What to look for on the 2013+ Path

Any topics related to 2013+ R52

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AZ_Path
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What to look for on the 2013+ Path

Postby AZ_Path » Sat Jan 23, 2021 1:29 pm

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I was last here (2.5 years or so since I bought the QX80). Glad to see there are still some active users here. It's a shame that facebook has reduced traffic to forums so much. I love forums and don't care for facebook. Guess I'm one of the few.

My parents are looking at 3-row CUV's and being that we like Nissan products the Path/QX60 are on the list. They would likely be looking to get a 2017-2019 model and I wanted to see what things I should help them look out for. Are there mechanical issues to be aware of? How reliable is the CVT now?

Obviously we're here because we're Nissan fans, but tell me your honest thoughts about the Pilot and Highlander as well. Thanks!
Last edited by AZ_Path on Sat Jan 23, 2021 2:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.


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Re: What to look for on the 2013+ Path

Postby Grumpah » Sat Jan 23, 2021 1:57 pm

The R52 Path is a very capable vehicle. Since 2017, they've now able to tow up to 6000 lbs. The 3-row seating is more spacious than other crossovers in it's class and the seats are very comfortable. Feature-wise, you get a lot for your money. Fit and finish (except for the exterior paint) is pretty decent.

That said, the earlier Pathfinders on this platform (2013 - 2016) suffered from CVT "judder". The later models are much better. Nissan has not publicly acknowledged that there is a problem and you have to fight to get transmissions replaced or in extreme cases, a buyback. Therefore, I'd say support sucks and I'd be leery of buying anything Nissan without a good written warranty. The infotainment features are also dated on these models.

I don't know much about the Pilot, but the Highlander is after all, a Toyota, so there's better quality there. You just won't get as many features for the price point and the initial price will be higher, but resale will be better if that matters to you.

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Re: What to look for on the 2013+ Path

Postby palmerwmd » Sat Jan 23, 2021 2:12 pm

The 2017 model years and up both in Pathy (and one surmises Infiniti version) are according to a good source very significantly upgraded in the CVT to support the greater tow weight.
And if u dont tow I expect this will result in much improved reliability/durability.

And, as expected, one struggles to find a lot of CVT breakdown reports on the problem collection websites like truedelta and the like for 17 and up Pathys.

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Re: What to look for on the 2013+ Path

Postby AZ_Path » Sat Jan 23, 2021 3:19 pm

Thanks for the info on the CVT. That's the kind on knowledge I'm looking for. I looked at the tow ratings and the Path is rated at 6,000lbs but the QX60 still says 5,000lbs. Wonder why that is. I would assume they both get updates together.

They won't be doing much towing so the main goal is just smooth operation and long term reliability.

Have there been any other common issues besides the CVT?

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Re: What to look for on the 2013+ Path

Postby palmerwmd » Sat Jan 23, 2021 7:41 pm

PS: if you are just looking for a commuter The highlander is probably pretty good.
But the Pathfinder has a much better engine so if u want some extra fun/capability/room the R52 is tmepting.
I just bought an R51 V8 but I was eyeing the R52s hard as well.

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Re: What to look for on the 2013+ Path

Postby Grumpah » Sat Jan 23, 2021 10:08 pm

AZ_Path wrote:
Sat Jan 23, 2021 3:19 pm

Have there been any other common issues besides the CVT?
Owners report problems with rusted out liftgate struts, radiator fans failing, driver and passenger windows raising slowly, funky air conditioning and heating controls, and intermittent keyfob issues.

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Re: What to look for on the 2013+ Path

Postby AZ_Path » Sun Jan 24, 2021 11:58 am

Grumpah wrote:
Sat Jan 23, 2021 10:08 pm
AZ_Path wrote:
Sat Jan 23, 2021 3:19 pm

Have there been any other common issues besides the CVT?
Owners report problems with rusted out liftgate struts, radiator fans failing, driver and passenger windows raising slowly, funky air conditioning and heating controls, and intermittent keyfob issues.
Thanks. Have these been consistent issues over the model years or have some been worked out over time?
Last edited by AZ_Path on Sun Jan 24, 2021 2:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: What to look for on the 2013+ Path

Postby AZ_Path » Sun Jan 24, 2021 12:03 pm

palmerwmd wrote:
Sat Jan 23, 2021 7:41 pm
PS: if you are just looking for a commuter The highlander is probably pretty good.
But the Pathfinder has a much better engine so if u want some extra fun/capability/room the R52 is tmepting.
I just bought an R51 V8 but I was eyeing the R52s hard as well.
My parents are in their 70's so its not a daily driver.
Mostly it will be used for going to the store, church and occasional road trips. Probably driven 5-7k mikes per year.

We generally prefer Nissan over Toyota as we like the styling and performance better. However if reliability isn't great for the Path that would cause them to look harder at Toyota.

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Re: What to look for on the 2013+ Path

Postby palmerwmd » Sun Jan 24, 2021 2:59 pm

Toyotas have been slipping in quality as Nissan is coming back up.
The main weak spot, the CVTs, are improved in later years.

The V6 CVTs were always better than the CVTs serving the 4 cylinder models too.

Now, if money was no object, sure I'd be driving a brand new new Lexus GX460.
But functionally my loaded 2008 V8 Pathfinder is essentially identical (it actually has better approach and departure angles and is quite a bit quicker, but of course the interior is not nearly as richly appointed)

IMHO you simply get more car for the money from Nissan used or new.

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Re: What to look for on the 2013+ Path

Postby Grumpah » Sun Jan 24, 2021 3:51 pm

AZ_Path wrote:
Sun Jan 24, 2021 11:58 am
Grumpah wrote:
Sat Jan 23, 2021 10:08 pm
AZ_Path wrote:
Sat Jan 23, 2021 3:19 pm

Have there been any other common issues besides the CVT?
Owners report problems with rusted out liftgate struts, radiator fans failing, driver and passenger windows raising slowly, funky air conditioning and heating controls, and intermittent keyfob issues.
Thanks. Have these been consistent issues over the model years or have some been worked out over time?
Those non-CVT issues generally appear once the vehicle reaches 50-60,000 miles on the odometer. I wouldn't expect that you'd see them (yet) in a 2019+ model.

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Re: What to look for on the 2013+ Path

Postby AZ_Path » Tue Jan 26, 2021 5:09 pm

Thanks for all of the helpful input. It looks like a redesign is going to be released this year as well. I'm not sure they want to buy new, but it will be interesting to see what is released. What I've seen of the QX60 looks nice.

https://www.carscoops.com/2020/10/2022- ... disguised/


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