Topic: No Luck Finding a Manual X

[classicmfk]

Hey all,

I've been in the market for an Xterra for a little while now and I was planning on waiting until I actually bought one to join up and start posting, but it's turned out to be harder than I thought to find what I'm looking for. I'm trying to find a 2nd gen manual transmission 4x4 but you'd think I was looking for a Mars Rover or something with the luck I've had. Two weeks ago I was on my way out the door to go take a 2005 that I found in Fallbrook to my mechanic for an inspection when something told me to call again and found out they had just sold it. Since then I haven't found a single manual X any closer than Arizona.

I know I'm in the minority these days wanting a vehicle with manual transmission, but I just can't seem to wrap my head around the move to an automatic. I test drove a 2009 S 4x4 last night, but it just wasn't the same. I told myself that I'd consider an automatic as long as it was the OR trim, but of course those are harder to find than the manuals these days.

Even a new one is out of the picture as they don't offer the S with manual transmission anymore, the X trim seems to only come 4x2 and the OR with manual has to be built by God himself according to the dealerships I've talked to.

Anyway, every day I hit up Autotrader, Yahoo Autos and CarMax hoping to find a new posting and I'm just wondering if anyone had any tips for other places to be looking. Or maybe I just need to be more patient (not good at that). Thanks in advance.

[SuperSlideStyle]

Try a 1st Gen from outside California.  They only come with two cats instead of four = more power.  I've had good luck with mine since I rebuilt the motor at 208,000 miles.  Save that extra money and use it to upgrade everything.  Mine was $5000 cash, paid off, no payments. Upgraded the basics: tires, exhaust, shocks, oil cooler, etc.  My 9004 HID conversion kit arrived today so I'll be posting up a how-to on it later on.

[Goldfish]

Good luck to ya. Can't imagine driving a manual transmission unless it was a street rod. 

[classicmfk]

Try a 1st Gen from outside California.  They only come with two cats instead of four = more power.  I've had good luck with mine since I rebuilt the motor at 208,000 miles.  Save that extra money and use it to upgrade everything.  Mine was $5000 cash, paid off, no payments. Upgraded the basics: tires, exhaust, shocks, oil cooler, etc.  My 9004 HID conversion kit arrived today so I'll be posting up a how-to on it later on.

Thanks, I'll try expanding my search that way. Anyone bought a car out-of-state before that could offer some tips? Seems like it could be a major PITA when you factor in an independent mechanic inspection (~$100 with some services), registration, pick-up, etc. But would probably be worth it in this case.

I found a 2010 X trim that's both manual and 4x4 new at a local dealer. Unfortunately it's the same Pacific Nissan that I had issues with in the past and Phall92139 is currently battling it out with regarding a botched repair job they did for him. Working on that right now, so we'll see.

[Ruination Fan]

Found ya an '06 OR manual trans in night armor grey up in Grass Valley(Sacromento Area). Just under 35k  miles.

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/ctd/1885920282.html

Time for a road trip. You can always get it inspected by a Nissan Dealer in the area just for peace of mind.

[Oz]

Try a 1st Gen from outside California.  They only come with two cats instead of four = more power.

Dude, I hope you mean more power than a 1st Gen with four cats; a 2nd Gen has waaaaaaay more power than a 1st Gen - just sayin'

3.3L VG33E V6: 180 hp
supercharged VG33ER: 210 hp

versus

4.0 L VQ40DE engine: 265 hp

[SuperSlideStyle]

Yes Oz you are correct.  That is what I meant.  Oops!

[classicmfk]

Found ya an '06 OR manual trans in night armor grey up in Grass Valley(Sacromento Area). Just under 35k  miles.

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/ctd/1885920282.html

Time for a road trip. You can always get it inspected by a Nissan Dealer in the area just for peace of mind.

Just saw that posted on autotrader as well. Very nice, thanks. Actually headed up to Tahoe for vacation in a couple weeks, maybe I can make it part of the trip. The only issue would be getting an independent mechanic inspection done somehow. Looks like the nearest dealership is 40 miles away in Roseville. What to do...

[Ruination Fan]

Test drive it 40mi to the dealer

[Ruination Fan]

There is also this one in Rancho Bernardo 6spd, non OR model:

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/1885329491.html

[livinlife858]

It sounds like you are in the San Diego area. I have bought both my xterras a 2005 and now a 2010 from mossy nissan. It seems that since that nissan has re done the trim levels, like my 05 was off road package 4x2 (manual) now off road is just 4x4, that manuals are alot harder to come buy now where as before manuals were dime a dozen.

[Blackx]

You're doing it right just by expanding your search.  I know most of us here have 4x4 but they can be pretty hard to find and then add manual on top of that it just makes it harder.  When I bought my truck it was the only 4x4 on the lot.  I know others that looked for 6 months in all of socal before finding a 4x4.  If they are that hard to find new I'd guess they be even harder to find used.

[knightrider]

if looking new, try asking a dealer to order one from the factory. it takes a couple months but you might waste that much time anyways trying to find one.

[classicmfk]

There is also this one in Rancho Bernardo 6spd, non OR model:

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/1885329491.html

Great find, thanks! I had given up on checking Craigslist lately since filtering through the noise and searching for specifics was becoming a pain. Miles are a little high (not for a 2005 though I guess), but this might be the best option because I can toss the extra cash into upgrades.

[classicmfk]

if looking new, try asking a dealer to order one from the factory. it takes a couple months but you might waste that much time anyways trying to find one.

Ya, looked into it but they will only take orders for the 2011 at this point.