2008 Nissan Xterra

SUV

V6 4.0

Automatic

5N1AN08W68C518778

Clear

Gasoline

We are the original owners and bought this 4x4 SUV new. It was in FL until this year and is currently in Cary, NC outside of Raleigh. This vehicle has been trouble free other than minor issues. I have the service records except oil changes, but we always changed the oil every 3,000(ish) miles and followed the service manual guidelines. Overall I'd call the condition good-to-fair on the inside and outside. Mechanically it is fine and aesthetically it is good for its age until you get up close and some of the weaknesses become apparent. There are dents, dings, and scratches on the exterior and on the bumpers. Check the pics and let me know if you have more questions or feel free to come check out the car. Areas of concern: * scratches on front lower spoiler* minor scratches on most the doors and panels, a few deeper scratches in some spots* dent on side of front bumper* dent on side of rear bumper* dent on rear bumper (on the metal)* dent on passenger side door* minor dings in a few spots - passenger front quarter panel, driver's side door, I think a few other spots* wear on the driver's seat bolster* wear on the steering wheel plastic (happens on all the Nissans from this era)* major scratches on the cargo space plastic and wheel well plastic (inside next to rear seats)* some dog hair that is still in the car* some wear to rear headliner (cargo area) Most of this can be vastly improved by being professionally detailed. It has water spots, swirls, surface scratches, bug marks, etc. I've tried to vacuum all the hair, but it is really hard to get it all out without a powerful vac with the right attachments. Compound and wax would really bring out the best in the paint and steam cleaning the interior would make it look practically new, but the scratches on the cargo plastic, that's probably there to stay. - PRESALE CHECK - I took the vehicle to the dealer last week to get it ready for the next owner and replaced whatever they said needed to be replaced. They said the front brakes and front tires needed to be replaced so I did that at an expense of $600. The rear tires have plenty of tread left. The rear brakes need to be replaced soon but they said the front were more pressing so I did those. The SERVICE ENGINE light is on. It is throwing an EVAP SENSOR code. They did a smoke test and found that the plastic EVAP VALVE is stuck in the open position. This is an emissions related device and is a very common issue on Nissans from this era. Google it and you will see plenty of forums discussing fixing it yourself or info on what your mechanic needs to do. The dealer replaces the whole canister but this is not always necessary. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT THE ENGINE in any way, it is simply a device that collects fumes and runs them through a filter as an emissions control. This car was in FL and there were no emissions rules but if you live in a state with strict emissions you may need to get the valve unstuck or replaced. THE TPMS (TIRE LIGHT) is on. This is the tire sensor. The dealership did a diagnostic and said the left rear tire sensor is on the way out. Again, this affects nothing except causing the TPMS light to flash. If it bothers you, you can get the sensor for about $50 and reset the light. There are no issues with the tires. The front two are new. Rear two have plenty of tread. They are all holding pressure. It's just the stupid light and even when all the sensors are good, it throws false alarms all the time and I have to reset it. The CAR BATTERY - Dealer mentioned that it is still "good" and holding a charge but is over halfway through its service life. It was made in 03/15. - XTERRA GREMLINS - Things people won't tell you that are common to XTERRAS - * Sometimes the VDC Off/SLIP Lights come on. This happens in most Xterras. It happens because the car gets confused by the steering wheel alignment when you park with the wheels turned. If it happens, straighten out the steering wheel, turn the car off and on, and drive 20 feet. The light goes off. Honestly it doesn't happen that much but it is a known issue. * FLASHING CRUISE CONTROL - Sometimes the cruise control won't engage and CRUISE will flash green. This is due to another poor Xterra design where there is a wire crimped behind the airbag on the steering wheel. The dealer didn't see any cruise control code but I have seen it flash in the past a few times and you have to re-align the steering wheel and restart the car and then it works. * COOLANT/TRANSMISSION - a radiator defect can cause cross-contamination with the transmission. IF YOU ARE BUYING AN XTERRA you need to be aware of this. Only a small percentage of Xterras are affected but there is no way to tell if it will happen to you. If you want to mitigate risk, there are two solutions - "transmission cooler bypass" (Google it) OR you can install a new radiator with the updated design (even the non-OEM have the new design). I HAVE NOT replaced the radiator or done the bypass and there is zero evidence of any problems. The dealer specifically looked for any signs and said this vehicle is fine. But if I were keeping it, I'd probably do one of the fixes. The instructions for bypass are online and it is an idiot-level procedure that any mechanic could do (you plug a hole and reroute a hose) but Nissan doesn't officially support this fix and will tell you the proper way is to have the redesigned radiator put in. Again, I'm trying to be completely upfront with you so you are happy but if you are looking at Xterras, THEY ALL HAVE THIS ISSUE so do not be lied to or fooled - unless the listing specifically mentions it has been addressed, DO NOT ASSUME IT HAS BEEN ADDRESSED. Title is clear and in hand. The car is fantastic and will last for hundreds of thousands of miles if you take care of it.