Nissan Pathfinder?

Question

How do you like your pathfinder? what year? gas mileage? problems or bad experiences? I'm thinking about getting one, that's why I'm asking. I'm not looking for answers based on things you've "heard"; I'm looking to hear from people who actually own them. Thanks!

Answer 1

Dunno if this helps, my Pathfinder was years ago. I had a 1992 V6 petrol auto 5dr. When I bought it, it had travelled 60k miles (100k km), was 5 years old. I had it fully serviced, including replacing diff and gearbox oils, coolant, etc. I did an exhaust replacement and put a bigger air filter on. That truck towed my camper trailer hard all over New Zealand, through rivers, up mountains, heavily rutted treks, all with my son from birth to 2yrs in it. I was not at all gentle with it, and it never ever stopped. Nothing ever needed replacing, nothing ever stopped working. Damn, even the CD player, windows and aircon gave no hassles. Loved the auto gearbox "hold" feature, very useful, shifts when you tell it. Had been deciding between that and a Toyota Surf. Its ride sold me, rides real nice for a small truck, handles predictably. Got an average 450km (300mile) per tank, sometimes more. Probably the reason I still drive a Nissan today - a 300ZX Twin Turbo.

Answer 2

2002 Pathfinder here, purchased new in early 2003.
Been great, decent gas mileage for a larger vehicle, runs strong, tons of room for passengers and/or cargo.

Problems thus far... replaced catalytic converter *warranty*, fan control switch (only had low and high, nothing in between.. *warranty*) and now have a minor wiring problem in the steering column somewhere... not under warranty :( I'm a teensy bit concerned about the dealers labor rate, but not too many mechanics want to tinker with wiring issues these days..

Been great, will buy another Nissan definately, Pathfinder for sure. I see a ton of the old ones on the road (from the 80's) that says something to me... and all rusted out but still going!

Answer 3

I have a 2005 Pathfinder and absolutely love it. The only problem I have had is that the plastic on top of the running boards was trying to come off, but I took it to the dealership and they fixed it. I bought it brand new and now has about 35,000 miles on it. The gas mileage is not great, but is decent for an SUV. I usually trade vehicles about every two years, but it is such a great vehicle and is just the right size I plan on keeping it for a long time.

Answer 4

Hi,
I have a 1996 SE with 158,000 miles. I've really loved it for what it is good for...I use it to take multiple friends hiking, kayaking and for snowsports trips and camping. I would not recommend it for general commuting since there are vehicles with better fuel efficiency, and quiter cabins, i.e. just about any sedan. We get 18-20mpg on ours which I calculate at each fillup (amount of miles on trip odometer divided by the amount of gas bought) to help me make sure that my truck is healthy. I get better mileage than most because I generally do not speed. Driving fast especially in an SUV will kill your mileage.

I get regular service work done on the truck since I wanted it to last for at least 250k miles and have had to replace the struts, shocks and clutch (all normal for a vehicle with 150k miles). I've also had to replace wheel bearings in one of the front wheels, and the manifold (which was indicated by a drop in fuel mileage btw and also made the truck louder than normal). I've had about a half dozen recall replacements done through the dealer (all at no cost) can't even remember what they were for.

I love the truck for its traction on dirt, gravel and snowy roads, and its comfort for multiple passengers. I chose it over the Isuzu Rodeo and the Toyota of the same year because I liked the way the pathfinder drove best of all the trucks I tested. I also considered the Subaru wagons. I use an ipod compatible aftermarket radio since the stock one no longer plays cds. I use the stock roof rack with Yakima attachments to carry snowboards/skis/kayaks and have a softride rack which I use to carry bikes. Hope this is helpful.

Answer 5

I bought a used 2000 Pathfinder in August of 2003. At the time, it had 32K in mileage on it. Thus far, it's been great. I've never had a problem with it.

Answer 6

If I were you, I would get an older model pathfinder. New vehicles seem to have too many problems. Besides, older ones have more room to work on them and are easier to fix as well...

Answer 7

The Armada is definitely bigger, heavier and mor powerful. The Pathfinder comes stock with a 4 liter V6, with the 5.6 liter V8 option for 2008. The Armada only offers the V8.

Answer 8

this is probably further back then the ones you are looking at, but i have a '93, and i like it. It's really sturdy, and it offers great peace of mind in the snow. it's very surefooted in all weather. mine has 150,000 miles on it, and i am just now having the first problem i've had, and that's the transmission mount is bad(i think). but i would recommend one, they are reliable and i get about 14 mpg on average. the only quirk is that when it's cold outside, if you slam the door, the power locks will lock themselves. i have been locked out of my car in the cold a few times because of this.

Answer 9

they do have some quirks.radio problems and o2 sensors blow.
be real careful about turning your engine off with gas fill up and make sure you turn gas cap back on at least 3x.frequently engine light will come on if you are careful about that.

Answer 10

2004 the best year for it
it get problems for nothing ps it's very good
I owned it for nothing