Buying a 1997 pathfinder with 180k miles

[ridiqls]

Im looking at buying a 97 pathfinder for about 2700$. It has 180k miles. it looks to be in decent condition though the body looks ok and interior is really clean, some mom drove it. They said they put in about $800 of work last year for changing out fluids and cv joints, etc. I asked about the timing belt and water pump and he said he didnt know since he had the car for only 2 years.

At 180k miles, is it safe to say that the engine would have grenaded by now if the timing belt hadnt been changed? Or should I look to do this ASAP and budget this into my costs?

I just need a reliable car for everyday use.

[MisterH]

$2700 seems awfully high for one that old. Depends on market where you reside I guess. Strongly urge you to do a vehicle history report via AutoCheck or CarFax.. You might find it's had ten owners and several major accidents. RE: timing belt, but it almost doesn't matter what was or wasn't done before because it's nearly due for timing belt change #2.

[ridiqls]

$2700 seems awfully high for one that old. Depends on market where you reside I guess. Strongly urge you to do a vehicle history report via AutoCheck or CarFax.. You might find it's had ten owners and several major accidents. RE: timing belt, but it almost doesn't matter what was or wasn't done before because it's nearly due for timing belt change #2.

thanks. I think im going to pass on this one. I found an 01 qx4 for around the same price. Its in good condition.

Anything I need to consider on the qx4 compared to the pathfinder? As i understand the qx4 is a 3.5 and therefore a timing chain. The car has had regular maintenance so I'm not too worried but if there's anything I should know that's specific to the qx4 (or pathfinder.. but they're the same car except aesthetics right?) then I'll need to consider it.

[MisterH]

Pathfinder and QX4 are identical except QX4 has switchable AWD mode. Both Path and QX4 moved to different engine in 2001. Highly recommend you get it checked out first by an Infiniti or Nissan dealer service dept. Will cost about $100 but could save you a lot of grief and you'll know the condition of the vehicle you're buying.

[Buzzman]

Before pulling the trigger on that 2001, I would highly recommend you check out the front strut towers for corrosion.
There is a recall on those (check the sticky at the top of the forum on this subject).
If it looks even remotely skanky, then walk away.
If at all possible, try to find a 2002 or 2003 model Pathy or QX4. They are more reliable.

[ridiqls]

Damn. that one was in great condition but it sold before i got there.

I am looking at a 97 pathfinder with 150k miles. maintenance seems to have been done on time, and only 2 owners, 1 being a family friend of the current owner. things like the drive belt, plugs, etc. have been done but he hasn't been able to find the invoice for the water pump. which he's pretty sure was done 3 years ago. and the timing belt he said should have been done at the same time but he cant remember because it was a few years ago.

The price is $2500. interior is good and he has some service records. Do i buy this and re-do the timing belt or is it safe to say that it should be done at 150k miles?

[atraudes]

My personal feeling on timing belts is unless you have absolute certainty that it was replaced X miles ago, do it as soon as you buy it. It's cheap insurance when you consider the cost of a lunched engine. You can kick the cost down significantly if you do it yourself, too. Just take your time and triple-check everything.

If you end up getting an 01-04, it's also recommended to make sure that it hasn't ingested any power valve screws (other sticky).