2010 Nissan Xterra Offroad - without VDC

[US25]

Hi all,

I just joined the club today, a total newbie. I went for my first desert driving session a couple of weeks ago in my 2022 Y62 V8  Patrol Titanium, and ended up damaging my front bumpers a little bit. So, I am now looking to buy an inexpensive car that can take the abuse better. I have found a 2010 Xterra, off-road model, in a fairly good condition and at a reasonable price, but it doesn't have a switch to turn the VDC/traction control off, although it has the rear differential locker. I quite like the car and am keen to consider it, but could not having the VDC switch be a deal-breaker? Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! 🙏

Thank you,

Uday

 

 

[Gilberto]

Hi! Welcome to the club!  You can either install a kill switch or learn how to disable the safety features by removing the correct fuses from the fuse box. I installed a kill switch in an off-road garage, and it was inexpensive.

[US25]

Thank you, Gilberto, this is very helpful. Is it something that I should do on day 1, or as and when I progress? The reason I ask is, there are other Xterras available at that price point that have the switch but not the diff lockers. Do you think I should consider them instead? 

[Gilberto]

So my personal opinion is that the kill switch becomes a safety feature during offroading, and one that you probably benefit the most at the beginning of your offroad journey. It’s most beneficial when you are newbie and fewbie because you're still learning how to handle your vehicle with precision and finesse, but it's essential overall since driving on sand with traction control and ABS means you'll get stuck constantly. 

Don't choose an Xterra just for the switch; it’s cheap and easy to add later. A diff lock, however, is a major advantage (personally, I think it's a must have), crucial for recovery, and you can't add it later (well, technically you can, but it'll be costly to install aftermarket).

Just keep in mind that xterras were discontinued 10 years ago. I don't say that to put you off, I only say it as reminder to focus on the essentials, as I'm sure your money will go to replacing parts pretty soon after the first drive. That said, they are absolute tanks on wheels and the engine is fantastic.

[Frederic]

Great idea on getting an Xterra instead of damaging your main car. This is the most commonly used strategy.

The kill switch is basically just a small switch that can be installed by an offroad garage that will disable your traction control completely. Which is definitely necessary for offroading in the sand.

The rear diff locker is a very nice addition to any offroad vehicle, and will help in self recovery. It is not a must have if you drive in a convoy, as there will always be people to help you, but it's a great feeling to switch it on and being able to slowly crawl out of your stuck situation. Does not always work but will help a lot.

Take note to get the rear differential checked, because the rear diff for the Offroad models are different and are very very hard to find. I've heard cases of people looking for months trying to find one.

[Gilberto]

8 minutes ago, Frederic said:

Take note to get the rear differential checked, because the rear diff for the Offroad models are different and are very very hard to find. I've heard cases of people looking for months trying to find one.

Very true, Fred. It took me about 3 months to find the right one. I don't even remember how many sellers I talked to. Btw, I wasn’t aware that the rear diff lock varied across trims, but for me not getting the offroad model wasn't even an option. 

[US25]

Thank you very much everyone, this really helpful. I will then go ahead with the one that has diff-locks, and see how it goes from there. Looking forward to my first drive with the Club this weekend!

[US25]

Hi all,

As an update, I have bought the Xterra (2010, Off road). Seems fine so far, although a lot of wind noise and a bit of a creak here and there. Engine is quite punchy and relatively smooth for it's age. Going for my first desert drive with the club tomorrow, so hoping it holds well. Are there any good off road garages, preferably that specialise in Xterras, that you can recommend?

 

[Luke K P]

awesome stuff! enjoy your first drive in the new beast!

1.  

[Frederic]

1 hour ago, US25 said:

Hi all,

As an update, I have bought the Xterra (2010, Off road). Seems fine so far, although a lot of wind noise and a bit of a creak here and there. Engine is quite punchy and relatively smooth for it's age. Going for my first desert drive with the club tomorrow, so hoping it holds well. Are there any good off road garages, preferably that specialise in Xterras, that you can recommend?

 

wind noise and creaks are normal on Xterras  

What you get in return is power and fun. 

Did you get the car inspected in a workshop already? This might avoid suprises like 4WD not engaging on the morning of your first drive