New here, seeking input on Pathfinder for my daughter...

[mitchc]

I just got my password minutes ago, and realize there are archives to search but am hoping for some quick input from you all. Is there any pre-purchase FAQ pages to guide me thru a purchase? What to look for, what will break etc.

I also would like to poll you folks on MPG fact - Actual real life numbers.I already own a '98 expedition, and the gas mileage blows, and with gas approaching 4.00$ a gallon in Northern California, I am concerned that Pathfinders are a bit impractical on a college kids buget.

I am looking at an 02 SE with 5 spd, 74K miles, with transferrable 100K warr. Owner claims the only problem seems to be the CD player is N.O.

Asking price is 12,000$

Any input sure appreciated! Thanx in advance!

Mitchc

[timmack]

i have an '02 se with 71000 miles on it, automatic, 4x4. probably 75% of my driving is highway, i get around 16.5 mpg consistently, between 275-300 miles out of around 17 gallons. the mpg was around 14-15, then the service engine light came on, i replaced the sensor it called for, and the mpg went up a couple marks.

[timmack]

also here are a couple links from within this site that give alotta feedback as far as reliability and likes/dislikes.

zerothread/214837

zerothread/174934

[KoukiS14]

I'm about to drive to NC here in a bit. . I'm not driving my QX4, as the 1500 mile round trip drive is actually cheaper if I rent a car.At best, I get 16. . usually, I only see 15 hwy, and 12-13 city.

I have a 99 with the older VG33E, so it may not be applicable to your choice.

[Finny]

of your Daughter!!!

J/k

Welcome

I have a 2001 QX4 and get about the same mpg as Timmack. <-- Good links too.

The CD player is a common problem addressed here... most commonly by installing an aftermarket one, not another nissan one.

If you are worried about keeping your daughter safe and make it easy for her to bring all her crap/dirty laundry back and fourth to school the Pathfinder is a good pick. I might suggest a Subaru forester for better MPG while keeping the safety and utility... if it's a cool enough car for her.

[02QX4ME]

Mine is 02 QX4 4WD. Been five and half years now with 55K miles on it.

One time after a few month purchase, I drove on highway most of time like 99%, a round trip of about 300 miles, average speed was 85 MPH. I got nearly 19 MPG.

Now I do 95% city drive, and got consistantly 15.6 MPG. I also tried a few tanks of conservative driving, with RPM just over 2000 for every starting. I could get about 16.5 MPG, the best I can get. Therefore, I'd say that my 95% city drive gives me about 16 MPG (the best).

One time in Reno in a cold early morning, I could'nt start the engine. I called Infiniti road service center while still trying to start the car. It finally started just before they sent someone out. Other than this time, there is absolutely nothing happed to the car.

If I have to say a negative thing, I'd say the overall noise level should be improved. My 00 RX300 is noticeably quieter.

[AlabamaDan]

I've got a 98 QX4, probably similar to the 02 Pathfinder. Great car, other than normal maintenance it gives me no problems. Good paint, good leather. MPG sucks.

[Axelpkt]

dude get that pathy, the 5spd with the 3.5 is well worth it. I love mine

[AlabamaDan]

oh a 5spd. That would get better MPG.

[Chris92SE]

I have a 2001 QX4 (auto) with the 3.5L engine and about 96k miles with only one replaced MAF sensor. I get about 14 mpg around town and 17 mpg on the highway if I keep it at or below 70 mph.

Something else to keep in mind is that the VQ35 is designed to run on premium fuel. If you use lower octane, you will likely not see the same mpg. I have tried using "plus" (89 octane) and it did seem to have less power, but I couldn't tell if the mpg was different, since it was mixed driving and I got about 15 mpg on that tank.

The CD players are crap on these, too. Mine went out a while ago and I bought an ipod and a tape adapter instead of fixing the Err2 code for about $200.

Honestly, I would recommend buying something that gets better mpg. I am strongly considering trading in the QX4 and buying a new Rogue.

[MagicM]

You have to be nuts to pay 12,000 for that, if you did some well searching you could easly find a infiniti qx4 01/02 with similiar miles for the same price. As much as i like the pathfinder, (my very first car was a 2001 nissan pathfinder) for 12,000 i would sugguest buying her a 2000 Lexus rx300. Better realiablity and most of all better mpg. IMO lexus rx300 is probably the best first car for a lady.mpg for the Lexus is about 18/22 vs the pathfiners 15/18

[SVTCOBRA]

problems with sensors. Plus they aren't cheap to have them replaced.$12K is too much especially if it's not a 4x4. mpg is not good. I also had to run at least middle grade gas in my 5 speed and prem. in my autoDon't get me wrong, Pathy's are great cars!!!! Just might not be the best choice for a college kid.With that said, will she need 4x4 where she's going? Is the pathy a 4x4? My 01 5 speed 4x4 had LSD, not sure about the 02's. So, if she needs 4x4, might be a good choice

[timmack]

as far as the price, keep in mind that hes in cali...not a cheap place to buy anything.

[SnowSurfLax]

Yeah, 12K is too much. My QX4 here in San Diego is worth about 8500 at best and it's only a couple years older.

You should check http://www.kbb.com and http://www.edmunds.com and look up selling price for your zip code.