I found a low mileage (54k), one owner, 98 Pathfinder XE that I am about to purchase. I've seen a few comments on here regarding the lack of power climbing paved (highway) hills. Are they really that bad?
Thanks -
Jeff
__________________ www.jeffswing.com
More than just farkles
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Yes, they were horribly underpowered back in the day...but what do you drive now? If it is a V8 Explorer or 350 Chev then it might be too little power. BUT, if you are used to a Rav4 then it might not be too bad. It is all relative.
__________________ 2006 Pathfinder LE - Storm Grey/Black, Westin Bull Bar, Manik Taillight Guards, PIAA 540 Fog Lamps, Nissan iPod Integration, Spoiler
Ive never driven a 3.3 liter or any other Pathfinder besides my own, but I would imagine the 3.3 with an auto would be noticably slower than say a 3.5 with a manual, which is what I have. With that said, we are still dealing with a heavy truck, so its not supposed to fast in the first place. I constantly have to remind myself at stop lights than Im not in one of my other cars so I cant take off at the light and pass others to make rights when entering the highway and what not.
I think you should test drive a 3.5 to see if the difference is worth it because the one you are looking at has very low miles.
I had a 97 SE 4WD 5 speed, and now have a 01 SE 4WD 5 speed.
The 97 (3.3) I thought had a better "kick in the pants" torque pull when you really got into it.
The o1 (3.5) has a more refined sense of speed, and revs much faster, but it has a much more linear feel to the power.
I'd buy another 97 if I found a great deal. Only issues were the exhaust manifold.
This particular vehicle has been meticulously maintained and owned by a senior (70's age) couple. It's the 4WD automatic version. They wanted $9,800 for it, but it I got them to come down to $8,700. The paint is perfect with the exception of 1 or 2 small rock chips. They have the dealer service records and it was serviced regularly. I am going to test-drive it again today before I purchase it and pay attention to acceleration response during passing and hill climbing.
__________________ www.jeffswing.com
More than just farkles
GoldWing resources
Just an update. I test drove the '98 XE again... and while it isn't a Porsche for power, it will suit my needs. pedal down, passing cars was suitable for my tastes. As for climbing a grade... well we just don't have any closeby where I live to try that out. I think the vehicle is a good deal, so I will go ahead with the purchase on Monday. Thanks again for all the advice.
Jeff
__________________ www.jeffswing.com
More than just farkles
GoldWing resources
Just an update. I test drove the '98 XE again... and while it isn't a Porsche for power, it will suit my needs. pedal down, passing cars was suitable for my tastes. As for climbing a grade... well we just don't have any closeby where I live to try that out. I think the vehicle is a good deal, so I will go ahead with the purchase on Monday. Thanks again for all the advice.
Jeff I owned a 2000LE with the same engine, the performance was OK for around town driving. The problem was entering Interstate Highways and some passing situations got pretty scary. What was most bothersome, the gas mileage vs performance was terrible. The 2003 PF that I now drive has huge bump in performance with the same mileage as the 2000.
It is a very reliable vehicle. Excellent choice!
Last edited by V10Rick : Aug 26th, 2006 at 10:56 PM.
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