considering a used 2008 Pathfinder LE on a whim

[nemo1]

Hello all. I am new to the pathfinder forum but not to NICO. have an 08 M35x. I was recently out looking for a used car for a new driver. Came across an 08 Pathfinder LE in immaculate shape with 63k miles. The seller is not a Nissan dealership but a rather large leasing co. The car came in on trade and was a single owner. I have it for 3 days to take to a mechanic (which I plan to take to a Nissan dealership). I had owned a 01 QX4 and I guess the Pathfinder brought back good memories. I had over 100k miles on my Q with no problems.

In any event, I started researching on Nico. Couple of questions:

1. I was not familiar with the known radiator issues. Anything that should be done in advance to protect against this issue from happening? i have seen threads on a bypass of some sort or a new radiator?
2. Did Nissan offer a fix
3. any other known issues that need to be addressed or looked at by a mechanic?
4. i was thinking about an after market warranty, any particular ones better for a pathfinder than others?

thanks in advance.

[frapjap]

Welcome to NICO, and welcome to Nissan again!

I'm not sure I can help you with the radiator issue aside from recommending that you replacing it with a more robust version before it has the opportunity to fail.
If Nissan did offer a fix, you'll find it by searching for a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB).
A good mechanic will find most typical problems such as leaks, tired suspension components, worn belts, brakes, etc.
I'm not familiar with the world of aftermarket warranties, but I suggest reading the fine print on all of them to be sure there isn't a point of no return that they will no longer cover the repair after a certain dollar value is met.

[Towncivilian]

There is a radiator warranty extension for 2005 - 2010 Pathfinders: http://www.nissanassist.com/web/Radiato ... hp?menu=22

Bypassing the radiator's stock transmission cooler can prevent this issue, but if the coolant or transmission fluid already look like a "milkshake" (pink fluid in either case) then pass on that specific vehicle.

[nemo1]

Thanks for the responses. A couple of follow-up questions.

1. is the test as simple (not by me but by a mechanic) as checking the transmission fluid dipstick and coolant reservoir ? sorry I am not mechanically inclined when it comes to car. just the basics.
2. if it has already started to occur, how do you fix this which I suppose is the warranty. once happened does the warranty work complete fix the problem or does it now open up potentially more issues once you start to dismember the problem parts?
3. if it has not turned, how difficult is the other fix and will Nissan do this?

Lastly, any other things to look out for?

thanks

[nemo1]

I had dropped the Pathfinder off at a local Nissan dealership to perform an inspection. I am told that they performed an inspection similar to their CPO type of inspection. All looked great including the transmission fluid and radiator fluids etc...
However, after reading all of the info on the radiator issues, I am somewhat concerned. it has just under 64k miles so it is within the 80k warranty from Nissan. the service dept manager did not think we would have any issues with this Pathfinder based upon their inspection. I think this was primarily a result that they have not seen any 08 radiator issues and have not seen one for awhile with other older cars. This is a larger dealership as well. they could not install the bypass since it was manufacturer spec. however, he could not say it was a bad thing to do. also, he was not sure whether it would void the warranty. Additionally he said replacing the radiator would not solve any potential problem since the replacements are the same. at this point I am thinking on taking a pass and waiting for a used '11 to come around but maybe I am just overthinking the entire situation. thoughts?