I previously owned a 2006 Xterra with 160,000 miles and I loved this vehicle. However, it was totaled in an accident. Because of my excellent experience with my previous xterra, I chose to buy a used 2006 xterra, but this time I bought one with a manual transmission with 67,000 miles. After two months and 3,000 miles, the clutch is shot - completely burned out, will not move. After reading several complaints and reviews, I clearly made the wrong choice to switch from the automatic to the manual transmission. If my goal is to get at least 200,000 miles, it's not going to happen without two or three clutch replacements - this is not okay! So now I realize that I have bought a lemon, so we'll see how long this one lasts. And at what time to trade it in for something else that is more reliable?

clutch went on my 2006 Xterra took it to a registered mechanic and they said that the part alone was almost $1500!!! They estimated total cost to be about $2400 as it was considered a two day labor job to remove the entire transmission and part of the exhaust system in order to install the new clutch.... Mechanic also said they resurface the flywheel when the install the clutch so after the job is completed it wont die out and result in even more labor... I live in a moderately sized city but the part was still overnight order (clutch burned out Friday morning part wouldn't be in until Monday). Called shop on Monday they said part shipment was delayed due to weather and wouldn't be available until at least Tuesday. Called Tuesday and they said they had began the work but as it was a 2 day job it probably wouldn't be ready until Thursday. Called Thursday and they said that because Xterras are foreign made vehicles they arent built to withstand local weather and road conditions and that as a result of snow, water, and road salt the corrosion level in most Nissans is pretty high. Anyway when they went to refurbish mytwo mass flywheel` it was completely corroded and fell apart. Two mass flywheel cost estimated at $980!!!!!!

Now fortunately I had a really great mechanic who after hearing the sick noise I made at the mention of this price said that he was attempting to find something a little cheaper. He ended up finding a clutch kit that contained both the clutch and flywheel bringing my new estimated total to roughly $2800 instead of $2400.... meanwhile I called Nissan and asked them what they would charge me for a clutch replacement (not including the flywheel) and they responded with an unrelenting $3200.... Anywho back at the shop after another over night shipment mechanic went to install my brand new clutch and flywheel but due to the corrosion level any nut or bolt that was a part of the exhaust system fell apart. Anyway to make a long story short it had to go to an outside exhaust repair shop resulting in a total bill of $3200..... And I think I died a little inside.

Second clutch burned out. Nissan claimed it was not covered under warranty ( the first time this happened at 7954 miles, they fixed it for free ). I had no choice, spent $2106 to fix it. Needed new clutch and flywheel. Looked up on the internet (Google It!) and several Xterra owners from the model year 2005-2009 with manual transmissions had the same issues ( early burn out ). Nissan refuses to acknowledge the design defect, it appears they incorporated their 350Z clutch ( a sports car) into the Xterra. The Xterra weighs several hundred pounds more and has 100 more horsepower than the Z.

I am now in the arbitration process with the BBB. I and my wife have been driving manual transmissions for 40 years apiece, and this is the first time there has ever been a problem. It is not us! My 2000 Tacoma has 139000 miles, no clutch issues. Don't buy a new or used manual transmission Xterra.