4nismospeed

My wife and I are looking at getting an xterra. We live in michigan so we get about 3 good months of snow. I was wondering if anyone had any experiences with a 2wd model in the snow and how it handles it. We would be getting the limited slip dif also. We also live in the city and don't have to worry about being snowed in because of plows and other traffic. We wouldn't be doing any off roading in it just maybe some camping in the summer. I just figure that its cheaper on maintenance and not worth it if you're only going to use it a couple times a year. Thanks for any help. Jim

__________________
A true Nissan Datsun enthusiast

b67

I have a 4x4 pathfinder with the rear LSD. During the past few winters there has been alot of snow. I played around four wheel and two wheel and let me tell you this - handling on ice or snow with rear drive sucks - give it a little extra gas and you'll be fishtailing all over(think accelerating from a full stop). You'd be better off getting a fwd car(murano?).

BTW, I don;t think there is much maintainence diffrence

black_knight

yeah i'm with b67 on this one... i made the same sacrifice when I bought my 03 frontier. I looked at an XE 4x4 or my SE Desert Runner 2wd. They looked Identical (since the desert runner is the offroad package) and I said "well i'm sure the truck will be pretty good with LSD and 2WD so I went that route with more interior equipment. While the 2wd with LSD has done pretty well there have been at least a handful of times were 4x4 would have made the snow/mud much much safer and quite a few times when I had to turn around and find another way because I didn't trust the 2wd. My next truck/suv (when I graduate in a few months) will be a 4x4 because if you live anywhere where you will need it just a few times a year it's worth it. Especially since you live in the North and have no clue what the winter can throw your way. It only works out to be about a 1500 diff in price and it really is negligable when it comes to gas mileage, maybe 1mpg difference. As far as reliability, Nissan's been doing 4x4 for a long time and you aren't going to have anymore problems then you would with a 2wd. yeah you are adding the transfer case another differential but it really is a moot point unless you are talking about having it 8-10 years and even then the 4x4 has paid for itself. Hope this Helps in your decision.

__________________
Black Knight - 2004 Crew Cab XE-V6 4x4
"...God made men the way they are because we desperately need them to be the way they are. Yes, a man is a dangerous thing, but so is a scalpel. You don't make it safe by making it dull, but instead you put it in the hands of someone who knows what he's doing." - John Eldridge

jadehardbody

If the extra cost is not an issue, 4x4 would definitely be a safer option considering your location and fact that it would be a family vehicle. Front wheel drive is definitely a viable alternative and you should check that out if you are not entertaining offroading. If you do choose a front wheel drive, murano was mentioned, the one thing that may hinder you is ground clearance and as you said street clearing and traffic should keep that issue under control. Best of luck either way, but from experience with my 2wd 94 truck, driving in rain, much less snow gets very ahiry at times.

__________________
Just a common sense lesson learned; 2wd in snow=fun, 2wd on ice=bad idea. Consider self one lucky mother_____.

4nismospeed

Thanks for the tips guys. I myself have had a 97 hardbody 2wd and an old b210 and yes it would get kind of hairy at times. I just kind of figured that since its quite a bit heavier and with a decent tire that it might be alright. But hey maybe 4wd is the better option or something else thats more car like with fwd. Jim

__________________
A true Nissan Datsun enthusiast

spec240sx

You speak of Wieght..
The X is less than the Frontier. It is the Same Chasis basis, yet less sheet and drivetrain. So, if you plan on anything heavy or travelling during the winter in the backroads or around the lakes, 4x is a very safe and peace of mind control.
$1850 option = 5 tow truck pulls from stuck in gulleys or sliding across the bridge.
And, if you buy a lease return, you will get it at below wholesale. Your bank and pocket book will love you.
Have concerns about the condition??? Get 1 NISSAN Cert'd! The full MFG warranty stands until 3yrs 36000miles. And the drivetrain and all associated parts are covered until 6yrs or 100000miles! All in the price! Because it is a perk NISSAN offers to a buyer of lease vehicles.