Lookin at a 96 Pathfinder.. High Miles????

LeXiCoN328i · Sep 2nd, 2006, 08:02 PM

Hi, Nissan newb here, I was just wondering if you guys had any tips for a nissan newbie when looking for his first Pathfinder.... This one is in my price range

1996 Nissan Pathfinder LE; Color: White / Mileage- 214,326 - PW, PL, Moonroof, 4 WHL Drive, Tow Package,Grey leather interior, New Exhaust System, Recent Tune-up including installation of New Wires, Recent Tire Rotation and Balance. Please note seller will take 3500 or BO.

I have never entertained the thought of buying a car or truck with miles like this, but I need something to haul a boat I just got, and something safer for the winter..RWD Bimmers are not where its at on an Icy minnesota road in jan.

So my first question is model year, I was told by a friend to get 96 or newer for the better engine and I do like the body style better than pre 96..Since its the first model year with this new powerplant and body is there and bugs or design probs with this truck....

Second question - Is this powerplant good for towing a 15ft. ski boat.. after 210 k. I know its mainly based on how well the previous owner cared for the truck but if this was you would you be scared of dropping 3000-3500 on a truck with close to 215k on the clock??

Third what are the standard things I should look for to be going out, or to have been replaced already?

Thanks alot guys I appreciate the help..

tchjts1 · Sep 3rd, 2006, 12:49 AM

Well, I am a Pathy Newbie myself, but I will relate my experience with you. I just purchased a '98 XE 4WD. 53,000 miles. One owner, which was a couple in their 70's, so never used off-road. $8,700. Perfect interior. Exterior only had a few minor rock chips.

After the exchange of cash and title, I took it to Les Schwab (mistake) to have them balance and rotate the wheels. They told me that the left rear axle seal was leaking. To repair it would be $710. Their quote included replacing the axle bearings one each side, new seals on each side and since the fluid had leaked onto the (fairly new) brake shoes, they would need replaced also. I asked, since it was just the seal, can't you replace just that.... the answer was no because then they couldn't warranty the work. Pffffft

I took it to the local Nissan dealer who said... well, we would just replace the seal that was leaking and clean up the brakes shoes since they are pretty new. Done deal. Before they did that work, they did a 27 point inspection. In that, they found the alternator belt was cracking, air filter was cruddy and the right front strut was leaking fluid.

I had them replace the axle seal, clean up the brake shoes, replace all the serpenting belts and the air filter at the total cost of $500 and change. Les Schwab is running a racket! (I'm going to upgrade the struts myself)

If I were you, I would ask the seller to let you have the vehicle for a few hours.... make an appointment at your local Nissan dealer and have them do that 27 point inspection for you. If they find any major issues, it can either be a bargaining chip on lowering the price, or a deal breaker... or a piece of mind that everything is solid and working.

Jeff

bonecollector · Sep 3rd, 2006, 02:23 AM

well i bought my 96 se with 34k on it..... not it has 164k..... in this time it has had both exhaust manifolds replaced due to cracking, all new belts and timming belt and seals and water pump for the 100k point recommended by nissan, new tires, couple tune ups, couple exhaust systems from behind the cats, other than that it has been pretty solid and reliable... basic oil change, maintenance..... have done a little towing of a 12 x 8 uhual trailer with little notice, unless going up hill.. so not sure on wether it can handle your boat. although i didnt find out till a year or so after we bought the truck that the 96 pathy was rated the worst year for the pathy ever by consumer research... but i would buy it again... just my two cents..

LeXiCoN328i · Sep 3rd, 2006, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonecollector

not sure on wether it can handle your boat. although i didnt find out till a year or so after we bought the truck that the 96 pathy was rated the worst year for the pathy ever by consumer research... but i would buy it again... just my two cents..

Thanks alot for the input guys,
Wow worst year ever HUH? That makes me uneasy, What about the high miles Is this too high if I want to get into using it for the utility purpose of towing a boat to the lake a couple times a month in the summer?

Is the price fair? It booked for 2-3 k more on kelly blue book and NADA price guide...?

LeXiCoN328i · Sep 5th, 2006, 11:26 AM

bUMP........

How far do these 3.3l V6's go??? 275,000-325,000 ?

lewisnc100 · Sep 5th, 2006, 12:28 PM

I've actually heard the opposite, that the 96s had fewer problems than the following years. I could see that since the 96 had a unique EVAP setup with the canister and vent control valve in the engine compartment, a common failure on the later years.

Here's a link that shows the 96 reliability higher than the 97-99:

1996 Nissan Pathfinder - Reliability Ratings - MSN Autos

architectdave · Sep 5th, 2006, 01:17 PM

My 97 has 250k miles and im now replacing all the suspension bushings and getting struts for the third time. i have done 3 timing belts and 4 sets of tires two sets of brake pads on enew caliper and a few rotors and one exhaust system.....i have heard the 96's were a bad year but my 97 is great.....

dave

**88pathoffroad** · Sep 6th, 2006, 09:37 PM

Make sure the timing belt has been done, or you'll be looking at another $700-900 to do that immediately after purchase. The timing belt change interval is 105,000 miles, AFAIK. If that belt breaks, the engine almost always eats it's own valves because it's an interference design.

architectdave · Sep 7th, 2006, 08:15 AM

700-900? hahahaha good one....if you pay more than 450 you got GOT!!!

DIY - You can do the timing belt and seals and a new water pump and short hoses for about 250 and it takes about 3 hours of labor if you take out the radiator when you do it....Ive done it three times!!!

LeXiCoN328i · Sep 7th, 2006, 09:02 AM

Thanks for all your help guys, I am the proud new owner of a 96 LE w/ 161,000mi.
Got it for 3200.00 , Timing belt was replaced at 151,000, Clean CarFax Report....

Shocks and struts replaced in the last 1.5yrs. , Needs new tires, I noticed some oil on the rear diff by what looks to be the plug...Have to get that checked...other than a small ding on the chrome rear drivers bumper cover and some slight wear on the sides of the leather seats and some wear on the wood grain door pulls, Shes pretty clean, Mississippi car - no rust..

Can anyone point me in the direction to get those wood grain door pulls? Or do I need a whole new dash kit?? Is there a spot on this forum where you guys part out cars and sell used parts to other members like in the bimmer forums???

What is the general consensus on best tires for a pathy? Is all season ok?

Thanks again--------New Nissan owner......

bonecollector · Sep 7th, 2006, 04:27 PM

well i bought michelin ltx m&s... put many many miles on them... but dont do a whole lot of off roadind, i think the next set i will be getting are bridgestone revos.... look at tirerack.com for the reviews on all their tires... and as well as other peoples info.

coolnesss · Sep 8th, 2006, 01:00 AM

I got new door pull woodgrain things from an online store - the nissan dealer in washington - Bruce Titus Nissan I think - they have a catalogue order department. Last time I looked their website didn't work too well, so I called on the phone, asked for the internet order department, talked with a cool lady - Terri, maybe Diane, something like that. She was real helpful, and when I had a problem with a part, they took it right back and replaced it, no issue at all. I bought just the wood grain part on the door panels, and it wasn-t too cheap, not too expensive as i recall. They snap off and on easily. Really cleaned up the interior look of mine.

inanima · Sep 8th, 2006, 06:51 AM

congrats on the purchase.
try the classifieds section on the forum, or there are a few other Pathfinder forums around. I have not seen many PF's parted out.

you could try here: Wood Dash,Pillar Post,Rear Wing,Car Cover,Tonneau Cover,Car Bra,Grille Guard,Seat Covers for Car,Truck,SUV , Auto Accessories , Wood Dashes, Dash Kits, Wood Trim, Wood Dash Trim

tires- bridegeston a/t dueler REVO.