Do it Yourself Maintenance
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So long as nothing actually breaks maintaining your Xterra isn't very tough. All you need are some basic tools like wrenches and socket sets and a few items you can get at any Auto Parts store and you can do all the maintenance services yourself, literally saving you hundreds of dollars form the "Stealer-ship".
I've broken down the maintenance intervals into the schedules below. Since the initial break in period of the vehicle is a bit more complicated I'll skip that, usually the dealer does that maintenance for you any way. Start at the 30,000 mile service, the first big check-up, that way you can easily keep track of what service you need to have done.
The intervals listed are how long should pass between the particular type of service. The 5k service for example should be done every 5k, etc. If your mileage is 40k you're due for the 5k service, if your mileage is 45k your due for the 15k service. All these schedules were based off a 2000 4WD Automatic V6 Xterra, most of the information remains the same between Xterras but check your owners manual to be sure.
Working on your Xterra every weekend may seem like a chore but these checks can be done in less than 15 minutes, 5 if you hurry. Most of the checks can be done at a gas station when filling up, but if anything needs to be topped off you'll have to have some supplies.
The Nissan manual recommends oil changes at 7.5k, I like to do mine a little earlier. Especially since for the cost of one dealership oil change you can do two and a half at home.
This is really just an oil change where you carefully look over the vehicle similar to the 30k mile service. You don't need to get out all the tools and instruments like the 30k, just carefully inspect everything.
This is the important one, this is when you really go over the Xterra with a fine tooth comb and check for problems. Do it over a weekend where you have a full day to devote to it, if you take your time you may even need two days.
Extra items that need service at longer intervals
There are a few things that last for a long time that still need to be changed at the proper time.
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