Nissan Pathfinder

Hello OM & M
Have been an owner of a 99 Pathfinder since new. Have done 128000 km of which 80000 has been towing a dual axle, 17ft 6 Jayco Pop Top Caravan. The majority has been on the black surface. We have had no problems with the motor at all. The only set back was this year when a rear shock absorber blew on the inland Qld roads." I don't blame it". Replaced the rear 2 with Old Man Emu shockies and have had no problems since.
Average fuel consumption without towing is 13 l / 100 km. Towing brings it up to 17 l / 100 km. A little thirstier than I would like around town but a very good vehicle generally. Drives more like a car than any other 4WD we have been in.
I believe that it took at least 30000 km to feel that it was run in.
The only other modification that has been made is a dual battery set up to run our WAECO fridge. I had to run a heavy duty wire direct from the 2nd battery to the rear of the vehicle as the rear internal socket was too low a quality to run the fridge continuously.
Great vehicle. Would certainly recommend purchasing one that the history is known about.
Plugs ,oil, oil filter is all I have tackled. The rest I leave to the experts.
David

Hi OM&M,

I have had a 99 Pathy from new and love it. If you want some info on the ins and outs of the Pathfinder come over for a chat on the Pathfinders' Club of Australia Inc. forum.

http://thrsolutions.com.au/pcoaforum/

Look forward to having a chat online. There is a HEAP of info on the Pathy in the forum.

the VG3.3 motor isnt the most simple motor out there ......at 90 thou on the clock youre up for a very expensive 100 thou service very soon. Price is about $1800 -$2500 depending on how far you go.

Problems......here we go....Det sensor is buried in the centre of the manifolds.When it dies leave it there and bolt a new one on the manifold at the rear of the motor.
O2 sensors die too quickly......you can buy cheep after market ones now for under $90.
for the sake of $0.10 a car nissan could have gold plated all the termials on all the sensors and injectors........becareful of green corrision .
auto coolers are read type are common to blockage over time .....put an aftermarket one in.
CV boots dieing and lack of useage in the front diff is anther.

easy of service............change you filters and oil ...thats it.
sparkplugs should be every 100.000 kms {correct me if im wrong}

now the good news..Tuneing very simple cars to tune and fix problems with out a computer.BUT it is easier if you do have either nissan's consult or conzult .
tuning the CCS or the TPS is easier with conzult as with setting the base idle.
you can reset all error codes and as well as the self learn part of the ECU.
Checking det senors and O2 sensor are a plug in away as well and the auto computer with it.

as for for taking it bush ....be careful you may not want to take the landcruiser out again.

shadow

Am a past owner of a Pathfinder excellent vehicle only sold mine because I needed to tow stupidly heavy loads and felt like I was wrecking it. (Replaced it with V8 Landcruiser) Pathfinder was surprisingly good off road and excellent and car like around town (Infinitely nicer to drive than Prado of same vintage). Never had any problems with mine and only criticisms were Heavy on fuel both city and country (I get similar and probably better out of v8 cruiser) and small fuel tank. annoying combination
good luck

Hi, I have had a 1997 Pathy since new, now 150000 klms no real problems. I had it put on LPG and most of the klms have been on gas, only get 18-20 ltrs 100 klm but with petrol prices as they are its still cheap to run. The benefit of lpg is the oil comes out the same colour as it went in after 10000 klm. I tow a 2 ton caravan and this knocks the fuel consumtion about a bit. Had 2 sets of nissan rear shocks before I replaced them with red bull off road shocks, same with struts on the front. 100000 service came in under a $1000. I have had no major problems , have just got a new exhaust system made up $450 and still have the original rear brake pads in. Dont bother keeping the 80 series as the pathy is quite capable off road and great in sand, I have done heaps of off road all over Oz.There is a new pathy coming out soon including a diesel model. Go for it, Jelly

Actually, it is the 80,000 km service that is the "big one". The Pathfinder's major services occur at 40,000 km intervals.

The 100,000 service is mainly just fluids and plugs (the belts and hoses being done at the 80K).

On your potential (90,000 km) purchase, check the service book to ensure all the major things, especially belt replacement, were done during the 80K. And don't just take their word for it. Have a good look at all the belts and check the condition and tension. If in doubt, have a good (and trustworthy) mechanic or the NRMA do an inspection. Sadly, you'll find some service records indicate that things have been done, when they haven't.

Heres a thread on the new V6 DIESEL pathy.

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modules/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=29538

Hi,

Have you considered a CHALLENGER? And before you laugh, I am completely serious..a very under rated car. I have a silver 2002 5 speed manual, all kitted out (suspension, long range tank, bull bar, driving lights, dual battery, all terrain tyres, towbar, cargo barrier etc) still under factory warranty that you can have for $29,000.

Only 56,000km still under factory warranty till 2007.

Very capable towing too.

Have a serious think and then let me know if you want a picture.

You can reach me on 0413 583 165.

Cheers