The latest news on the upcoming Nissan Xterra relaunch is that the brand is looking to launch the off-roading SUV at an MSRP below $40,000. At a time when the average new car starts in the $50,000 range, that's something to celebrate. But, we're not going to see this mid-size hit the market until the second half of 2028.In the meantime, it wouldn't be a bad idea to grab yourself a dirt-cheap off-roader to sling around the trail while you wait for the new Nissan Xterra. Like, for instance, the old Nissan Xterra, which our trending price tool has clocked at an average price under $6,000, with some models selling for even less. Here's why this might be just the thing to tide you over while Nissan ramps up the relaunch. The 2008 Nissan Xterra Is A $6,000 Bargain In 2026 Nissan The Xterra has been around since 1999, launching for the 2000 model year. We like the 2008 model because it was a few years into the second generation, having worked out most of those first-year bugs.The SUV starts you off with 8.3 inches of ground clearance, a roof rack with a built-in gear box comes standard, and you can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The SUV is body-on-frame, it's durable, it's powered by a naturally aspirated V6 (the new one is V6, too, but it's going to be a hybrid), and you've got that chunky body cladding that made 2000s off-roaders so fun-looking. It's everything you want in a cheap adventure vehicle. Some Xterras Sell For The Price Of A New Sofa Nissan Checking in with our trending prices tool, we find that the 2008 is averaging a little under $6,000 as of the time of this writing. That number may be up or down by a few dollars once you read this, but that's where it's at right now based on five listings for the X trim, with the lowest price sitting at just $3,500 at last check.These prices are for the 4x2, which can be fun to sling around in the dirt, but you probably want a 4x4. If we look at the 2009 model, we find that an all-wheel drive Off Road model starts at $6,000 on the dot, as of the time of this writing.If we take a first-hand look at the marketplace, we find the following listings posted. A 233,144-mile 2011 Xterra S is selling for $2,995 in Massachussetts. A 96,838-mile 2000 Xterra XE is selling for $6,995 in Nevada. An 81,966-mile 2006 Xterra S is selling for $9,990 in Georgia. A 98,486-mile 2010 Xterra SE is selling for $10,495 in California. A 98,000-mile 2014 Xterra X is selling for $11,900 in Texas. A 149,000-mile 2009 Xterra S is selling for $6,100 in California. A 146,075-mile 2008 Xterra S is selling for $4,999 in Virginia. Note that we only share these listings to give you an idea of what's out there. There's no telling what will be available when you're ready to buy. You'll want to take a look at the market for yourself to see what you can find.At these prices, $6,000 can easily buy you a throwaway SUV in the 150,000-mile range, something that will take a beating on the trail and sell for scrap when it finally gives up the ghost. If you want to budget $10,000 to $12,000 for the purchase, it should be easier to find something with under 100,000 miles on the odometer, and keep it running for years to come. It's Cheap, It's Fun, But Is It Reliable? NissanWe've been talking about the Nissan Xterra as a "throwaway" SUV. But, it doesn't have to be. You can buy this thing for cheap and drive it like you stole it, sure, but it's cheap to maintain and the 2011 and 2012 models hold an 83/100 Quality & Reliability rating with JD Power.The risk comes with the fact that you're buying a used off-roader that was already pretty cheap when it first hit the market, and there's no telling how well the previous owner kept it. That said, a little preventive maintenance goes a long way, and there's no reason a low-mileage Xterra can't keep you on the trail for another 200,000 miles or more. The Xterra Is Cheap To Maintain, But Check The Suspension Before You Buy RepairPal estimates an average maintenance cost of $514, with the following listed as the most expensive common fixes. Control arm replacement $709–$888 Engine mount replacement $571–$733 Brake booster replacement $524–$650 Fuel evaporative canister replacement $440–$575 Wheel bearing replacement $402–$482 You'll no doubt notice that a lot of these fixes have to do with wheels, suspension, everything that supports the SUV from the ground up. Why, it's almost as if used models bear the signs of rough off-road use, bouncing over rocks and tree stumps, with drivers leaving the resulting damage for the next owner to worry about. There's a reason you don't see any million-mile Jeeps, after all, and it has nothing to do with reliability.According to u/Enge712 on the r/Xterra subreddit, early second gens have "less robust front differential, and some issues with timing chain guides". If you're looking for something you want to keep for years to come, anything from 2011 forward is going to have largely sorted these issues out.The least troubled model year, according to CarComplaints, is the 2013 option, with just two reports on file. One of these complaints is for an uneven tailgate, and the other is for creaking noises coming from the leaf springs at just 12,000 miles.Fixing up the suspension system in a used SUV can cost you more than the car itself. Make sure to put an Xterra through the paces on the test-drive to ensure you won't be spending thousands of dollars getting it off-road-ready before you feel safe taking it on the trail. Customization Options Are Endless In A Nissan Xterra NissanIf the Nissan Xterra isn't your ideal off-roader, it can be with a little aftermarket work. Whether you just want to beef up the suspension a bit, or you want to turn your dirt-cheap 4x4 into the ultimate overlanding vehicle, you can find plenty of gear on All Things Nissan, and Bilstein suspension upgrades on sites like Parts Geek.Another Reddit user, u/sweet_story_bro, on the Xterra subreddit recommends a rear diff breather kit as your first major upgrade, as it will help you to prevent a potential issue with clogged differential breathers. These kits can sell for as little as $25 on some sites, and with that out of the way, you can move on to the fun stuff, like the Old Man Emu two-inch lift kit ($1,850 on All Dogs Off Road). A Used Xterra Is Easy To Recommend NissanWhether you're looking for something you can keep for years as a daily-driver, a weekend adventure vehicle, or something that can take a beating as you bounce around in the great outdoors, a used Nissan Xterra is easy to recommend at any budget. From a $12,000 keeper to a $5,000 throwaway, the Xterra is affordable no matter your definition of the word. The Second-Gen Xterra Isn't For Everyone, But It's Perfect For Budget-Savvy Adventurers The list of drivers who shouldn't be considering a second-gen Xterra for their next SUV is shorter than the list of people who should. If you don't really plan on getting off-road all that often, an Xterra is far outclassed by similarly priced used Hondas and Toyotas as far as reliable mid-size SUVs go. A 2008 Honda CR-V, for instance, is trending at around $8,000 last we checked, and that's going to be a more functional option if you plan to do all of your driving on paved roads.If you'd rather not spend any time and money on preventive maintenance or suspension upgrades, that's another reason to cross the Xterra off your list. At the least, you're probably going to need that rear diff breather kit before you feel comfortable taking this SUV out on an adventure.For everyone else, a used Xterra promises countless weekends of off-road fun at a rock-bottom price.