I like the fact that it is an SUV. I prefer SUVs over sedans or trucks because they are sturdy and reliable. It looks sturdy, which I like, and performs up to expectations. As a 2000 year model with 173,000 miles it is remarkably in good shape and in the year that I've had it I have not once had to take it to the shop, even when my boyfriend backed it up into another parked car. There was no damage to mine at all! It provides good visibility with the large windows and it is easy to control and navigate. The motor does make a sort of clicking noise the whole time the car is on, but it is an older car so that sort of thing is expected. There is plenty of space for 2 passengers up front and 3 in the back, and the square look of it makes for good space for holding things in the area behind the back seat. It is a 4 cylinder so it accelerates a bit slowly, but it is easy to handle and I feel very safe when I'm out on the road-whether that be in the country on a dirt road or heading into Dallas on the highway. Braking is steady and reliable.

I bought a used 2000 Nissan Xterra in 2002. I was the second owner and found a good price. It was bought through a Nissan dealership, and the transaction, with some bidding, went smoothly. I put $2,000 down and signed an agreement to pay $250/month until it was paid off. The vehicle was perfect for my own personal needs. It had a good frame, plenty of room to transport items or co-riders and the back seat was raised slightly in comparison to the front seats (this proved to provide better viewing for passengers in the back seat...not a big deal, but it was an interesting difference). For the first two years, I only had issues with the battery (which may be considered another topic matter). Approximately four years after I purchased it (2006), the transmission belt broke, and there were other issues related which resulted in me having to replace the transmission (not cheap). Once it was replaced, however, it ran smoothly again and could take me anywhere I needed to go. Issues began happening with the electrical system (primarily the hookups to the radio and speakers) around 2010 and had to be completely replaced. In 2015 I began having issues with the oil (the seals leaked) and then in 2016 transmission troubles began again. It is 2018 now, and this used Nissan Xterra was the best choice I could have made. Granted, there were issues along the way, but I don't know what else to get now...I appreciated it as a vehicle. The only improvement I could have wanted (besides avoiding the issues that occurred) would be related to gas mileage. It did well for an SUV (23-25 on highway and 19-21 otherwise), but I would have been pleased with a better average.