Looking for a little help

Syaoran · Sep 10th, 2007, 05:44 AM

So, I'm in the market for a new car. I'm tired of cars and trying to get back into a truck. Long story short, I'm living out of my car, so a truck ain't gonna work out the best. I found a few Pathfinders between 97 and 02. I just wanted to get a little info from people who already own one of these.

The 97 I found has only 44-45K on it, but will probably be sold before I can get to it. The others are sitting at between 80-105k. Are there any motor/tranny specific problems or other things I should look out for when buying one of these?

Thanks for your help!

- Syaoran

inanima · Sep 10th, 2007, 07:43 AM

Issues that are notable-
96-2000: exhaust manifolds, rear bushings
- body style changed in 99.5

2001-2004 (new VQ engine)- igntion coils, sensors, SES light seems to come on with annoying frequency after a certain mileage. Rear bushings (tho less often than previous gen.)

With regular maintenace, they'll last just fine. If you can find one with service records, that would be best.

**88pathoffroad** · Sep 10th, 2007, 12:16 PM

2001-2004's have the power valve screw problem. I'd go for one with the 3.5, the 3.3's generate a lot of "my Pathy is underpowered" complaints.

smj999smj · Sep 10th, 2007, 12:25 PM

Yeah, I would definately go for the VQ-powered '01 and newer models; there's a differance of 70 HP and most find the gas mileage is a little better, as well. You also don't have to be concerned about timing belt replacement as the VQ engines are chain driven.

Syaoran · Sep 10th, 2007, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smj999smj

Yeah, I would definately go for the VQ-powered '01 and newer models; there's a differance of 70 HP and most find the gas mileage is a little better, as well. You also don't have to be concerned about timing belt replacement as the VQ engines are chain driven.

Chain driven, huh? It's been a while since I've seen anything stock chain driven, let alone an import. My friends Datsun 280Z is the only other one I know of that is an import and chain driven, but thats cause he tore up a Legend motor and an 83 accord motor cause the belt slipped. LOL!!!

I was leaning towards the 3.5 over the smaller 6.

Just to get it out in the open, I'm a Classic American muscle car guy and would perfer an American car, if they started building them the way the Japanese do their cars. LOL!

Unfortunately, the fabled Exploder isn't enough for me and the Expedition is entirely too much, same for the Ranger and F-series. PLus the fact that I want something with a little more reliability to it than a Domestic car. I've been busting my knuckles wide open for the past few years trying to keep up with used American cars. After a while it gets old. I don't wanna scar my hands over a DD. A 40 year old Mustang, sure, but not a DD.

I've been looking at and weighing pros and cons on the Pathfinder, Frontier, Tacoma and 4Runner. They all seem to have their ups and downs and as much as I want a truck right now, I'm starting to lean towards a Jag. Found this beautiful, white, '02 X-Type AWD 2.5 for about 10Kwhich is what I'm looking to spend on a car.

Well, back on topic, the best years for the Pathfinder would be '01 + and 3.5L motor?

smj999smj · Sep 11th, 2007, 01:51 AM

Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe 2005 and newer engines in the US are chain driven. The VQ actually has three timing chains: one for each pair of cams and one large chain to drive the cams from the crank. The current generation of Pathfinders have a 4.0L VQ-series V6 and a V8 option is on the horizon. If buying an American built vehicle is important, the 2005 and newer Pathfinders are built in Mississippi.

Jaguar?...You do realize they are owned by Ford, don't ya?