debute on a pathfinder

[godschild]

Good morning to all, well i got the pathfinder that i was looking at. It drives excellent i will have pics up soon!!!! Thanks for all the advise they you all have givin me!!!!!

Modified by godschild at 6:56 AM 8/13/2009
Modified by godschild at 6:16 AM 9/1/2009

[Fisherdude]

What year pathfinder do you plan to buy?

[godschild]

Its a 2001

[Qxxx4]

solid ride, that one has the much more powerful 3.5 and you dont need to replace timing belt since it has a timing chain. Common problems with these rides are O2 sensors and mass air flow sensors, although their not worth replacing, just remove your check engine light and check your ECU once in a while to make sure your only codes are for 02 sensors.

Their good on gas compared to other mid size suv's, rust happens pretty easy on the front fenders watch out for that, the side steps also rust out very commonly on the qx4's.

Other than that theres nothing major to worry about their solid vehicles and will go for hundreds of thousands of miles trouble free

[slickroger]

I own one im at 210000km runs great only had 1 02 sensor problem and one pretty bad breakdown but it was just a couple other sensors that needed to be replaced (ECT) engine coolant temperature sensor and thermal transmitter. it was a bit of work but i can help fix that if you run into it.

look for roof rust and the 2 front fenders also check the bottoms of your doors and rear hatch.

when i was looking i saw a lot with minor oil leaks i looked at 7 and the one i bought was the only one without a leak.

Great vehicle i love it and you can use mine as an example of what can be done to it

GOOD LUCK

[godschild]

ok thanks for the input, it will help me alot when i go looking.I am now super siked about getting one now. All i hear is little things that needs to be replaced like the o2 sensors & things like that. When i get it i will post pics. Ok when i run in those problems i will look you up. I want to change the grill, out 22s on plus i want a tv also but i was advised not to.

Modified by godschild at 6:24 AM 8/13/2009
Modified by godschild at 6:43 AM 8/13/2009

[godschild]

How will i know which on is the 3.5. THe one that i got my eye on is an se, is the one with 3.5?

[Qxxx4]

anything before the year 2001 is a 3.3L its much worth spending the extra cash for the 3.5L 2001+ models, My 3.3 is a great engine but very much underpowered and im looking at a $1000 bill to change that timing belt/waterpump/drive belts which is to be done every 160k kms. The 3.5's have a timing chain so just that alone is worth spending a little more to buy.

Oil leaks are pretty common Ive even heard of coolant leaks from head gasket but that hasnt been seen on anyones rides on this forum. All our engine tend to burn a little oil, we keep an eye on it, expect to add 1L of oil in between changes

[godschild]

ok i am going to get an extended warranty as well im sooo hyped about getting it. Thats good to here that their is no oil leaks from anyone on here.

[REZN]

yeah i dont regret getting a pathfinder at all. i was somewhat hesitant because i wanted a to get a 93 prelude si so i can drop some money under the hood and do stupid things like speed. but i dont regret getting my pathfinder.and only problems ive had are the ones ive created.and my check engine light is on and i believe i need to replace the 02 sensors.

[godschild]

thanks for the input, All that i have heard is that the o2 sensors are going out nothin 2 major. I an sooo hyped on getting it.

[Densetsu]

Like others have said, the 3.5 is solid. Like any vehicle, keep on top of maintenance and this puppy will keep roaring for a long, long time.

For me, the only issue has been rust. Rear wheel wells have both started to get some on the lip of the wheel well, and paint is starting to bubble on the rear quarterpanel. I'm procrastinating but I really should take it in to get the rust taken care of. Watch for rust everywhere; that's probably the only major weakness of the vehicle.

It's a personal choice, but I'd suggest getting the automatic over the manual. The manual only has 3500lbs towing capacity vs. 5000 with the auto. The manual transmission also doesn't come with the all-mode 4WD, which IMO is much more versatile than the part-time 4WD. In wintertime I just put the all-mode in auto and drive away, letting the slip detection determine when it should deliver power to all four wheels. Only in really severe conditions would I lock it in 4Hi.

And yes, keep on top of the oil. I burn about 1.5L between oil changes, so I'll put in an extra liter halfway through. Don't really mind it, since it only takes about 5L at the regular oil change, not that much IMO.

[godschild]

Thank you all this infomation is really helpful to me. Where does the rust come from like is it from the weather. or does it come with time

[Densetsu]

In my case, I'm assuming it's coming from the salt that Edmonton puts on the road during the winters. I also noticed that inside the wheel well, there was a section of sheet metal that wasn't painted (the lip of the wheel well), which was a poor, poor decision on Nissan's part.

Clean it off, rough it up with some sandpaper, and put on some truck bed spray, and you should be golden.

[godschild]

I think that i will have to pay someone to do that for me. I live in the midwest so when it snows & thesun is out the car washes are packed. Do you have problems with the running boards?

[godschild]

ok i found out that it has a 3.5L V6 SFI DOHC. So this is ok?

[Empty V]

I've got a 2001 QX4 which in almost every way is identical to the pathy. I'm about to hit the 200,000 mile mark and it has been nothing but great.

Since I joined this forum I have learned a lot about my car and it also got me into doing a lot f fthe maintenance myself. I can honestly say that because of my car and this forum I have discovered a sleeping mechanic and feel that I can do almost anything when it comes to modifying and maintaining my vehicle. It has become a hobby and something I really enjoy. Everyone on here brings something different to the table and we all take from each other. Mechanics are not geniuses, they just have the skill set to diagnose issues and follow instructions on how to fix them. If I can do it almost anyone can.

If the Pathy looks good buy it, and join the community.

Billy

[godschild]

I thank you for the advice. I am not much of a mechanic but since i have joined on here i know that you guys will give me great advice. As soon as i get it i will post pics. I feel in love with itwhen i test drove it!!!

[Darkform]

I can tell you my limited experience.... I bought a 2001 SE with 124K on it for $4950 in april. I have been nothing but pleased with my purchase. The SES light is on but other than that no problems at all. The truck is quiet, the ride is smooth, and the engine has plenty of power. My only complaint is that, for me, the seats are not too comfortable on long trips (300+ miles).

[Empty V]

I thank you for the advice. I am not much of a mechanic but since i have joined on here i know that you guys will give me great advice. As soon as i get it i will post pics. I feel in love with itwhen i test drove it!!!

Before joining this forum I knew virtually nothing mechanical and now I feel like I'm better versed then the average person and better at understanding those more. Don't sell yourself short! Now let's see the pics of your new ride.

Billy

[Buzzman]

Just to add my 2 cents worth as well.Bought my 2002 Pathfinder when it was a year old. I loved it as soon as I got behind the wheel. Bought it the same night as my first test drive.Absolutely no regrets since.The engine and drive train is still as strong as ever. No oil leaks, and only about 1 litre between oil changes (full synthetic by the way).I now have over 200,000 kms on it. Changed the O2 sensors a few years ago, and the rest has been normal maintenance. Just replaced my shocks and struts last month.As for rust, if you live in my climate, it can be a real problem. I oil spray my truck every year, and so far it is rust free. I do have a few small 'cancer' spots starting at the windshield roof line, but that's it. The undercarriage is still black and rust free.Just so you know, I don't go off roading or anything, but I'm in the handyman/contractor business, and this truck is my daily work hauler. I've always got it loaded with tools and supplies, so I don't baby this thing at all. I push it fairly hard, and it always smiles back at me. Good luck and welcome to Nico. You'll learn a lot, just like Empty V says.

[godschild]

I just want to think all of you for the advise in my purchase of the pathfinder. As soon as i purchase it i will post pics to the forum....