New to the Pathfinder Team!

[paranoidjack]

Hi folks!

I've been an avid NICO guy for years on the Q45 and M45 forums. I have been driving Nissans and Infinitis for some time...j30-->q45-->m45+pathfinder.

So, I got a real steal the other day. A beauty '98 Pathfinder with 105k on it and very good mechanical condition for $1,500.

Had to buy it! So far there is only a code for the P0442...might be gas cap, will do OEM.

Going to do shocks, all fluids, and spark plugs from the get. AC still works too, might have it charged up.

I bought this truck for off-road driving on the beach where I live, Nauset Beach. Awesome stretch of 9 miles to fish every night and drive the beaches. This car is perfect.

Radio is bad, what's the easiest and cheapest radio option? Just grab another OEM? Thinking deck and speakers...will wait on that not important.

What should I look for with these cars? I have read about the recall and will inspect the welds.

Can anyone talk from a good mechanical perspective to me? I know how to turn wrenches and have done all the work on my Q and M myself, including a new motor in the Q and between the two every job done except differential. I'd like to know what I'm in for, what to look out for, and most importantly, what to prevent.

Thanks! Happy to be aboard. I enjoy giving back to the forums, and have written a number of helpful walkthroughs for the Q guys. Looking to do the same here.

[atraudes]

Damn, that is a downright steal! Need pics...for science.

Yeah, the big thing is the strut tower rusting. Also check the timing belt if you haven't already. They're supposed to be replaced every 100k miles, so unless you're certain it was just done, that should be the top of your priority list behind the strut towers. If it snaps you'll quickly be in the market for a new ride again

The only other things that come to mind are routine maintenance items (fuel filter, repacking/replacing bearings).

As for the stereo, unless you can snag one from a junkyard your money's probably best spent on a new head unit (even a cheap one) with bluetooth and such. OEM units go for way too much on eBay.

Tutorials are always welcome, look forward to seeing you around here!

[Buzzman]

Your Pathfinder has the 3.3 V6 engine, I presume.
If so, it has a timing belt (not a chain).
It needs to be replaced at 100,000 miles. If you can somehow determine if that has been done, then great.
If it breaks while running, your engine is likely toast.