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1997 Pathfinder

4K views 39 replies 4 participants last post by  quadraria10 
#1 ·
Hi guys I am new to the forum but was looking around and came across it. I was doing some research and I wanted to runs this pathfinder by you guys to see if not a bad deal and how well they hold up with 175000 miles on them 4X4 1997 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4X4


Thanks Hunter
 
#3 ·
There are a couple of sites that can help you with what it's worth:

NADA Home Page

Official Kelley Blue Book New Car and Used Car Prices and Values

CARFAX™ - Vehicle History Reports and Used Car Listings

It looks pretty good as far as the ad, but it's hard to determine worth with just pictures. Having an independent mechanic of your choosing check the vehicle out before you purchase is always sound advice. It does sound like they covered a lot of the things you would want to take care of: timing belt, tune-up, rear suspension links. One of the things you want to be sure about is the integrity of the body, i.e. has there been previous repainting or collision damage? Is there any corrosion on the frame? These things are best inspected on a lift.
 
#6 ·
You're kind of comparing apples to oranges. The R50 Pathfinder is a unibody SUV with R&P steering and the Xterra has a body-on-frame chassis with a steering box. If you are looking for a comfortable SUV for paved streets and highways, the Pathfinder is a better choice. If you plan on going off road a lot, possibly looking into lift kits, the Xterra would be the better platform.
 
#7 ·
[This 2002 Pathfinder in your area may be a better deal
2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE

Almost 6 years younger and 26000 less miles quadraria10

You make a good point I talked to the guy last night it does need some work. but for 2500 is a 2002 much better then the 97 and if I get a 1000 into bringing the total to 3500 is this still a decent deal for a 2002
 
#8 ·
Only thing bad about the 2002 Pathfinders (compared to 2000 and earlier models) is that the VQ35DE engine, albeit a lot more powerful, is not as reliable as the VG33E. The VQ has more problems with check engine lights, there have been a number that have had the power valve screws fall into the engine (not enough thread locker applied at the factory), ignition coil failures, and a few that have had oil burning issues due to the oil control rings on the pistons sticking (which often ruin the front catalytic converters). The only bad points about the VG33E is that you have a timing belt that needs to be serviced every 105,000 miles, the occasional bad distributor, and the lack of power.
 
#10 ·
I thought they were both $2500, including the 2002. I am curious when the problems show up on the VQ35DE. The one in the ad has had same owner for past 10 years, and its 12 years old. Guess it would all come down do a full inspection and how much more you can negotiate off either ones price. And, of course, which one drives better.
 
#14 ·
Prices will vary greatly depending on whether you use genuine Nissan parts or aftermarket parts and what the labor rate is at the shop or dealer you get the work done. Your best bet would be call and get a couple of estimates. I'm not sure if they give a price for a full exhaust system, but you could try: Auto Repair Estimates - Get Honest Car Repair Costs
As far as which is the better deal, I can't say without actually seeing the both vehicles, which is why I still would recommend you get a mechanic or shop inspect the vehicles before you lay the cash out on either of them.
 
#15 ·
Yea I agree on that the 97 was def taken care from what I see and ready to go for 2000. it was owned by a mechanic and did the maintenance up keep on it. The other I have not seen yet but from talking to the guy seems decent but you know how that goes. if they were both comparable and the 02 was going to cost me 1000 more would it be better overall or the 97 a better suv

Hunter
 
#16 · (Edited)
Rust would be the determining factor for me. Re the side mirror, if its only the mirror glass that can be done quite cheaply, otherwise you would want to find the assembly at a junk yard.

With regard to the exhaust system, I was told the same thing for my X trail a couple of years back, because of rusting at the flange where the long pipe connected to the rear muffler. Instead I had it cut out and new small pipe section welded in. I also had them reweld the hangers that had come loose, as well has a small hole further down the pipe. All for a bit less than $80. The guy doing the welding commented that it would have been a shame to junk the parts as it was mostly really solid. Two years down the road and its still fine and quiet.

Of course a national muffler chain had told me this could not be done and provided me an estimate for close to a thousand to replace two sections. The guys I found to do the work -- a solution I read about on this forum!!!-- was a garage connected to a junk yard. I was so pleased I left a $20 tip to buy the guys a pizza. Come to think of it they also banded the heat shield that would rattle a bit over the catalytic converter. Its been fine since. Its actually been closer to 3 years ago.
So my take is you can get repairs done a lot cheaper than you think sometimes. Without a doubt the 2002 with less mileage is the vehicle that is worth more once repaired. Its more modern and cost more when new. But of course if the concern is pure cash outlay, that 97 might be a great deal considering the work that has been done on it. Of course not all replacement parts are equal, so its hard to know when stuff might need replacing again.
My last thought-- I think you can get the best deal from a private sale, and that you can form a pretty good judgement based upon the person you are dealing with. If they live in a good area and maintain their home, have owned the vehicle for a good while and can talk about it and show its been regularly serviced, chances are it may be a good bet. Good luck with whichever way you go.
 
#22 ·
Here is part of what you need and I do believe they have messed up the pricing on their listing
New AP 7450 Exhaust Muffler Assembly | eBay

By way of comparison here is the same part on Amazon
Amazon.com: AP Exhaust Products 7450 Exhaust Muffler: Automotive

Also just saw it on partsanytime for $240

For 13.17 plus 1.83 shipping to Pittsburgh its a steal for a muffler from a reliable seller. Even if you don't have to replace it just yet might be worth buying to have on hand for when you do, lol.
 
#23 ·
From picture it looks pretty damn good. Only thing I can see is maybe the rear suspension is sitting a bit low, but it does also look to be parked on a slope. Also no shot from the rear so I can't tell if it has a tow hitch attached. If its never been used for towing, in my books that would be a real bonus. Paint seems great and polished up nicely. The passenger mirror is intact so probably just the glass. Windshield is nice and even has a vizor or whatever they are called to protect interior from sun damage. New style wipers, fog lights, Nissan running boards and roof rack. Even has rain deflectors around all the windows. You can only judge so much from a few pics, but to my eye it looks like it was cared for.
 
#24 · (Edited)
After looking on Kelly blue book there is 2300 price difference between the 2 in fair cond. even if I put 1000 in the 02 and make the total 3500 still pretty decent deal there is no tow hitch wish it had but I can put it on. Also mistake on mileage he looked and it has 123000 mile on it

Hunter
 
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