2012 Nissan Xterra 4×4 :: Classifieds

Xterra

The Nissan Xterra is a great choice for travel with recent adventure-ready offerings such as this 2003, 2004, and 2015 Xterra Pro 4X. It’s something of an underappreciated value despite providing impressive reliability, capability, and fabled Japanese build quality. Cue today’s 2012 Nissan Xterra (230,000 miles), which has been meticulously maintained, showcases tasteful modifications, and is sold with a collection of spare parts. Affordable rigs such as this are ideal for backcountry travel, as discussed with Christian Pelletier on the Overland Journal podcast. He explains that overlanders should explore in the vehicle they can afford to lose and that an expensive rig will distract you from the experience since you’ll forever be anxious about damage or theft. With this in mind, today’s Xterra will go toe-to-toe with premium 4WDs on the trails, but is a fraction of the cost. This means you can focus on enjoying this platform as intended rather than worrying about adding that first scratch. Further still, the Xterra is a proven adventure platform, as demonstrated by the adventures of Destination X, 4Low Bros, and TFL Now.  

Nissan Xterra

Nissan Xterra overland

From the Seller:

“‘Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t!’ This was Nissan’s marketing slogan, and it couldn’t be more accurate to the ethos that driving this tastefully modified truck imbues. Made in the USA, the Xterra was the first Nissan vehicle completely conceived, developed, and manufactured in the United States. The 2nd generation Xterra (2005-2015) is larger in all dimensions than the 1st generation (1999-2004), and the engine was upgraded to a 4.0-liter V6. This model also shares the Nissan F-Alpha platform with the Frontier and Pathfinder, so some parts compatibility exists. I bought this truck from a friend who racked up lots of highway miles driving across the country to Canada multiple times, and I have used it mainly for commuting to work 30 miles each way with one trip to Big Bend.”

Xterra overland Nissan Xterra overland 2010 Nissan Xterra 4×4

The Xterra is fitted with a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 261 horsepower, 281 pound-feet of torque, and returns a combined 17 mpg. A dependable motor is matched with impressive capability thanks to 4WD, a locking center differential, high and low range, a lifted and uprated suspension, and armor. Inside, these rugged credentials are balanced with driver comforts that include: 

  • Air-conditioning 
  • Power steering, windows, and locks
  • Reverse camera 
  • Alpine touchscreen head unit 
  • Cruise control 

Nissan overland

Nissan Xterra overland

Distinguishing Features

  • Gobi ladder 
  • Front Runner Slimeline II roof rack 
  • Lifted 2-inch suspension with Bilstein 5100 shocks and additional rear leaf
  • Goodyear DuraTrac tires 
  • CoverKing windshield and seat covers 
  • Optima Redtop battery 
  • AVS vent visors 

Nissan Xterra overland

Nissan overland build

This 2012 Nissan Xterra 4×4 is listed for $7,000 and is currently located in Austin, Texas. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.

Nissan Xterra overland

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No money in the bank, but gas in the tank. Our resident Bikepacking Editor Jack Mac is an exploration photographer and writer living full-time in his 1986 Vanagon Syncro but spends most days at the garage pondering why he didn’t buy a Land Cruiser Troopy. If he’s not watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, he can be found mountaineering for Berghaus, sea kayaking for Prijon, or bikepacking for Surly Bikes. Jack most recently spent two years on various assignments in the Arctic Circle but is now back in the UK preparing for his upcoming expeditions—looking at Land Cruisers. Find him on his website, Instagram, or on Facebook under Bicycle Touring Apocalypse.