New guy in here... Have lots of stuff to talk about...

[artemny]

Hi boys and girls... New guy here... My name is Art from Brooklyn, NY.
Don't have a Nissan yet but it's a primary reason why I got here.

I currently have a car BUT need a 2nd car. Was looking for a good, reliable, comfortable SUV with real 4x4 (planning to do a lot of beach driving in Long Island, NY). After weeks of researches and my friends' experiences decided to stop on Pathfinder/QX4 2001-2003. I love everything about this vehicle but very sceptical and careful with a 10 year old car with 90K+ miles on odometer. But this is the only car I like and can currently afford for under $7K. There's a good chance I'd even buy a second Pathfinder/QX4 if I like the 1st one. One for me, one for my dad.

After buying it I'm planing on doing lots of mods like rear hitch, front hitch with a winch (and all other recovery stuff), stereo and a lot more.

So let's get to the business. I found few deals that I can afford. 100K-140K miles for $4K-$7K. Is it safe to buy Pathfinder/QX4 with 100K+ mileage? After buying it, I'm ready to spend couple of more bucks on some minor stuff to fix (that seller will definitely hide) but don't want to replace motor, transmission, diffs... well you know, big stuff...
If it is reasonable to buy this car, what should I look at before signing a contract? What are the most common problems this car has? And how to find them?

Also, should I buy it from a dealer, private owner or may I go with an auction?

I like to abuse my cars, whether on or off the road. That's why I always take the best care of my vehicles primarily because of my own safety. Maintance twice a year (fall and spring), oil change every 3K miles. Hear any noise - take it to mechanic to check because big problems are always grow out of small defects that can be fixed cheaper and easier...

PS If I get this car, you'll be seeing me here a lot... with lots of photos, videos and all kind of reports...

[Towncivilian]

Welcome to NICO, Art!

Some potential issues for 2001-2002 model year R50s are:

• Strut housing corrosion issues - if you take a look at any Pathfinders or QX4s, you need to make sure they are either not affected by this recall or have already been inspected/repaired by Nissan.
• There is a potential issue where no threadlocker was applied to the power valve screws during assembly; this is not a very widespread issue, however. The lack of threadlocker allows the possibility of the very small screws to back out of their screw holes due to vibration, and get eventually sucked in by the engine when the power valves are actuated, potentially causing significant engine damage. It is not known which specific VINs or years are affected. Applying red threadlocker to the 12 power valve screws is a way to ensure this does not occur. We have an excellent guide here on the process. A couple people have recently posted their experience with screws falling out, here and here. It's a fairly rare issue, but still something to consider.
• 2001.0 model year Pathfinders might have issues with the spark plug ignition coil packs and throw a "P1320 IGNITION SIGNAL" code, possibly associated with specific cylinder misfire codes. This can be an expensive fix; I'd suggest to find a Pathfinder / QX4 that has a build date of 08/00 or newer to ensure you get a 2001.5 model year which corrected these issues with revised coil packs.

Other than those, I can't remember any specific noteworthy common issues off the top of my head right now.

Good luck with your purchase, no matter which vehicle it may be!

[artemny]

Welcome to NICO, Art!

Some potential issues for 2001-2002 model year R50s are:

• Strut housing corrosion issues - if you take a look at any Pathfinders or QX4s, you need to make sure they are either not affected by this recall or have already been inspected/repaired by Nissan.
• There is a potential issue where no threadlocker was applied to the power valve screws during assembly; this is not a very widespread issue, however. The lack of threadlocker allows the possibility of the very small screws to back out of their screw holes due to vibration, and get eventually sucked in by the engine when the power valves are actuated, potentially causing significant engine damage. It is not known which specific VINs or years are affected. Applying red threadlocker to the 12 power valve screws is a way to ensure this does not occur. We have an excellent guide here on the process. A couple people have recently posted their experience with screws falling out, here and here. It's a fairly rare issue, but still something to consider.
• 2001.0 model year Pathfinders might have issues with the spark plug ignition coil packs and throw a "P1320 IGNITION SIGNAL" code, possibly associated with specific cylinder misfire codes. This can be an expensive fix; I'd suggest to find a Pathfinder / QX4 that has a build date of 08/00 or newer to ensure you get a 2001.5 model year which corrected these issues with revised coil packs.

Other than those, I can't remember any specific noteworthy common issues off the top of my head right now.

Good luck with your purchase, no matter which vehicle it may be!

Many thanks for the reply. I appreciate any help given.
Yeah I've read about a recall which sucks, but it characterize the manufactorer as a good and respecting company. Componies that are involved in recalls earn my full respects because they care about the costumers. Well, they care about legal actions also, in which they lose money , but still...
One of my friends own a 00 pathfinder after reading about the recall I asked him about the rust, he said the car is VERY rusted underneath. When I told him about a potential danger of the rust he was like naaaa I don't care as long as the car moves. Well that's very stupid. My other friend took his 01 QX4 to the dealer the first thing in the morning after I told him about the recall (he takes good care of the car) and they didn't find ANY damage. The car is driven in NY every day and has over 150K miles. How that two cars with the same defect are so different. I mean one was very much affected and another one was not affected at all?


THANKS AGAIN!!!

[CanuckQx4]

Mine is an 01 qx4 with no underlying rust at all in the recall affected area and mines seen atleast 10 canadian winters. Seems hit or miss. But I would definetely find out if the car youre buying has been inspected.

My friends 99 pathfinder has minimal rust and they repaired it to looking like new

If youre into leather and luxuries, definetely take a close look at the Qx4. I love mine

[artemny]

Mine is an 01 qx4 with no underlying rust at all in the recall affected area and mines seen atleast 10 canadian winters. Seems hit or miss. But I would definetely find out if the car youre buying has been inspected.

My friends 99 pathfinder has minimal rust and they repaired it to looking like new

If youre into leather and luxuries, definetely take a close look at the Qx4. I love mine

Yeah I like luxury in cars even though my friends are talking me out of buying QX4 because more stuff the car has, more stuff can be broken. I agree with them on this, but primary reason why I want leather interior is because the truck will be used 80% for fishing. And those who do a lot of recreational fishing know how difficult it is for fishermen to keep a non-leather interior clean. It takes me enormous amount of work and time to keep my current non-leather car clean.

[miamiheat3332]

I wouldnt go with leather as with that many miles it is probably already worn cause most people dont take meticulous care of their cars.

As for the other things heres a few of my threads which will help you out.

How to replace bushings etc, you will also see a pic of the rust spot that they have the recall going for. Mine was small amd i fixed it
topic551438.html

Powervalve screws, theres a link to my photobucket but the powervalve pics are near the end
tomorrow-will-be-doing-powervalve-screws-t515506.html

Paint your under body
painted-underbody-t452233.html

Full sound system install
full-sound-system-install-lots-of-photos-t518024.html

Let me know if these help you out.

[artemny]

I wouldnt go with leather as with that many miles it is probably already worn cause most people dont take meticulous care of their cars.

As for the other things heres a few of my threads which will help you out.

How to replace bushings etc, you will also see a pic of the rust spot that they have the recall going for. Mine was small amd i fixed it
topic551438.html

Powervalve screws, theres a link to my photobucket but the powervalve pics are near the end
tomorrow-will-be-doing-powervalve-screws-t515506.html

Paint your under body
painted-underbody-t452233.html

Full sound system install
full-sound-system-install-lots-of-photos-t518024.html

Let me know if these help you out.

Highly helpful info. Thanks A LOT!!!

I didn't know there's such thing as a rubberizing paint. Good stuff!!! Specially when truck is being driven in a salty environment a lot.

[Ron Burgundy]

I would stray away from the QX4 - it's gonna cost you more initially and in the long run (Infiniti Parts vs. Nissan Parts); plus if you really want a leather interior, there are plenty of Pathfinders with that feature and nearly every other feature the Q offers.

As far as reliability, I own a 99.5 Pathfinder and I'm creeping on 150,000 miles; I've owned it since about 90k. The car is extremely reliable and with the exception of 1 major repair (ECU Replaced) I've never had any problems.

With the experience I have now, here's my $0.02...

- Spend the money on replacing/upgrading your suspension. (i.e.: KYB Struts, Rancho/KYB Shocks, AC or OME 2" Lift, Front Spacers, Polyurethane Bushings, Manual Hubs etc.). Especially if it hasn't been touched in a while and you plan on "abusing" the car.

- I don't think there is an option with 01+ Path/Qs, but if there is, be sure you're purchasing one with the 3.5 L engine. Pre-2001, it had a 3.3 L engine. I don't know what the difference in power is, but they've at least replaced the timing belt, with a timing chain and you now have one less thing to worry about.

..and that's it. Maybe I just got lucky, but I wouldn't trade my Path for any other vehicle right now. I love that car, and I plan to push it another 150k. If you can get a good deal on one, I'd take it.

One last thing, the obvious comparison to Paths/Qs is Toyota's 4Runner; and from the little I've read, the latter seems to be favored. Have you ruled this option out? If so, why?


EDIT: Oh! And welcome to Nico! Whether you end up purchasing a Nissan or not, I highly recommend frequenting the boards. There's no discrimination towards non-Nissan owners! I've never seen a more helpful and enjoyable forum. Our moderator (as well as probably the majority of the moderator staff) is excellent and is always quick to assist; and if he can't answer your question, he's likely to point you in at least the right direction.

[artemny]

(Infiniti Parts vs. Nissan Parts)

Aren't they the same vehicles? I thought QX4 is just a rebadged Pathfinder. Aren't the parts all the same LITERALLY?

Spend the money on replacing/upgrading your suspension. (i.e.: KYB Struts, Rancho/KYB Shocks, AC or OME 2" Lift, Front Spacers, Polyurethane Bushings, Manual Hubs etc.). Especially if it hasn't been touched in a while and you plan on "abusing" the car.

Got it. (edit) One more thing. I was thinking about upgrading a suspension but I'm very sceptical about the lift. Safety is very important for me, especially in a god damn NYC. QX4/Path is a truck with a pretty high center of gravity and has a "big a$$". Which makes it unstable on higher speeds (40mph+). Lifting it will make it even more unstable. The kind of offroading I'm gonna do will not require huge clearance. It's not a rock crawling or sand dunes jumping. It's just a regular beach driving.

I don't think there is an option with 01+ Path/Qs, but if there is, be sure you're purchasing one with the 3.5 L engine. Pre-2001, it had a 3.3 L engine. I don't know what the difference in power is, but they've at least replaced the timing belt, with a timing chain and you now have one less thing to worry about.

All 01-03 QX4 and Path are 3.5 240hp. That's the main reason I chose them over older 3.3 168hp models. Plus, like you said, the timing belt is replaced with a chain.

One last thing, the obvious comparison to Paths/Qs is Toyota's 4Runner; and from the little I've read, the latter seems to be favored. Have you ruled this option out? If so, why?

I was doing researches on 4Runners long before I got familiar with QX4/Path. And from what I know Toyota is much more superior off road thn Nissan. But 4Runner Limited (luxury with leather and stuff) is much more expensive. Same year, same miles and same features 4Runner for let's say $10K, Nissan would be $6K. So if the Nissan/Infiniti is durable enough, I'm not going to spend more $ on 4Runner.



EDIT:

EDIT: Oh! And welcome to Nico! Whether you end up purchasing a Nissan or not, I highly recommend frequenting the boards. There's no discrimination towards non-Nissan owners! I've never seen a more helpful and enjoyable forum. Our moderator (as well as probably the majority of the moderator staff) is excellent and is always quick to assist; and if he can't answer your question, he's likely to point you in at least the right direction.

Yeah I've been reading this forum for a while without registering. I'm not starting new topics till I make sure my questions were not answered already before.

THANKS!!! I noticed everyone is very polite and helpful in here...

[Towncivilian]

Pathfinders and QX4s are mechanically identical. Also, 2001-2004 Pathfinders and QX4s all have the 3.5L engine. The QX4 ranges from 1997-2003, while the Pathfinder (R50s) range from 1996-2004.

[artemny]

Pathfinders and QX4s are mechanically identical. Also, 2001-2004 Pathfinders and QX4s all have the 3.5L engine. The QX4 ranges from 1997-2003, while the Pathfinder (R50s) range from 1996-2004.

So QX4 01-03 is mechanically identical to Pathfinder 01-04 right?

[miamiheat3332]

Lol at the unstable above 40. Stock suspension has decent handling for an suv. More so then different ones out there. Now that im lowered i fly through corners. With a lift it may be less sporty and being able to throw it around. But these arent 1980 somalian toyota tacomas that are unstable at 30+ cause they are beat to hell.

[artemny]

Lol at the unstable above 40. Stock suspension has decent handling for an suv. More so then different ones out there. Now that im lowered i fly through corners. With a lift it may be less sporty and being able to throw it around. But these arent 1980 somalian toyota tacomas that are unstable at 30+ cause they are beat to hell.

Well I tried my friend's 01 QX4 after getting used to my '10 Acura TL. Don't you think I felt some difference in handling on higher speeds?

[Buzzman]

The mechanics/drivetrain is the same for the Pathy and QX4. The QX4 is a little fancier, but as Burgundy mentioned earlier, a fully loaded LE Pathfinder gives you pretty much everything a QX4 has, and probably comes cheaper.
Now for my own observation after being on here for nearly 5 years: It seems that 75% of threads requesting help start with ...."I have a 2001 Pathfinder/QX4, and it's doing this.....".
The 2001 is the first year of the 3.5 engine, and it seems to have some teething issues. The 2002-3-4 seem to be a lot more trouble free.
The pre 2001's are underpowered, in my opinion.
I would look for a 2002 or newer, if it's in your price range.
In my case, I have a 2002, with 251,000 Kms on it, and it still runs great. No problems, no codes.
FYI: It's going to the dealer next week for the strut tower rust repair. It's not rusty (I oil spray it every year), but they are still doing the preventative repair treatment, and I get a free rental.
Cheers.

[artemny]

The mechanics/drivetrain is the same for the Pathy and QX4. The QX4 is a little fancier, but as Burgundy mentioned earlier, a fully loaded LE Pathfinder gives you pretty much everything a QX4 has, and probably comes cheaper.
Now for my own observation after being on here for nearly 5 years: It seems that 75% of threads requesting help start with ...."I have a 2001 Pathfinder/QX4, and it's doing this.....".
The 2001 is the first year of the 3.5 engine, and it seems to have some teething issues. The 2002-3-4 seem to be a lot more trouble free.
The pre 2001's are underpowered, in my opinion.
I would look for a 2002 or newer, if it's in your price range.
In my case, I have a 2002, with 251,000 Kms on it, and it still runs great. No problems, no codes.
FYI: It's going to the dealer next week for the strut tower rust repair. It's not rusty (I oil spray it every year), but they are still doing the preventative repair treatment, and I get a free rental.
Cheers.

So you'r saying that 02,03,04 > 01. To be honest I thought they are completely the same. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm gonna try harder looking for 02-04 models...

Plus why infiniti over nissan? Well don't get me wrong I'm not a show-off kind but I like infiniti badge a bit better thn nissan... But if I find a good price on a fully loaded path, I'd take it with no doubt...

[Towncivilian]

Yeah, like I said, get anything 2001.5 through 2004 to avoid the coil pack issues of the 2001.0 model years. Dates 01/01/2000-08/31/2000 are 2001.0 model years; 09/01/2000-06/03/2001 are 2001.5 model years.

[ARKQX33V6]

Art the Pathfinder and the QX4 are great SUV, but no frame, no body strength for a recovery vehicle. A 11,000 lb winch can make a mess of the rear sub frame because the frame is contoured metal no strength. The rear can be stiffened with a body distribution 2" x 2" receiver hitch but the front end is left weakened by the strut posts and the bad design OEM struts. The car is not made for pulling or pushing. I know it look good but brute strength is not its forte.

They are dream to drive and ride with crippling rear seats in all weather but high winds can be brutal. Lifting or lowering creates more problems that many won't admit after spending bucks, the Pathfinder and its brother QX4 are great SUV as designed.

They simply cannot withstand body roll, excessive axle torque that recovery possibly does to a machine. Their drive line is fine when used as built to move that vehicle around with about 800 lbs. They can tow easily but as long as you are within limits.

The suspension, steering, and front are heavy as it is and I can tell you from experience the front is easily damaged. The rear is light and requires the sway fittings. Wear to the suspension causes the death swirv because the shocks are minimal and the loading is off.

If your looking for a recovery vehicle I believe this will not be your answer. Towing, winching takes a toll on the vehicle. It must be robust, stiff and with a good solid frame under it.

These SUV are good looking and wear well when used as a people mover not a machinery mover.

[artemny]

Art the Pathfinder and the QX4 are great SUV, but no frame, no body strength for a recovery vehicle. A 11,000 lb winch can make a mess of the rear sub frame because the frame is contoured metal no strength. The rear can be stiffened with a body distribution 2" x 2" receiver hitch but the front end is left weakened by the strut posts and the bad design OEM struts. The car is not made for pulling or pushing. I know it look good but brute strength is not its forte.

They are dream to drive and ride with crippling rear seats in all weather but high winds can be brutal. Lifting or lowering creates more problems that many won't admit after spending bucks, the Pathfinder and its brother QX4 are great SUV as designed.

They simply cannot withstand body roll, excessive axle torque that recovery possibly does to a machine. Their drive line is fine when used as built to move that vehicle around with about 800 lbs. They can tow easily but as long as you are within limits.

The suspension, steering, and front are heavy as it is and I can tell you from experience the front is easily damaged. The rear is light and requires the sway fittings. Wear to the suspension causes the death swirv because the shocks are minimal and the loading is off.

If your looking for a recovery vehicle I believe this will not be your answer. Towing, winching takes a toll on the vehicle. It must be robust, stiff and with a good solid frame under it.

These SUV are good looking and wear well when used as a people mover not a machinery mover.

Hold oooooooooon a second!!! So you'r saying that it doesn't have a solid truck frame??? And if I'd want to pull my fishing buddy out of a sand hole I could actually damage the frame????

[Towncivilian]

The R50 doesn't have a traditional frame. It is a unibody vehicle. If you absolutely need a Pathfinder with a frame, WD21s (1986.5-1995) and I believe R51s (2005-2012) have them.

[artemny]

The R50 doesn't have a traditional frame. It is a unibody vehicle. If you absolutely need a Pathfinder with a frame, WD21s (1986.5-1995) and I believe R51s (2005-2012) have them.

So again, if I need to assist anyone in a vehicle recovery on sand, I can actually damage my frame? 01-04 models... Simple YES or NO will work

[Towncivilian]

I don't know the answer to that question, unfortunately.

[miamiheat3332]

You can pull people out of sand. I know 01silvapathy i think its spelled takes his pretty hard offroading and i know others on NPORA do too. And i know he has pulled out his buddies with the pathy. Hell i know 2.5 years ago i pulled a 2k trailer + probably 6k lbs on it cause the guy put more sand and crushed stone on it then i ordered and it handled it fine. Ultimatly because i didnt have the airlift 1000 at that point i shot my rear coils cause of the tounge weight most likely but my suspension was due for replacement soon anyways.

Obviously i took it easy on the car. If you start gunning it with that much weight its common sense you will bust something.

[ARKQX33V6]

The QX4 1997 year the first year of production is a uniframe, with sub frame structures but overall from my experiences not a strong frame for pulling and pushing as in snow plowing or recovery.

I had installed a 11, 500 lb winch on both the front and rear via a hitch 2" receiver and a modifies receiver to the front. In either situation when pulling with the winch the QX4 would moan, but I still worked the loads. It did the job, but I felt that the truck suffered.

A couple of weeks ago I ditched my QX4 and the damage was excessive when you consider the low speed as I hit into the ditch at a 45 degree. 2 busted rims, the lower link A frame was crushed, the suspension to the steering knuckles was twisted around, the steering was ripped and the wheels were toed in so badly that steering as I limped home was all but impossible.

This result from a dirt ditch and black Ice has only confirmed my suspicions about the rigidity and strength of my QX4. And if Pathfinders are identical I would not suggest these cars, not trucks as a vehicle for recovery purposes.

A truck with a frame would be more appropriate.

These QX4/Pathfinders could be OK for a bit of off roading as long as they are self loaded, they are not designed for the excessive loads of large wheels against their bearing, strut and geometry, although a lot of owners have modified them.

Again I think that they are a decent 4 x 4 as built and when used as designed.

My simple crash allowed me to investigate the damages and I feel the damages were too great for the conditions, in fact the cause of the accident was a sudden let go of something that made the vehicle veer off to the left with no input from me. But the car is gone, dismantled and being sold as parts.

I enjoyed that vehicle but in no way is it a work horse.

[Ron Burgundy]

Aren't they the same vehicles? I thought QX4 is just a rebadged Pathfinder. Aren't the parts all the same LITERALLY?

Mechanically sure; cosmetically - no.
For example, off the top of my head...
The Patfhinder's replacement headlight assemblies - Total cost <$200 from Nissan
The Qx4's replacement headlight assemblies - Total cost >$1000 each!

Now I know, I know, what's the likelihood that you'll have to replace your headlight assemblies, but that's just one example. I can't imagine that's the only thing. It just doesn't seem worth it to me. But hey, I'm a little bias - personally I like the Path's styling better.

Got it. (edit) One more thing. I was thinking about upgrading a suspension but I'm very sceptical about the lift. Safety is very important for me, especially in a god damn NYC. QX4/Path is a truck with a pretty high center of gravity and has a "big a$$". Which makes it unstable on higher speeds (40mph+). Lifting it will make it even more unstable. The kind of offroading I'm gonna do will not require huge clearance. It's not a rock crawling or sand dunes jumping. It's just a regular beach driving.

Yeah, I totally get that. You definitely do not have to get a lift. I would still recommend replacing your shocks, struts, and coil springs though - depending on how long it's been. There are also options for <2" lifts if you are still interested.

And for the record - I drive a lifted Pathfinder and would not consider it unstable by any means - Sure I won't take turns at 40mph, but I wouldn't do that at stock height. As far as just straight driving at higher speeds - I have no issues - It drives beautifully.

The one negative I can think of with lifting your Path/Q however - your struts will top out over speed bumps. (BFD! That can be solved with limiting straps or strut spacers!)

I was doing researches on 4Runners long before I got familiar with QX4/Path. And from what I know Toyota is much more superior off road thn Nissan. But 4Runner Limited (luxury with leather and stuff) is much more expensive. Same year, same miles and same features 4Runner for let's say $10K, Nissan would be $6K. So if the Nissan/Infiniti is durable enough, I'm not going to spend more $ on 4Runner.

So you agree that it's probably the better choice, but the money is holding you back!? That's pretty much the general consensus from what I understand.

As far as the other comments posted...

I 100% agree with the 01.5+ idea.
I've heard nothing but good things from people who have lowered their Path/Q (not that I think you're interested in that).

Lastly, I think all the unibody/frame comments are being blown out of proportion. I can't speak for certain, as I have no experience with a winch or any towing/recovery, however, I've been a member and/or been creeping on both major Nissan Pathfinder boards (NICO and NPORA) for years and have seen some people use these trucks for some incredible things. It doesn't seem as though you will be attempting anything a RAV4 couldn't handle. ...Okay, maybe that's a little extreme. Regardless, I don't think you'll have to worry about whatever it is that you'll be doing.

Just find one and buy it already!