2001 Nissan Xterra

SE SUV

VG33E

Automatic

5N1ED28Y81C549795

Clear

Gasoline

I’ve owned this vehicle for just over 3 years. I’ve always been a Toyota owner, before owning this vehicle, but I accepted it as a trade from a friend. Needless to say, I fell in love with it! This is a uniquely equipped vehicle. It's light, versatile, and surprising powerful, compared to the larger, overweight Toyota 4Runner (sorry Toyota).This vehicle is a Special Edition vehicle, as is evident from the “SE” label on the back lift door. It is fully loaded with sunroof (rare) and has a removable cover for the sunroof, doubling as a moonroof.[VIDEO PRESENTATION OF THIS VEHICLE] I love these vehicles so much, I decided to recondition them for others, restoring them to like-new condition. This vehicle is smoke-free and has been kept in a garage for most of its life. It’s always had regular maintenance and was recently reconditioned, so the new owner would enjoy a care-free experience for a long time to come.A common problem with these vehicles, is the head gaskets fail. Toyota had the same problem with the 3.0 liter engine in their 4Runner and pickup trucks, but Toyota chose to warranty the head gaskets on ALL their vehicles and Nissan did not (shame on Nissan). The head gaskets on this vehicle were replaced, for a worry-free future. :)ENGINE TESTED AND IN EXCELLENT HEALTHI have compression tested the engine (see video below), to verify the current health of the engine. The test yielded excellent results (see below). Nissan publishes the compression test results of this engine (VG33E) in "New" condition, with zero miles, at 173 psi. The test results on this engine at 163,000 miles is as follows:Cylinder #1 – 165 psiCylinder #2 – 165 psiCylinder #3 – 165 psiCylinder #4 – 157.5 psi (the gauge reflected a reading between 155 and 160 psi).Cylinder #5 – 165 psiCylinder #6 – 165 psi * Note: Cylinder #4 is lower by 7.5 psi. This is not uncommon and the results of a compression test are generally accepted be "good" as long as any one cylinder does not differ from another by more than 15%. Cylinder #4 is lower by 4.5% (157.5 psi compared to 165 psi).As an engine accumulates miles, these values will go down. Nissan also publishes the minimum acceptable compression value for this engine at 125 psi. The engine in this vehicle has compression levels that are lower by only 4% from "New" levels. It has a long life ahead of it.[VIDEO OF COMPRESSION TEST] I wanted a vehicle that was quiet, tight, and complete. Many Xterra available for sale are missing parts here and there, and have rattles and squeaks. This vehicle is complete; nothing missing or broken and there are no rattles or squeaks. It is nice and tight and well-conditioned; in like-new condition. RECONDITIONING & MAJOR REPAIRS In 2013, at 120,000 miles, the head gaskets were replaced (to correct the common failure). At that time, this vehicle also received:New exhaust manifolds (both the driver and passenger side). This is another common failure on these engines. Most people don't know they are cracked, but affects the performance of the engine.New timing belt, water pump, valve cover gaskets, cam seals, and thermostat.In 2016, at 163,000 miles, I decided to recondition the entire vehicle so that it would not require any maintenance for the new owner. I changed the timing belt (again), water pump and tensioner (again), so that it would be good for another 105k miles (recommended by Nissan). I suggest changing the timing belt every 85k miles, though, because there are many reports of timing belts breaking at 100k miles. This is an "interference" engine, so if the belt breaks during operation there is a high likelihood the engine will be damaged. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCENew iridium spark plugs (super expensive to install at the dealership due to the location of Cylinder #6). Iridium plugs last longer than the original equipment platinum plugs. Labor costs are really high to replace these, so the iridium plugs will last longer than the platinum plugs.New spark plug wiresNewer 1000 CA battery (April 2013). It has been tested in good condition. I have a newer battery (April 2016) if you prefer, but this one is extra powerful for cold weather. Your choice. :)Fully re-charged air conditioning (AC) systemNew distributor capNew distributor rotorNew front brakes. Ceramic Pads and Rotors.Cleaned and re-packed grease in 4X4 hubs and bearings.New rear brakes: New brake shoes and machined drums (most people fail to replace the rear brakes, causing premature wear on the front brakes).Recent steering alignmentRecent tire balancing (tires go out-of-balance, normally, as they wear)New window regulators/motors in three doors (common problem). Windows are super-fast up and down again! (common problem)New window guides/weather seals in two front doors (common problem).New intake air filterNew cabin air filters (x2)New fuel filterNew steering stop bolt caps (eliminates the loud screeching noise when backing out of your driveway!). These are always overlooked.Re-sealed fog lights (common problem, causing them to rust out).New PCV valve. EVERY FLUID HAS BEEN CHANGEDEngine oilTransmission fluidCoolant (cooling system fluid)4X4 transfer case fluid (gear oil)Power steering fluidFront and rear axle fluids (gear oil)Brake fluid WINDOWS & DOORSThe windows typically operate very slowly in these vehicles, or even stop working all together.The window regulators/motors and the rubber window channel/weather seals are a common failure point. Nissan recalled the regulators/motors back in 2002, but they did NOT solve the problem with their parts. They simply replaced them with the same part that wore out again and again. Many people have had to replace them several times. The rubber window channels/weather seals dry up, become hard, and crack, causing high friction points in the operation of the windows. This causes premature failure in the window operation, requiring replacement of the regulators/motors.To fix the actual problem, I replaced the regulators/motors (in three doors; Front driver-side and passenger-side, and rear driver-side) with an after-market part, and replaced the window rubber channel channels/weather seals in the front driver-side and passenger-side windows (drivers side is brand new, the passenger side was replaced with a good condition used seal from another one of my vehicles), and used a high-end Honda grease (Shin-Etsu) to lubricate the all the rubber channels and regulators/motors. EXTERIOR & BODY The exterior paint has been fully machine polished (5 stage process), including clay bar, scratch removal, polish, pre-wax preparation with Dodo Juice, and synthetic paint sealant (extra protection for the winter). All polishing materials are professional grade.I’ve also reconditioned the exhaust pipe and muffler. The mufflers rust out on these vehicles and the aftermarket replacement mufflers don't fit well. I restored the original one. I removed the outer shell of the muffler, sanded the muffler, and re-painted the original muffler and exhaust pipe with high temperature paint. INTERIORFully cleaned (3 stages), including deep surface degreaser, surface clean and shine, and lastly, an aviation grade protectant. I cleaned the seats, upholstery, carpet, seat belt straps, and door panels. The carpets were machine cleaned and hand conditioned.I also corrected the paint failure that occurs on the center dash area surrounding the climate controls and around the vent on the driver-side (common failure). This is the largest eye sore that occurs on the interior of this vehicle.I have replaced the paper-cone speakers that commonly occur on these vehicles too. I have also installed a better display on the 6 disc CD player. The display on the Rockford Fosgate stereo is prettier to look at! : FEATURES6-Disc CD player with all 6 working speakers (CD player and speakers are common failure on these vehicles).Sunroof/MoonroofFog LightsSecurity SystemRemote Keyless EntryCargo Security CoverCarpeted Floor MatsRubber Floor mats (for winter)16" Alloy WheelsFirst Aid Kit (made by Nissan)Windshield Sunshade (it's hard to find one that fits) WINTER READY FEATURES1000 cranking-amp batteryAnti-corrosion on battery terminalsOver-sized studded snow tires (P265 75R 16)New Bosh wipers (upgraded size on the driver side for added visibility).RainX glass treatment on all exterior glass and mirrors Winter rubber floor matsDe-Icer washer fluid OTHER FEATURESTow Package (Trailer Hitch with electrical connection for trailer lights)Full Size Spare TireFactory Jack/ToolsFactory manuals UPGRADESCabin air box is updated to accept replaceable air filters (Nissan did not equip the 2001 model with this feature)Adjustable rear ride-height for added comfort and improved fuel mileage.Fog lights: electrical connectors converted for use with bulbs that are available in auto-parts stores (factory wiring only accepts expensive Nissan bulbs).Rockford Fosgate stereo display. The stereo is NOT a Rockford Fosgate (RF) stereo. I use the face-plate from the RF stereo, because the display on that stereo is much nicer than the standard stereo. The RF stereo actually outputs less power than the standard stereo, because it also requires an external amplifier to assist the stereo. The RF stereo was not available until 2002, but it looks so nice that I simply swap the face-plate from the RF stereo onto the standard stereo for the best sound and display! :)Bug Shield (on the front hood)Pressure release Radiator Cap (helpful when you want to check the level of the coolant, while the engine is hot)Front mud flaps are carefully trimmed to accept over-sized tires KNOWN ISSUESThis vehicle has been reported as having been involved in an accident, while in the care of the previous owner; a friend of mine. I was not able to determine any physical evidence from the accident, but found a spare passenger-side turn signal lamp assembly in a box after I purchased the vehicle. The studs on the snow tires are worn down considerably. I drove the vehicle on the snow tires during the warm summer months. The tread on the tire is still good, but many of the studs are worn flat. This vehicle has a slow leak in the rear main seal. It's not enough to drip on you driveway or garage floor, but it is slowly leaking. It is not cause for immediate concern, but could be an annoyance. It's about a $1000 repair at any respectable service center, but I decided it was not a big enough issue to warrant replacement at this time. I have added a seal conditioner to the oil, in attempt to fix the issue or delay the need to address this problem. I don’t have enough miles on the vehicle yet to determine if it has worked, but I typically find these things do not work to my satisfaction.Exterior paint is flaking off of the rear lift door. This is another common issue with these vehicles. It is my intent to correct this issue before the vehicle is shipped to its new owner.There is a small ding in the fuel refill door. There is also some paint chipping of the top of this little door and inside the door around the fuel neck.There are two small areas under the rear bumper with surface rust. They are about the size of a silver dollar.The on-board computer suggests that there is a problem with the knock-sensor or sensor wiring (see video below). This is a common problem with these vehicles. Some people by-pass the sensor all together (not recommended) and some people relocate the sensor (also not recommended). Bypassing the sensor cause reduce the engine's ability to protect the engine if you get a bad tank of gas or otherwise encounter a scenario in which the engine begins to knock and the computer needs to protect the engine from damage (by adjusting the ignition timing). Relocating the sensor may result in the sensor not being able to accurately determine the condition of the engine "knocking", if the sensor is in a different location. The location of the sensor is important to its ability to detect specific noise frequencies in the engine that would cause the computer to adjust timing and protect the engine. Typically doing "nothing", is the best course of action as an alternative to replacing the sensor or addressing the wiring. The sensor is difficult to get to and thus is a costly repair. The computer will record the error, even when the condition is no longer present. It is generally accepted to be safe to drive this vehicle (with the VG33E engine) with a sensor that is not working. This is NOT recommended on Xterras with a super-charged engine (VG33ER).[DIAGNOSTICL DETECTION OF TROUBLE CODES IN ON-BOARD COMPUTER] VEHICLE HISTORY REPORTThis vehicle is reported, by AutoCheck, to have had a minor issue accident while in the care of the previous owner. There is no physical evidence of any damage to the vehicle, but I did find a spare passenger-side turn signal lamp assembly in a box after I purchased the vehicle. An official Carfax Vehicle History Report is available upon request. EMISSIONS Current certificate of Colorado emissions (November, 2016) will be provided as verification it will pass emissions.I am happy to assist in arranging shipping options for the buyer. Thanks for looking!