I'm out, boys...

[Densetsu]

... because I had this happen to me on Monday night.





As for my next vehicle... the R51 generation of Pathys seem to have too many mechanical issues for comfort. The R50 generation had an indestructable powertrain but a poorly-designed body that is meant to rust. The R50 is also a bit small for a 6'3" guy... I couldn't fit at all into Pathys with sunroof. With my solid roof Pathy, my head was still pretty close to the roof -- in fact, I received a large, 8" cut to my forehead (down to the bone, needed 100 stitches) in the crash because my head rammed into the sun visor. Even with a seatbelt and airbags. I loved my 03 Pathy, rust and all, but I think it's time to move on.

So it's off for me to search for another mid-size SUV with (a) something like the Pathy's versatile All-Mode 4WD system (I loved AUTO mode for daily winter driving), (b) a decent amount of towing power, and (c) reliability, reliability, reliability. Pathy only scored two of out three in reliability... good engine and transmission, bad body. I'm tempted to get a pickup truck, but just can't justify lowering my MPG that much just for a bit of fun.

But don't worry, I'll probably stick around here for a while longer just because it's an awesome forum. Also, if anyone in and around Edmonton needs some 16" Nokian Hakkas mounted on stock 03 Pathy rims...

[Ubel Feuer]

I'm really sorry man, that's horrible.
How did that happen?

And now for question.

How much do you want for parts off of it?

[Pwnin O'Brien]

That really sucks. If you don't mind me asking, what happened?

Aren't those wheel the stock QX4 wheels? I've never seen them on a Pathy before and at first glance your Pathy looked like a QX4.

[Warped161]

Just remember you can still hang out pathy or not. Don't wander too far.

[Densetsu]

Honestly, I have no idea what happened. Last thing I remember, I was driving normally about 300m from the place of the accident, no sign of danger. Next thing I know, I wake up and there's a guy banging on my window telling me to put pressure on the cut on my head. I remember nothing... smashing my head apparently gave me amnesia.

Pathy's a writeoff, so no parts for sale aside from the winter tires/rims. And yep, I bought some summer tires from a guy who had a QX4 and he threw in the rims for cheap. Same bolt pattern and a bit bigger, so why not? :p

[Ubel Feuer]

Man the insurance company is going to fix that and sell it to some fool.

[Innovazn]

Honestly, I have no idea what happened. Last thing I remember, I was driving normally about 300m from the place of the accident, no sign of danger. Next thing I know, I wake up and there's a guy banging on my window telling me to put pressure on the cut on my head. I remember nothing... smashing my head apparently gave me amnesia.

Pathy's a writeoff, so no parts for sale aside from the winter tires/rims. And yep, I bought some summer tires from a guy who had a QX4 and he threw in the rims for cheap. Same bolt pattern and a bit bigger, so why not? :p

so... you didnt get hit... and fell asleep at the wheel? i dont get it man... that f*** blows

[JonathanPrem]

Man sorry to hear that and Hope you get better soon.

[D13_R50]

Glad to here your okay. Tryna figure out the general area of your accident
but have you thought about getting a jeep?

[03canpathfinder]

Thats too bad man...Hope all turns well for yourself, and it was a pleasure to have your input on many topics.

[GRNMACHINE]

x2!! Glad to hear you are okay!! Aside from the stitches etc--that is alot.

[Ryman]

that sucks man.... i mean at least you can get a new ride that's something to look forward to hope everything turns out well

[Empty V]

Bummer dude! Stoked to hear you're okay though, I'd buy a lottery ticket if I were you and stick with NICO.

Billy

[Densetsu]

As for what I'm going for next... I'm thinking of an '05 - '07 GMC Envoy. One of the few domestics from 3 - 5 years ago that actually has decent reliability. At least according to what I've seen. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a 4Runner about the same age, but 05's are going for $20k when I'll be lucky to get half that for the Pathy. I'm leaning towards domestics, though, because my head injury was a result of me barely fitting in the Pathy, vertically -- and usually domestics accommodate larger people easier.

I'll be doing some more research on what to get next-- and wouldn't mind opinions from you guys either. Top three things I want in my next mid-size SUV are (a) reliability, (b) decent towing capacity (min 5000 lbs), and (c) the same kind of auto+part-time 4WD that the Pathy's All-Mode 4WD had (though I'm not totally opposed to full-time AWD either).

(Edit: Realized I just said this in my initial post. Oh well.)

If anyone's had or known someone with an Envoy or Chevy Trailblazer, how easy are they to work on? I know my parent's '03 Buick Rendezvous is a nightmare to do anything on, and I hope all GM vehicles aren't like that. Changing the thermostat, for example, is easily a three-hour job -- and you have to do things like take off the intake manifold to do it! Skid plate aside, Pathys were just fun to jack up and do whatever needed to be done.

[TurboSauce]

Nissan murano was rated best overall safety for 08 models, and it does come with 4wd and a decent amount of power.
Spend some time on youtube looking at crash safety videos its what i do.
fun fun.

btw
what did you hit?

[Densetsu]

To answer the other questions...

- The accident was on 98 ave, around 97st... right in front of the Muttart Conservatory. I rolled to a stop in one of the Muttart's flowerbeds.

- The investigation is still ongoing, so I should be careful to what I say. But the police did tell the press that I allegedly rear-ended two vehicles, and one of those vehicles slid forward and hit a third vehicle. An Accura RDX looked like it took a pretty good slam on it's back end. How it happened, I have no idea, since I've always been a fairly cautious driver.

[Innovazn]

To answer the other questions...

- The accident was on 98 ave, around 97st... right in front of the Muttart Conservatory. I rolled to a stop in one of the Muttart's flowerbeds.

- The investigation is still ongoing, so I should be careful to what I say. But the police did tell the press that I allegedly rear-ended two vehicles, and one of those vehicles slid forward and hit a third vehicle. An Accura RDX looked like it took a pretty good slam on it's back end. How it happened, I have no idea, since I've always been a fairly cautious driver.

was there anyone behind you to see what happened?
what did buddy in the RDX say?
my funny bone is itching... i really wanna know!!!

[Domenico]

sorry to hear this

[Empty V]

If I were you I wouldn't comment on the accident regardless of someone's itching funny bone.

Billy

[exvin]

Damn man...sorry to see you go..Did you find out what exactly happened (if you dont mind me asking)

[KyooX4]

Den said the investigation is still ongoing, so he can't really comment on what happened. Hence what Empty V said.


Den, that really sucks, man. Good luck to you in your legal dealings, and also in finding a good vehicle.

[Densetsu]

Den said the investigation is still ongoing, so he can't really comment on what happened. Hence what Empty V said.

Den, that really sucks, man. Good luck to you in your legal dealings, and also in finding a good vehicle.

Yup, since the investigation is still going, my mouth is sealed.

I bought a 2007 GMC Envoy. Of the domestic SUVs, it was #1 on my list... and I'm regretting it immediately. It has a smooth ride and a ton of power, is in pristine condition, and still has two years and/or 35,000km on the warranty... but the handling is terrible and the interior controls are cheap and backwards. Even though it's just 16" longer than the Pathy, it feels gigantic and clumsy on the road.

In short... it's not an R50. I paid $13.6k for it, but could probably list it for $21k and get $19k for it. I didn't intend to flip it for a profit; but I'm very tempted to sell it, run out the door with $5400 in profit, and buy an 2001+ R50 for about the same price the insurance company paid me.

I was very happy with the Pathfinder. Having owned a Chev and helped my dad work on his Buick, I just can't get the taste of mistrust for GM out of my mouth. I saw an awesome deal on paper, jumped on it, and now I'm stuck with this behemoth for at least a couple weeks.

Quick question: Do all QX4's have sunroofs? In every QX4 ad I've seen in the paper they list it as a feature. I'd love a QX4 just as much as a Pathy, but with my height a sunroof isn't an option.

[Empty V]

Den said the investigation is still ongoing, so he can't really comment on what happened. Hence what Empty V said.

Den, that really sucks, man. Good luck to you in your legal dealings, and also in finding a good vehicle.

Yup, since the investigation is still going, my mouth is sealed.

I bought a 2007 GMC Envoy. Of the domestic SUVs, it was #1 on my list... and I'm regretting it immediately. It has a smooth ride and a ton of power, is in pristine condition, and still has two years and/or 35,000km on the warranty... but the handling is terrible and the interior controls are cheap and backwards. Even though it's just 16" longer than the Pathy, it feels gigantic and clumsy on the road.

In short... it's not an R50. I paid $13.6k for it, but could probably list it for $21k and get $19k for it. I didn't intend to flip it for a profit; but I'm very tempted to sell it, run out the door with $5400 in profit, and buy an 2001+ R50 for about the same price the insurance company paid me.

I was very happy with the Pathfinder. Having owned a Chev and helped my dad work on his Buick, I just can't get the taste of mistrust for GM out of my mouth. I saw an awesome deal on paper, jumped on it, and now I'm stuck with this behemoth for at least a couple weeks.

Quick question: Do all QX4's have sunroofs? In every QX4 ad I've seen in the paper they list it as a feature. I'd love a QX4 just as much as a Pathy, but with my height a sunroof isn't an option.

Sell it and sell it quick! Not all QX4's have sunroofs, only the ones with the luxury package. AFAIK the luxury package also included a wood grain steering wheel, more wood trim, heated and memory seats and maybe different wheels.

Billy

[fueler]

Sell it and sell it quick! Not all QX4's have sunroofs, only the ones with the luxury package. AFAIK the luxury package also included a wood grain steering wheel, more wood trim, heated and memory seats and maybe different wheels.

Billy

Damn are u serious?? i wish my QX4 didnt have a sunroof. i thought they all had 'em.

[mateen110]

Good to know your doing ok. Keep us updated, and best of luck

[Empty V]

Damn are u serious?? i wish my QX4 didnt have a sunroof. i thought they all had 'em.

Dude I'd love a sunroof! Is yours loud?

Billy

[Densetsu]

So here's the story now.

Option 1. $8500 for a silver 2001 Pathy SE, 156,000km. Large scrape on the front bumper (about the size of my hand) and a few fingernail-sized paint chips on the front driver fender flare. Rusted steps. Multiple owners, maintenance records few and far between. Stock stereo swapped out for a generic single-DIN Panasonic stereo. Was dirty in general. Current owner says "he feels something weird in the front suspension, maybe a u-joint", even though I didn't feel anything in the test drive. The owner also lives in the same neighbourhood I park in for work, so I'd feel uncomfortable if I didn't change the locks.



Option 2. $11,500 for a white 2004 Pathy Chinook, 135,000km. Small scratch on the front bumper, many tiny chips on the hood. Rust-free. Tinted front windows, which looks awesome but could pose a problem with cops in Alberta. One owner, has all service records, very clean. Interior almost identical to my '03 Chilkoot, feels just like home.



With the first one, I could take off the steps and touch up the bumper and fender flare (which would probably look less than pretty). The lack of records and the "suspension is weird" quote is a warning sign, though, as is it being much more dirtier. Since my last Pathy was a ruster, I'm paranoid about rust -- the rusty steps and it being three years older than option 2 doesn't help.

The white one looks sexy, especially since most Pathys I see (and all the Pathys my friends/family have) are silver. Nice to have something different. The tiny hood chips could be fixed much more discretely with a matchstick and a bottle of touchup paint, compared to fixing the larger chips on the '01. Three years younger, and 20,000 fewer km's. Plus I'd have all the service records for the entire lifetime of the vehicle.

Is this worth $3000 though? All signs point to yes, but that's what I have to sleep on.

Also: If I buy either of these, I'll have to install a trailer hitch. So another how-to is in the near future.

[Ubel Feuer]

I'd say it's fairly obvious you need to buy the Chinook, especially if there are sparse service records on the gray pathy and the current owner is telling you there are issues - regardless of whether you feel it or not. Besides that if you ever want to trade the Chinook in you'll get a lot more if you have all the records and it's in such good condition.

Mystery cars are never good.

[Innovazn]

So here's the story now.

Option 1. $8500 for a silver 2001 Pathy SE, 156,000km. Large scrape on the front bumper (about the size of my hand) and a few fingernail-sized paint chips on the front driver fender flare. Rusted steps. Multiple owners, maintenance records few and far between. Stock stereo swapped out for a generic single-DIN Panasonic stereo. Was dirty in general. Current owner says "he feels something weird in the front suspension, maybe a u-joint", even though I didn't feel anything in the test drive. The owner also lives in the same neighbourhood I park in for work, so I'd feel uncomfortable if I didn't change the locks.



Option 2. $11,500 for a white 2004 Pathy Chinook, 135,000km. Small scratch on the front bumper, many tiny chips on the hood. Rust-free. Tinted front windows, which looks awesome but could pose a problem with cops in Alberta. One owner, has all service records, very clean. Interior almost identical to my '03 Chilkoot, feels just like home.



With the first one, I could take off the steps and touch up the bumper and fender flare (which would probably look less than pretty). The lack of records and the "suspension is weird" quote is a warning sign, though, as is it being much more dirtier. Since my last Pathy was a ruster, I'm paranoid about rust -- the rusty steps and it being three years older than option 2 doesn't help.

The white one looks sexy, especially since most Pathys I see (and all the Pathys my friends/family have) are silver. Nice to have something different. The tiny hood chips could be fixed much more discretely with a matchstick and a bottle of touchup paint, compared to fixing the larger chips on the '01. Three years younger, and 20,000 fewer km's. Plus I'd have all the service records for the entire lifetime of the vehicle.

Is this worth $3000 though? All signs point to yes, but that's what I have to sleep on.

Also: If I buy either of these, I'll have to install a trailer hitch. So another how-to is in the near future.

said it yourself, feels like home..... go with number 2

[Densetsu]

I guess since things have been long decided for a while...

I have epilepsy, which I immediately disclosed to all the EMT people and cops at the scene, as well as everyone at the hospital. I've had it under control for years and years with medication, but of course it was food for thought for them. Among the myriad of blood tests they did at the hospital (including alcohol, illegal drugs, etc), they also checked my epilepsy medication levels, as well as doing tests for specific hormones whose levels may spike after a seizure. Everything was clean.

A month later, after discussing the accident with my neurologist and describing the accident, he couldn't be sure if it was an epileptic seizure or not. However, when the cops asked him for his medical opinion, he must have said something, because all charges against me were dropped on a medical basis. If I had my seizures under control, was taking medication properly, was under guidance from a doctor, and still had a random seizure, I'm not at fault, at least under Canadian laws.

And then, just last month, I had a seizure at work. This time I remembered most everything I do during a seizure -- an 'aura' beforehand (a very specific feeling), a very vague memory during (like remembering a dream), and being somewhat groggy afterwards. I called up my neurologist the next day, he changed my medication levels, and of course, asked me not to drive for six months.

That was last month. I did buy the white Pathfinder above, but it's been in my garage while I kept driving and trying to sell the GMC Envoy I bought before. And it'll be in the garage until December 29th.

Epilepsy sucks (I couldn't drive until my early 20's, for example), but it's kind of nice having friends and family driving you everywhere, and it's surprisingly peaceful riding the bus from the suburbs. Plus I'm saving $400/mo on gas and insurance. Still, I can't wait until this is all over. :P