Noob - Looking to purchase a pathfinder...

[franknbeans]

Hi all,

I am looking for a new work / 2nd vechicle. Right now I have a 1995 4dr 4x4 Blazer. All of my equipment fits inside almost perfect. (I am a DJ) I don't like the new blazer because they don't have a true fold flat seat. I noticed that the Pathfinders do though. I was looking to get some of your insight on the Pathfinder. Likes / Dislikes. What is the best year to purchase? I am looking to spend around 22k and I would like less than 45k miles on it.I live in westren PA so the 4x4 is a must.

Thanks so much for your input and I look forward to being part of the fourm.

[Buzzman]

Personally, I would go 2002 or newer. The AWD system changed that year for the better. Also, the 3.5 engine has noticably more power.On a final note, I don't like the new Pathfinders with the 3 rows of seats. Even most of the sales reps at the dealerships don't like them.They got bigger and uglier in my opinion.The new Xterras look cool though. They remind me of the earlier Pathy's.Good luck.

[franknbeans]

Thanks buzzman.... I was gonna try for 2003 and up. Thanks for the heads up on the 4x4 issue.

I don't think I will ever use the third row seats also. Does anyone know the model that has the plastic cargo area? I think it would work out real well with my equipment.

[KoukiS14]

Personally, I'd opt for a VG powered R50. Seems to be less problems with that engine, but def. less power. With the left over 12k, you can work your engine to around 250 hp.

Just my .02

How did the All-mode change in 02? I know it became an option on Pathfinders in 01, but I didn't know it was altered. . I ended up as the mod, but I'm still a noob. :o

I'm also not a fan of the newer Pathy. The TB and Pathy seem to have gone the same way -- if I wanted a minivan, I'd buy a minivan.

[esseclipse]

2002 Infiniti QX4 4x4, Black with Black leather, 36K miles, Sunroof, 6 disc in-dash CD, All weather rubber floor mats, Xennon headlights. This vehicle is in excellent condition, the front tires have about 5000 miles on them, the rears about 10000. $17,750. OBO.

Call 413-822-4946 [email protected]

I looking to sell ASAP, so give me a call if you are interested and we can work something out.

[franknbeans]

Thanks for the heads up about the car right now I am looking at this...

2006 Nissan Pathfinder SE is in Very Nice shape inside and out! We have a clean, clear and lien free title for this vehicle, mileage is 100% original !(11,360) This beauty comes with Traction control, ABS, alloy wheels, fog lights, running boards, tinted glass, luggage rack, tow package, 3rd row seating, power windows, locks, mirrors, seat and moonroof, dual climate control, rear air with rear controls, in-dash 6 CD changer with MP3 capability, Bose sound system, tilt, cruise, delay wipers, rear wiper, adjustable pedal, leather wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel mounted stereo controls, garage opener, owner's manual,

Price is $20,000

Kinda hard to pass up I think....

Good deal?

[KoukiS14]

damn!! seems like an awesome deal -- 4wd?

[franknbeans]

ugh, just found out it is only 4x2.

Oh well, back to looking.

[88pathoffroad]

After seeing all the problems and people complaining about dealership issues, impossible-to-fix engine and trans problems and power valve screws falling out and being sucked into the engine, I'm never touching a 99-up Pathfinder. No way.

[Buzzman]

2 things: for KoukiS14, I think you're right re: 2001 being the year of the big changes for the Pathy. I was stuck in 2002. I plan to drop by the dealership soon, so I'll ask my trusted Service Manager, but I think you're right.

As for 88pathoffroad comments re: never touching a new Pathfinder. It sounds bad when you read all the stuff on a forum like this, but if you check other forums for other brands (Mazda, Honda, etc.) it will look just as bad. Trust me, the Pathfinder is a good vehicle. I have 168,000 KMS on mine, and other than the O2 sensors, I have not had a single problem with my ride. Still runs like new.I also bought a new Sentra SE-R in 2003, and I can honestly say I have never had a problem with it. The only time it is ever in the garage is for oil changes. 100% reliable car.When I compare this to my previous rides, I'm thrilled. I had a 1996 Ford Windstar that I traded in on my Pathy. It needed $5,000 worth of work to keep it roadworthy, and it only had 130,000 KMS. A total piece of crap. I'm surprised the dealer took it. And don't get me started on my Buick Regal either. It was even worse. When I think about it now, it seems like all the crappy cars I've ever had were from the "big three". Oh well. I'll stick with Nissan for a while.

[fueler]

domestic cars crack me up. From the extra large radio buttons for fat fingers, to the world renound reliability ratings that keep mechanics in business, they are just beautiful cars .

[SnowSurfLax]

Yeah, domestics are still ugly bastards, but at least they upped their QA depts in the last year and a half. Being someone who was once financially bent over and raped by a GM car and its crappiness, I say that hesitantly. But, CR is usually not wrong.

But I'll forever stick with those beautiful japanese engineers who create my beloved infinitis and lexuses!