I owned a '00 2WD Xterra for 50k miles, which is much the same as an '03 other than the shape of the headlights. You could ask on the owners club (XOC) but as far as I’m aware the only issues have been with the exhaust manifold studs, a common problem on the VG30/33 engine. Compared to a Subaru it’s a heavy truck, solid and simple. If you are hard on vehicles I think it would the better choice. It handles well and rides OK, but it really sucks gas. I never got better than 17 mpg.