2001 QX4 vs. 2005+ Pathfinder

[Chris92SE]

We have owned our 2001 QX4 for several years now and it's over 100k miles. We were just thinking of maybe upgrading to a 2005+ Pathfinder. Probably something with leather and a possibly a few other options. We might not actually have as many options as the Q. Looking at SEs maybe LEs with 15-30k miles.

What would you all think are the pros and cons?

Pros for me: It is rated slightly better in mpg, has a 3rd seat (I would rarely use it) and it has more hp with the 4L VQ, lower miles.

Cons: No HID lights, bigger overall vehicle, probably fewer options.

Any other thoughts?

[pathfinder9035]

well....the r51's did get bad reilibility ratings...i say go look at a 4runner or something...the 06's+ has hids and its about the same size as the pathfinder. i love nissan but recently nissan, they have been getting bad reliability ratings and many recalls. Maybe drive your q for another 100k? Just go out and test drive all the midsize suv in the segment and see what u think.

But i recommend the 4runner.

[denvern]

Agree with above, reliability took a hit when Pathfinder production was moved to USA. However that was probably teething problems....new plant, new truck, new staff. I think the Pathfinder has improved since then. Definitely stay away from 2005 Pathfinder, anything after that is ok.

Also the interior won't be as lush as your QX4, if that matters to you. Although the interior in the 2009 Pathfinder is better than the plastic that surrounds the 2005-2008 models.

[MagicM]

I had a 2006 LE Pathfinder (New), and i thought it was a Pile of Trash. Several electrical issues, drive side auto window stopped working, the third row is terrible to get to let alone only big enough for a 2 year old, and everything inside was made of the cheapest plastics i had ever seen. It doesn't even come close to the R50 models. Like 9035 said, your better off with something like a 4runner, or highly recommended Land Cruiser, both cars which have proven themselves already in reliability and off road performance.

[Chuck Tribolet]

The current PF sure looks bigger than my '01. And no stickshift.

Which is enough to get me to stick with the '01 until it dies.

[pathfinder9035]

hell yeah!! i cant live without my 5 speed!!

[Chris92SE]

It sounds like the new Pathy is out. I talked to a couple of local people who aren't that fond of theirs, either.

My wife is the one that drives it about 70 percent of the time. I just wanted something with lower miles and hopefully, more reliable. She wants and Element, but I don't really like them (I took one for a drive). They are really loud inside and their are no luxury items at all. I am kind of fond of leather, power heated seats, memory seats, climate control and all of fancy things our Q has.

I was also considering an FX35. It looks like the only ones I can find are high miles or very expensive. I was looking in the $15-$20k range with <30k miles. Most of those in that price range are well over 50k miles.

The Q has had some issues, but nothing terrible. I think I might hold onto it a little while longer.

Thanks for all of the input.

[pathfinder9035]

sounds like a plan. If u still love your q, why not settle for a q with lower miles. u save money in the long run.

well here are the top suv's i would consider

1. 4runner 2. another Q3. Honda pilot4. fx35

Me i never get bored of my pathfinder and would love to have another r50. when mine dies, will take awhile, i am probably not getting rid of it. Just gonna throw another motor and keep on driving it!