Been mostly looking at 4wd Pathfinders 1996-1999, but occasionally a QX4 or newer Pathfinder pops up priced right. On the QX4s i sometimes see the 4wd lever, sometimes I see the 4wd lever and 4wd option knob on the dash then there are the later models that just have the dash knob, no lever at all.
Whats the difference here? Is there one that is more desirable than another?
2000ish + 4wd options ???
Re: 2000ish + 4wd options ???
The later R50's have the 3.5 engine .... better. The Q is basically the same as an LE version of the Pathfinder with HID lights and some extra body cladding.
I have owned three 02 LE's w/ leather and lSD. It's the nicest IMO. Rust fee is the most important thing when buying. They did come 2WD.
The LE's and Q's have the dial because they have an automatic transfer case -- the dial sets the position of the transfer case. "Auto" allows the transfer case to switch into 4WD should the ABS system notice any slip in the rear wheels. It's not really AWD .. because the system goes back to 2wd soon after. It does work. You leave them in auto -- it will come on in the rain. The R50 is basically a truck -- so it's very robust ... but it's "Old School" 4wd with everything locked ... it's not designed to drive on dry pavement full time in 4H or 4L.
The LE pathfinders have different running boards and roof racks vs the base model ...also ... auto climate control .. the transfer case. Most have leather and sunroof. Upgraded Bose system -- P locks and windows. All mine have had power heated seats w/ leather.
I have owned three 02 LE's w/ leather and lSD. It's the nicest IMO. Rust fee is the most important thing when buying. They did come 2WD.
The LE's and Q's have the dial because they have an automatic transfer case -- the dial sets the position of the transfer case. "Auto" allows the transfer case to switch into 4WD should the ABS system notice any slip in the rear wheels. It's not really AWD .. because the system goes back to 2wd soon after. It does work. You leave them in auto -- it will come on in the rain. The R50 is basically a truck -- so it's very robust ... but it's "Old School" 4wd with everything locked ... it's not designed to drive on dry pavement full time in 4H or 4L.
The LE pathfinders have different running boards and roof racks vs the base model ...also ... auto climate control .. the transfer case. Most have leather and sunroof. Upgraded Bose system -- P locks and windows. All mine have had power heated seats w/ leather.
-
Buzzman
- Posts: 2079
- Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2007 2:35 pm
- Car: 2016 Lexus RX 350
2023 Kia Stinger Elite V6 AWD.
Re: 2000ish + 4wd options ???
I'd try and get a 2002 or newer R50.
2001 was the first year of the VQ35 engine, and it had it's teething problems.
2002-2004 are the most desirable.
Rust is indeed a big issue, so if you can find a southern car that hasn't seen salt and ice, then that's where I'd look.
The pre 2001 R50's are under-powered, in my opinion. The smaller engine requires more maintenance (timing belt in particular), so I'd shy away from them if you can afford the newer ones.
2001 was the first year of the VQ35 engine, and it had it's teething problems.
2002-2004 are the most desirable.
Rust is indeed a big issue, so if you can find a southern car that hasn't seen salt and ice, then that's where I'd look.
The pre 2001 R50's are under-powered, in my opinion. The smaller engine requires more maintenance (timing belt in particular), so I'd shy away from them if you can afford the newer ones.
-
Mike W.
- Posts: 419
- Joined: Tue Jun 13, 2017 6:59 pm
- Car: 2003 Infiniti QX4 with a drinking problem. Gone but not forgotten
2002 BMW 525it
2002 BMW 530i/ manual trans
The dark side, 2008 4Runner.. We'll see. - Location: California Whine Country
Re: 2000ish + 4wd options ???
I've got an '03 Q and the knob on the dash makes me nervous, but in my modest use it's been perfect. With the LSD in it I've been very impressed by it's 4WD performance. With a rated 240HP (my butt dyno says more like 215-220) it's got all the power it needs for a 4WD truck, on and off road. Not fun level of power where it brings a big grin on your face, but not slow either. I can't imagine it with 70HP less like the earlier ones had. Climbing a hill on the freeway at 8000 feet with a rated 170HP I would be afraid of getting passed by old VW buses. 
Re: 2000ish + 4wd options ???
Mike .... why does it make you nervous? Have not heard of a failure.
-
Mike W.
- Posts: 419
- Joined: Tue Jun 13, 2017 6:59 pm
- Car: 2003 Infiniti QX4 with a drinking problem. Gone but not forgotten
2002 BMW 525it
2002 BMW 530i/ manual trans
The dark side, 2008 4Runner.. We'll see. - Location: California Whine Country
Re: 2000ish + 4wd options ???
I'm really a 3 pedal kind of guy, so it's more the concept. I've had it 2 years now and come to think of it I haven't heard of any failures either, but I'm not an expert on them either. I just trust a mechanical linkage more than a switch, wires and solenoids.