close to buying 01 QX4, common issues?

[phess]

Hello, Im close to buying a 2001 Qx4 w/ 53k miles. CarFax checks out with only some emissions work done on the catalytic converter. I would get an extended warranty however Im not even close to an infiniti dealer and our nissan dealer only does minor work, oil change, brakes, etc. I have read of problems with the power windows and cd changer. Im just trying to get some feedback on other potential issues. I have always liked these and came close to buying one 2 years ago but it was in rough shape and I dont find many close to me. In the past I have found good fix it yourself forum posts, anyone out here with that knowledge. I appreciate any comments!Phil

[zabone]

it really is a sturdy vehcile. my only problem with my 01 path is the low gas mileage lol im getting 11.5mpg idk if theres anything wrong but it runs great.

[phess]

thanks for the reply. How many miles are on your 01? Never had any mechanical/electrical problems?

[zabone]

pretty close to 75 thousand. nope no problems except the gas mileage which seems logical for a pathy. oh ive removed the heat shields from the exhaust systems because they were rattleing. but thats not something that affects performance.

[Andrew224]

I've had my '01 QX4 for a little over a year and have driven it about 10k miles (It currently has 39k miles on it).

I've only had one repair so far... I've had the camshaft position sensor replaced under warranty (when the check engine light came on).

I've replaced the in-cabin air filter, engine air filter, and replaced the front brakes myself. I've replaced the fan control amplifier (controls the blower motor) in a friend's QX4. So far it seems like it's a fairly easy vehicle to work on.

The warranty is a good idea. It seems, from other posts on this forum, that sensors seem to go out frequently and if you can't replace them yourself, you may winde up paying quite a bit to have them replaced if they should go out.

This forum has proven to be very helpful to me. Seems like there are a lot of people on here willing to help out and you don't see much trash talking on here.

Hope this helps. And by the way, I love my QX4! It really drives fantastic and at the same time, kicks a** in the snow and ice!

Andrew

[phess]

Thanks guys I appreciate the comments. Tomor I will be driving about 2 hours to look at the black on black Qx4. Like I said last time I drove over 3 hours and the pictures did not match the vehicle, it was in horrible condition. Right now Im driving a CTS and its horrible in the snow and Im looking forward to the 4wd.

[Andrew224]

This is the first 4WD vehicle that I've owned. I bought it specifically for the winter as my '03 M45 is absolutely horrible in the snow (any snow at all and even just wet roads) and doesn't even feel safe. I will never be without a 4WD / AWD vehicle again as long as I live somewhere it snows. The QX4 is a great winter driving vehicle. I've never came close to getting stuck driving through mud or snow. And unplowed streets with 4 to 5 inches of snow... It drives through it like nothing. Now I have fun driving down unplowed streets and snow piles instead of having that pit in my stomach like I might be stuck and stranded at any time.

For what it's worth, my truck is going on 7 years old and it still runs, drives, and looks like its new. My friend has a '03 QX4 (which he abuses the crap out of it) and it still runs like a champ.

Andrew

[Andrew224]

I get about 12 to 13 mpg when it's winter and in AWD mode.

They're really great vehicles and that's why you probably don't see many for sale (especially in the winter).

I don't know why they decided to stop making a QX on the Pathy platform. The QX56 is way too big and the FX just doesn't appeal to me and I'm not sure what the market for the EX is. I would rather have a G35x than an EX. Andrew

[rhugh999]

I apparently have a fan problem - runs on high speed all the time. Even turning main control to off and fan still runs. Can you help with info on the repair you did I suspect it is the same problem