I have a 1999.5 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD. I bought it with 69k miles; it currently has 221k. The only things I have really done to my SUV is changed oil/filters, tires (and rotation), battery (2-3 times) and had to replace the transmission. The new transmission was put in w/ about 30k miles (now at about 60-65k).
Dont get me wrong, the car is in great shape and I drive it daily, but I am having thoughts on spending $$$ and getting it where it needs to be or buy a newer Pathfinder or Frontier.
The thing is I am no mechanic so I am going to have to hire everything out. First, the passenger headlight has a bad connection or something. Both bulbs were replaced about 6 months ago. You can bang on the headlight and eventually it comes on. Next, is something under the hood. After driving it just down the street for a mile, it smells like somethings burning, but no smoke and I cant tell where it is coming from (remember I am not a mechanic). I think it has something to do with a battery cable but not sure. Other than a paint job on the front bumper, timing belt, and possible spark plugs changed....thats all really needs to fixed...I guess some shocks and breaks/rotars too. Am I missing something as far as maintenance work?
The thing is I really have a feeling that if I start messing with the car its going to be a headache. Once I replace one thing, its going another and then another. So what do you recommend...Get it fixed and drive it for another 100k miles or go for something new?