01/02 Pathfinder / Opinions on 2x4 or 4x4 / Newbie/ Possible purchase
Hello-
My name is Brad, and I'm a newbie here.
I've narrowed down my SUV search to a Nissan Pathfinder and wanted to get some opinions on folks that actually own one now.
Here's what I think I want:
2001 or 2002 Pathfinder LE (I read on another post to get 01.5 or newer) Automatic Tranny.
I am currently undecided on getting 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive at this time. I plan to use this vehicle to drive to and from work, and towing a small boat (only for very short distances 1-2 miles max to the boat launch). I have heard good things from mechanics on the generally good reliability of the vehicle, but want some opinions on the 2- or 4-wheel drive option and if one has more problems than the other. I'm a pretty skilled mechanic, but know very little about transmissions. I don't forsee needing or using the 4-wheel drive but maybe a few times per year, so if they have maintenace or problem issues its not cost effective for me to buy one with it. If any of you tow with your Pathfinder, please let me know if you actually need it or use it while towing and the benefits with and without it. If a 2-wheel drive Pathfinder will pull a boat out of the water with no problems then I don't see much benefit in spending the extra $.
Thanks for reading that whole blurb! Please let me know your thoughts, good or bad, about this vehicle and the 2- or 4-wheel option under my circumstances (repairs, etc). I look forward to reading what you have to say.
For towing and daily driving in an area without snow there is really no need for 4 wheel drive.. 2wd will be more than adequate, and you'll have better mileage and lower maintenance costs in the long run... Go 2wd..
For towing and daily driving in an area without snow there is really no need for 4 wheel drive.. 2wd will be more than adequate, and you'll have better mileage and lower maintenance costs in the long run... Go 2wd..
I'm actually in Atlanta, GA....so we only get about 1" of snow per year.
If I lived down south and found a great deal on a 2WD I would go for it. I would try to get one with the limited slip diff (look for LSD oil only sticker on the rear differential). Driving in the rain is no fun with 1 wheel drive and 240 hp :-). With that said, if you can get 4WD for $1000 more you should consider it. You will easily get that back in resale value when you sell it a few years from now.
Agreed. The only proviso is that if the boat launch is at a tidal location, you may need 4wd traction on the slimy stuff. I wouldn't use a 2wd on boat ramps unless it had at least a limited slip rear differential.
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'91 Pathfinder SE 5spd (now sold)
'06 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX-L
Agreed. The only proviso is that if the boat launch is at a tidal location, you may need 4wd traction on the slimy stuff. I wouldn't use a 2wd on boat ramps unless it had at least a limited slip rear differential.
That answers a lot. Is the LSD an option on the 01.5 and up LE model, or can I assume they will all have it? Someone above mentioned I would need to look for the sticker on the differential.
That answers a lot. Is the LSD an option on the 01.5 and up LE model, or can I assume they will all have it? Someone above mentioned I would need to look for the sticker on the differential.
LSD was an option on most pathfinders. I had it on my 01 and my 01.5.
It changed from standard to optional several times in 01. Even the borchures have conflicting info. IIRC it became an option on the LE after All Mode started being used in 01.5 4X4s. Always check to be safe. It is a RED sticker and easy to see without getting dirty :-)
BTW, if shopping on-line, vins 550,000 and up are 01.5s
I have a 03 LE and love it. 2WD. I thought about the 4 wheel but decided against it. I have had mine now for 2 and a half years and never needed 4 wheel. I'm looking to put a hitch on now so I have been looking around the boards.
Linear Mode
