Buying a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder

[NolaNissanMonkey]

Hello all, just wanted to grab yalls thoughts on what I have going on.

I've owned a 1999 Pathfinder 2wd for the last 2 years and it just turned the clock at 230k. It has ran well and is my daily driver. Tomorrow, I am going to look at a 2003 Pathfinder 2wd with just at 100k miles and am probably going to buy it if I can get it for the right price. Just wondering what yall's thoughts were on the 03 vs 99 and if anyone may be interested in buying my 99 if I go through with the sale.

I read that the engine in the 03 was on the Ward's 10 best engine list between 02-07. Pretty Solid.

The 03 uses a timing chain, right?

Thanks,

-J

[PathyPop]

100k miles, wow, that is low. My son has an '03 LE version and likes it. Bought two years ago at 120k miles and 142k now. The rear suspension was the biggest project, but only $120 for the parts on Amazon. The VVT solenoids were a problem initially. We did the front axles for about $120. All pretty basic stuff, no surprises. Oh, and the RMS leaks a little, like they all seem to, but we live with it for now.

The '99 has the 3.3L, right? I had that in an Xterra once, simple and reliable, but a little slow. The 3.5 has a lot more power (230hp v 170) but gets about the same mpg. Avoid Nissan dealers (the worst IMO) and you should like it a lot.

[QX4ME]

Mine is 2002 QX4 about 115K miles now. The VQ engine and 4-speed transmission have been NO issue since day 1 (bought it new). Starting about 10 years ago, I skipped all major services each would cost me a few hundred dollars. Only oil changes and one time transmission fluid change. No suspension work. the 'biggest' issue is the two exhaust pipes leaked right after the engine so failed smog once. Welded them and done. done front brake job once. Rear drum are still stock.

I should perform all recommended maintenance work but just too expensive. This SUV is absolutely reliable.

[NolaNissanMonkey]

The 99 has been very solid in terms of engine and transmission. It does have the 3.3 which I use to tow a flatboat and sometimes I wish I had a little more power. Will be good to feel the bump up in the 3.5. I believe I also have the RMS leak on mine because occasionally I smell a bit of a burn off but it's not that bad and certainly no oil ever leaks on to the driveway.

This is a southern car and I read about the power valve screws possibly needing threadlock to prevent from coming loose and causing engine problems. Is this something you guys have done yourself? Just wondering how hard on a scale of 1-10 and if after completing you felt like the screws were solid in the first place?

All in all, I've come to love my Pathy over the last two years - just feels like a tank! Hopefully the 03 sale works out..looking forward to more Power, leather seats and a sunroof!!

-J

[QX4ME]

I am aware of power valve screw thing but too lazy to do it.