$5k - what would you buy?

[skier14]

Hi - new to the forum (I have been creeping for a while though)

I have $5k to pick up a SUV, and I am looking at few - have done some decent research on the QX4 and pathfinder, and these seem like pretty good bang for the buck. I'm aware of the common problems, have test drove a QX4, seen video of the Pathfinder and QX4 off road, and they seem to be fine for what I would likely do if off road. I will likely use the truck for recreation stuff, so I am not overly concerned about the MPG, that said, the QX4 seems to be really hard on gas.

Two other considerations: (1) I want it to last 3 years or so, and (2) want to keep repair cost to a minimum.

Looking at these:
2001 - QX4
2001 - Pathfinder
1998 or newer 4runner limited
2001,2,3 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Is the 4runner worth the premium that is charged?
Is the QX4 or Pathfinder a truck you would buy again?
If pricing was equal among all the trucks I chose what would you choose?

[Buzzman]

I bought my 2002 pathfinder in 2003. It was a low mileage lease return.
I would buy it again in a heartbeat.
The main concern now is rust. I live in Canada in a snow/salt environment.
Most, if not all, of the older Pathfinders here are rust buckets. There are lots of them in my local junkyard.
Fortunately, I oil sprayed and undercoated mine almost yearly.
Even with that, rust is eating away at my rear wheel wells. I also had to repair the rust in the roof at the top of the windshield.
If you live in the southern U.S. I would definitely buy one.
If you're up North, buyer beware. Look for a 2002-2004. The lower the mileage the better of course.
Same holds true of the other makes you mentioned. I've seen a few 4-runners up here with massive rust issues as well.

[skier14]

I bought my 2002 pathfinder in 2003. It was a low mileage lease return.
I would buy it again in a heartbeat.
The main concern now is rust. I live in Canada in a snow/salt environment.
Most, if not all, of the older Pathfinders here are rust buckets. There are lots of them in my local junkyard.
Fortunately, I oil sprayed and undercoated mine almost yearly.
Even with that, rust is eating away at my rear wheel wells. I also had to repair the rust in the roof at the top of the windshield.
If you live in the southern U.S. I would definitely buy one.
If you're up North, buyer beware. Look for a 2002-2004. The lower the mileage the better of course.
Same holds true of the other makes you mentioned. I've seen a few 4-runners up here with massive rust issues as well.

I live in Vancouver so rust is too much of an issue, but I know what your saying about the rust on the 4runner's tailgate and rear bumper and the Pathfinder/QX4.

As for km's on the 4runners out there I am looking at 260k (if I am lucky), the QX4's are about 200-220k, pathfinders between 180-300, and the jeeps are little better at 140-200k...

What are you getting for mpg? around 15 in the city and 19 HWY?

[saskapath]

I picked up a 2002 Pathy this spring for that price. The issues I've had might give you some things to look at.
1-Ball joints were totally worn out
2-Driver side front axle needed to be replaced
3-AC compressor was toast
4-BOSE audio system was non funtional
5-Driver side O2 sensor was defective
6-Both cats are shot, see # 7
7-Oil consumption is through the roof, 1 litre in 600 miles

I've taken care of everything but 6 and 7. There seems to be a possibility that the oil is getting sucked into the intake via the PCV circuit due to a plugged baffle drain in the passenger side valve cover. Investigating that is next on my list. No point dealing with the cats until the oil consumption is reduced.

A couple of other things to look at. Mine is a manual transmission so I wasn't concerned about this one. There are a set of butterfly valves in the intake system called Power Control valves. The screws used to hold the plates to the shaft missed getting threadlocker at the factory and had tended to vibrate loose and then ingested causing damage. The other is a recall to check for corrosion in the strut housings which can be extreme. It hadn't been done on my but fortunately there was only minimal corrosion.

All in all it's a solid vehicle but I'll be happier with it when the oil issue is solved. I get about 17 MPG (imperial) city and 22-23 on the highway.

Good luck!

[skier14]

I picked up a 2002 Pathy this spring for that price. The issues I've had might give you some things to look at.
1-Ball joints were totally worn out
2-Driver side front axle needed to be replaced
3-AC compressor was toast
4-BOSE audio system was non funtional
5-Driver side O2 sensor was defective
6-Both cats are shot, see # 7
7-Oil consumption is through the roof, 1 litre in 600 miles

I've taken care of everything but 6 and 7. There seems to be a possibility that the oil is getting sucked into the intake via the PCV circuit due to a plugged baffle drain in the passenger side valve cover. Investigating that is next on my list. No point dealing with the cats until the oil consumption is reduced.

A couple of other things to look at. Mine is a manual transmission so I wasn't concerned about this one. There are a set of butterfly valves in the intake system called Power Control valves. The screws used to hold the plates to the shaft missed getting threadlocker at the factory and had tended to vibrate loose and then ingested causing damage. The other is a recall to check for corrosion in the strut housings which can be extreme. It hadn't been done on my but fortunately there was only minimal corrosion.

All in all it's a solid vehicle but I'll be happier with it when the oil issue is solved. I get about 17 MPG (imperial) city and 22-23 on the highway.

Good luck!

From what I have read the repairs you have listed seem to be fairly common, correct me if I am wrong, but the front axel and ball joints sound expensive. I was told that on most trucks this age you will want to make sure the ball joints were taken care of - this is usually part of regular service (a milestone around 160k I think)

How would I do a quick check of the Power Control valves? just mention that to my mechanic I guess. (this one sounds bad too)

Great MPG considering what I saw on the government website for MPG

[ncalnissan]

correct me if I am wrong, but the front axel and ball joints sound expensive

Front axle and ball joints are not too bad. The parts are relatively inexpensive , and I was able to do it as a DIY job. The tricky part is getting the ball joints out, but with a little inspiration and a loaner tool from Autozone, it wasn't too bad. Shouldn't be too many labor hours if you have a professional do it.

As others have said, rust in the strut housing is the main issue. Check out Nissan's official inspection guide to know what to look for. Besides that, the common issues include worn rear trailing arm bushings, worn out struts/shocks, saggy rear springs, and oil leaks from the valve cover seals.

I've owned by 2000 Pathfinder 4WD since 2006 and currently at 160k miles, I have been very happy with it.

[skier14]

I will check out that Nissan inspection guide
Cheers

[saskapath]

The axle and ball joints were a pretty easy DYI. The power control valves can be checked but it requires that part of the intake manifold be removed. Lots of info on this site regarding how to do that.

Re fuel consumption, it's a bit worse with a canoe tied to the top and I generally drive the thing like an elderly person

[asnorton44]

01s are known to have ignition coil problems; atleast mine did.

[skier14]

Yeah I have read that they tend to happen on the drivers side

[00pathyse]

Had a 2000 SE since 2006. It's been a tremendous suv for my wife and i. Would buy again also. Biggest issue now is rust. Mosty cosmetic, but make sure you check for the strut housing corrosion recall which is not cosmetic. The 2000 and older Pathfinders have a different engine than the 01s and newer. They have 80 less hp but i believe they have a lot less engine problems than he 3.5. Just remember they have a timing belt that needs to be replaced after 160k kms. My 2000 has 190k kms and runs like a top and burns no oil. Never had any mechanical issues whatsoever other than basic tune ups.

[Kompresshun]

Personally I love the 4 Runner, but they are typically riddled with tons of rust in that price range and it's next to impossible to find one with less than 200k miles on it.

I would probably be looking for a Pathfinder or QX4 myself. Sometimes you can get lucky and find a QX4 in better shape than most Pathy's in that price range. I personally don't think you can go wrong with either of them as long as you're aware of the issues mentioned above. Rust would be my major concern with any of them, but as long as you can find a clean one I think you'll be pleased with your purchase.

Good luck with your hunt! Let us know if you have any other questions.