Posted: 5/15/2011 10:16:48 AM EDT
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I have been looking for a used vehicle in my area, and I was considering a little 4 cylinder but those seem to be selling at a premium. I came across a used Nissan Pathfinder in the paper today and called the guy. Its a 2003 with 70,000 miles on it. Hes asking $13000 for it but that seems pretty steep.
What I am ultimately looking for is a vehicle that I can rely on for the next 5-7 years and Im starting to care less about gas mileage and more about reliability. Any input is appreciated, especially from owners of Pathfinders. What should I look for and are there any quirks inherent with these vehicles? I am going to stop by and take a look at it in an hour or so, hopefully GD can come through for me 
Thanks |
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My 96 has 287500 miles on it.
Watch for oil levels, it doesnt have a big reservoir so low oil means you are low 1/2 quart. Rear suspension bushings wear out. Get timing belt changed. Reliability is very good, but do regular maintenance. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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That's a lot of cash for an anemic motor. Pass. I've read differently. When I spoke with the gentleman on the phone I was very upfront with the fact that I was looking for something in the 10000 range and would probably offer even less and he still wanted to talk. |
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That's a lot of cash for an anemic motor. Pass. What sort of motor did the 2003 have? Our 2008 had a 270 horsepower V6. It wasn't a sports car, but that thing would still really move. I have read that the motor puts out around 250 odd horsepower. Seems sufficient. |
I happen to own a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4, with 79,000 miles on it. I bought it used 3 years ago for $10,500.00 otd. Nicely packaged, great body and interior. The only issue I have ran across is the fan amp. Dealer part is $150ish, but I bought the internal electric parts to fix it for about $2.50 . The 6 cylinder motor is great and has a timing chain (not a belt that requires a change). It will go about anywhere, rides smooth and quiet. All my power options are still working. Gas mileage isn't that great (about 20hwy) but it may need new plugs which would help.
With gas prices up and the economy down, that price is high. Find out what condition and look it up in Kelly Blue Book and then offer below that. |
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I happen to own a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4, with 79,000 miles on it. I bought it used 3 years ago for $10,500.00 otd. Nicely packaged, great body and interior. The only issue I have ran across is the fan amp. Dealer part is $150ish, but I bought the internal electric parts to fix it for about $2.50 . The 6 cylinder motor is great and has a timing chain (not a belt that requires a change). It will go about anywhere, rides smooth and quiet. All my power options are still working. Gas mileage isn't that great (about 20hwy) but it may need new plugs which would help.
With gas prices up and the economy down, that price is high. Find out what condition and look it up in Kelly Blue Book and then offer below that. Thanks for the help! I test drove it, it is immaculate and a very nice ride. It has 76,000 miles on it. It is the TL and has a leather interior with all of the features and everything works very nicely. I was very impressed with the interior and the elderly guy selling it has clearly maintained the vehicle beyond "nicely". If I could get it for 10,000 I think it would be a good deal. Not sure what to do as I have always driven beaters to save money so I am very anxious buying a newer (ish) vehicle. |
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I have an 02, same as an 03. Get an Old Man Emu/Rancho lift kit, its well worth it. There some potential oil consumption issues with these vehicles; just google "2003 pathfinder oil consumption" and you'll see. So far mine, at 94k miles, doesn't seem to be exhibiting signs of this. However, o2 sensors, cats, exhaust manifolds, are all reported to be frequent problems. I just had to replace two o2 sensors a month ago. The stock suspension is ridiculous, so the first thing I did was install the 2" lift kit I mentioned. Not only does it allow larger tires to be used (duh...) the ride quality on and off road is such an improvement it felt like a different vehicle after the lift.
Mine is a manual. My wife gets about 240-270 miles on a tank (when light comes on) depending on conditions. This is also with 31" tires. Its a gas hog, but overall it has been a good vehicle. If I had to do it again, I would have purchased a quad cab truck... there is nothing a quad cab truck with a shell can't do better than a SUV. The 250hp motor is actually kind of sluggish. The lack of cup holders is annoying, but maybe that's just mine because its manual. |