JoeCool6972]

Great idea, look for a used 07 or 08 vehicle. Can save a lot over new. Leaned that the hard way with my truck. Just saw a USED 07 Trac XLT exactly like mine (but with v8 instead of 6) at the dealer last week for $16,900 with a little over 30K on odometer. Sticker on mine new was $28K, I paid $22K.