New guy here

[Nissanislife]

Hello all,

New to the site but not new to nissan currently own a maxima, altima,versa and wanting to add a 2002-2004 pathfinder or qx4 to the fleet .

I found some decent ones with 110k miles going for 5k or less. What should I look for when purchasing either vehicle ? Also any major issues I should be aware off or any precautions ?,I'm going to search the forum but figure if I could get a quick break down that will be cool .
Thanks.in advance

[atraudes]

Hey new guy here

Check out my post here. I list the things to look out for, and what to expect as far as common issues. The QX4 and Pathfinder are mechanically identical except for the visual differences, so it's really a matter of taste. You can get Pathfinders dressed up with all the amenities of the QX4, minus the HIDs.

Let us know what you end up going with!

[QX4ME]

I read somewhere that QX4 has more sound deadening material and the suspension is a bit softer? I have never sat in Pathfinder so not sure of those.

[Nissanislife]

Thanks a lot man. I did some reading on the strut corrosion recall and will deff have that on my list yo check. I will keep you updated . did the qx4 have that issue or only pathfinders??

[QX4ME]

I had my strut checked, no problem. Is that recall more for east coast? I don't remember exactly of that recall. I also had the passenger side airbag replaced for free, also a recall. Path/QX4 are rock solid. I skipped a few major services (not good I know, just wanted to save some $$), no major problem. Only failures are the retractable antenna stopped retracting (replaced it myself with a genuine Nissan antenna), and some oil seal ring type of thing like 2" diameter due to some slow oil leak. Been 13 years still (almost) running like day 1.

[rgk]

I really like the VQ35DE engine, but the power valve screw issue is ridiculously common and easy to prevent. Despite this, Nissan won't acknowledge it. Read the sticky at the top of the forum. If your purchase burns oil, run away. Far, far away.

[atraudes]

The corrosion recall affects both the QX4 and Pathfinder. It's not just an east coast thing, but the folks that live in salted states naturally get hit the hardest by symptoms.

I'm fairly certain the QX4 didn't have softer suspension. When I was looking for replacement coils and struts for mine, manufacturers generally specified the same part for both vehicles. I can't speak to the sound deadening but I doubt it. Mine isn't noisy, but it's no Cadillac.

The rear main seal is another thing that wears out over time, but that's a pretty universal car problem. The upside is it failing generally just means a minor oil leak. The downside is that it's cost prohibitive to replace the $10 part. I got lucky (?) and had mine replaced while the transmission was getting fixed.

rgk makes a damn good point about the power valves. Unfortunately there's no easy way to check it, but make sure it's at the top of your list to check after you buy, regardless.

Double-check the codes a prospect is throwing. Some are super simple, others can be clues of things like an ingested power valve screw

[saskapath]

Though I'd pass on the items I wish I had know about before I got my 02 Pathfinder. I did catch the obvious items like worn out ball joints and a torn CV boot but am a bit embarrassed to admit I missed the rest. Mine has a M/T so didn't need to worry about he screws falling out of the power valves.

-AC compressor shot Replaced with one from a wreck
-Strut housing recall Hadn't been done, fortunately no significant corrosion
-Massive oil consumption Haven't solved this problem yet
-Both cats are toast Probably due to the oil consumption
-Bose sound system It actually still worked but I wanted to change it out for one that was happy playing digital files. The trade out wasn't as straight forward as I expected

[Nissanislife]

This power valve issue is kind of scaring me lol. Here the one I'm looking at . http://richmond.craigslist.org/ctd/5123321332.html i set up a appt with nissan on Monday to have them i do a complete inspection and check for the recalls (car dealer agreed to let me take car no commitment). according to the dealer the vehicle had the strut recall done in 05 but they can't tell if it was just the spray rust preventor or the actual mental bracket (based of recall database). We shall see come Monday . going to do some more reading on this power valve nonsense lol . let me know what y'all think . Carfax say 2 owners started from NYC and ended up in VA where I'm at . one minor accident in 03,

[atraudes]

Make sure you look at the strut housings yourself. Do some poking, prodding, and knocking around to make sure there aren't any hidden soft spots. Sometimes the rust can continue despite the recall fix and can be hidden under the paint.

[Nissanislife]

Will do