2nd Gen Nissan Pathfinder Buyers Guide

[r.f.conroy]

Hey Everyone, I am not a Pathfinder owner yet, but I am hoping to be. I have mainly been looking at 2nd generation Pathfinders between 02' and 04', based on some research I've done. I wanted to pick some brains of current and longtime owners to see what I should be keeping an eye out for when looking at these older vehicles, as well as common issues and remedies for those issues. Thanks for any and all information that can be had, and I look forward to learning more!

[nickelghandi]

I've had both a 99.5 LE and now a 2004 LE Platinum. The 99.5 rusted to pieces, but that seems to be fixed with the newer ones.

My '04 lost its transmission last year and totaled almost $3500 for the repair, but that is pretty uncommon unless someone has towed heavily with it.

Crank position sensor failed, an $80 dollar part and a 30 second job to replace.

I have replaced the alternator twice. Once with a cheap AC Delco re-man from Autozone and then with the Bosch part. I forget what the cost was for the Bosch part, but it was around $300.

These SUVs seem to go through exhaust pipes pretty quickly too. I have done that twice since 2013 both times at a reputable shop. If it happens again and all else is still good with this thing, then I am going full stainless.

Rear main seal was replaced along with the transmission so it cost me nothing, but it occasionally needs done on these vehicles.

I have replaced both front and rear pads and rotors and drums and internal components.

I think in total I have spent around $7,000 since 2013 in parts and labor on this truck for repairs that I would consider outside of normal for the mileage. It currently sits at nearly 150,000 miles and doesn't need anything at the moment. Not too bad.

I am not counting standard replacement items that wear over the life of vehicles such as tires, engine oil, ATF, various filters, headlights, or suspension components. R50 Pathfinders are a bullet-proof, and very off-road and snow capable vehicle. I have had mine in deep mud, snow, steep hills, pulled down trees, hauled heavy loads, and it just keeps going, albeit not very quickly.

[04pathse]

I have mainly been looking at 2nd generation Pathfinders between 02' and 04'

If I were you I would go with an '03 or '04 because '02 and earlier use a different throttle body which tend to leak coolant over time and can short out the ECM (computer) which are quite expensive repairs.

However, if you do get an '02 or earlier, it would be wise to change out the throttle body gasket as soon as possible to prevent the issue.

[AlanAZ]

However, if you do get an '02 or earlier, it would be wise to change out the throttle body gasket as soon as possible to prevent the issue.

If you're also looking at QX4s, be aware that the '03 Q uses the '02 Pathfinder throttle body, however changing the gasket is not difficult and gives you the opportunity to thoroughly clean the TB, improving how the engine runs.

[Buzzman]

You may also want to replace the IACV as a preventative measure if it's the 2002 throttle body.
They are failing regularly now, and will damage your ECM if not caught in time.
You don't say where you are from, but in the snow belt, you need to be aware of the rust issues, particularly pertaining to the front strut towers.
There is a sticky at the top of this forum that explains everything.
If the front towers are rusty, walk away.