After an accident has taken the life of my 98SE 2WD, Ive been looking for a replacement.

Found a decent deal on a 2000 V6 4x4. I had my dad test drive it (Im in CT, truck is in VA), and he reported back some things that bothered him but he wasnt sure were because he's never driven a 4x4....

1. Steering was very "hard" compared to the 2WD version. Salesman said it was because the gearbox is tighter for off-road purposes, and steering is heavier because of the heavy front end. Anyone driven a 2WD and a 4WD care to comment?

2. During braking, my dad felt the front end get "squirrely".....wheels didnt track straight, and it wasnt a vibration from a warped rotor. Thats the issue that worries me the most (thinking maybe it got hit in the front end?) My dad was wondering if it could be because of the higher center of gravity vs the 2WD version.

3. Undercoating......a bunch of it. Thought I read on here that the truck is undercoated from the factory so this could be normal, but just figured Id ask.

Thanks in advance!
-Chris

They're not factory undercoated. It was probably dealer installed when it was new.

The 4wd will steer a bit harder - the power assist isn't that great, and you're turning bigger tires.

On the braking, that could be a number of things. Underinflated tires or a brake system in need of being bled are possible culprits.

I don't know. It sounds kinda fishy to me.

If you ever get a chance to look at it closely, look for signs of a new paint job: overspray on headlights, bumpers, etc., also colors that don't quite match, from fender to door for example.

First thing, RUN A CARFAX!!! I figure that the steering may be a little worn out. Undercoating can mean possible rust issues but also it may mean that the previous owner just likes to take care of his truck. I spray my undercarriage from time to time so its no biggy. Maybe have your dad take it to a local mechanic and have it looked over.

My dad actually saw overspray, on the body mount bolts and cushions, as well as a little inside the wheel well area. The flanges where the fenders bolt to underneath the hood were also missing all the paint. We're assuming teh truck was hit.

Carfax shows a steady run of 9K miles/yr, then all of a sudden last year only 1K got put on (no sale, so still same owner). I was optimistic, thinking maybe it was just turned into a 3rd vehicle. My dad was pessimistic, thinking it could have been getting repaired. From the looks of it, he was right. Squirrelly front end, hard steering, etc. The paint on the left front fender also didnt match compared to the rest of the truck (not as shiny, and a slightly diferent shade of red). Big indications it was hit in the left front, along with the steering and braking issues, Im thinking it may have gotten hit hard. Regardless of if an alignment would fix it, its still a risk.

We passed on that truck, but thanks for all the help! I actually test drove an 01 4x4 today, and noted the steering, braking, and overall feel of the truck. No, its not too much different than my old 2WD, so now I know what too look for (and I know I want a 4x4 ).

-Chris

That was probabyl a smart decision, post up some pics when you get the new 4-by. And always remember, if the accident was never filed then it wont show up on the Carfax.

Yeah man go for the '01. Get crew cab and a SC for it. Of course I could just be biased.

'01 was the best year of the D22U. New body with the re-styled one-year interior. I hate the '02-'04 interior. Plus it proclaims NISSAN on the tailgate, instead of the sissy little hamburger badge. Only year of the 5spd SC CrewCab. Also doesn't collect water in the 3rd brake light, etc. I could go on but why?

Go for it. Post pics when done.

I did it! Except it wasnt the same 01 I was talking about

Found a loaded 2001 SE-V6 KingCab 4x4 about 160 miles from my house (yes, Im dedicated enough to buy a truck 160 miles from my house ). $11,500 with 38K miles on it. Had the local Nissan dealer do a pre-buy inspection, and they came up with very little (needs 30K mile service, and a right front wheel bearing re-pack, which is actually done during the service so I might spring for it).

What a nice truck it is!! No vibrations, no rattles, etc. Every service (down to replacing blown headlight bulbs) was done at a Nissan dealer, the truck was cared for immaculately. The only knock (not a big one) is no sunroof. BUT it has the bed extender, which I think will end up more useful to me than the sunroof anyway And best of all, I didnt have to deal with a used car dealer.

Ill get pics once it stops raining up here.

-Chris

Congradulatinons sounds like a nice, clean truck. Hope you have a budget for mods, Once you start, you can NEVER stop, haha.

Get some pics up

Wow, that's low miles on a nearly 6 year old truck. congrats.

quote:

Originally posted by Desert Rat:
Wow, that's low miles on a nearly 6 year old truck. congrats.

Yep very low miles. I had 53 when I bought mine just over a year ago. I now have 73 on it. Congrats on the new toy. Just make sure that the TSBs have looked at. You are gonna hate the first scratch. I know I did.

Where's those pics man??

damn... My Titan is only a year old and already has 23000 miles on it.... I guess I do drive a lot...