V8 or V6.... That is the question????

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Do you prefer the V6 or V8?

V8
20
42%
V6
28
58%
 
Total votes: 48

Nissan_Path_10
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V8 or V6.... That is the question????

Postby Nissan_Path_10 » Sat Jan 16, 2010 6:10 pm

Brand New to the forum and have a couple of questions. I am currently looking at a new 2010 Pathfinder LE Limited for the family and while I like everything about the Pathfinder, my question is, is there an issue with the V8 that Nissan makes for this SUV? I have been to 3 dealerships and test drove the Pathfinder today but none of the dealerships have a V8 and the closest one is over 300 miles away. I want the V8 because I want the extra horses and torque and while I do care about MPG, I think the trade off in MPG's is quite marginal for the difference in additional power. Also, while I realize there would be less space available in the engine compartment to fit the V8, is it done at the expense of not being able to do routine maintenance? Thank You for the read and your comments.


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fat_frog
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Postby fat_frog » Sat Jan 16, 2010 8:37 pm

If you like and want V8, then you should locate one and buy it. Not for all, but for many, LE model is expensive. If you're going to spend that much money, buy what you want. Or, you will regret buying V6.

For me, V6 has plenty of power and good MPG. I don't tow anything (yet). I am very happy with my V6.

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xd9-g19
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Postby xd9-g19 » Sat Jan 16, 2010 8:43 pm

I only said V8 due to it has the diffs needed for ARB lockers, other than that my V6 gets the job done and was cheaper.

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08Datsun
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Postby 08Datsun » Sat Jan 16, 2010 11:38 pm

There're no issues with the V8. They just don't sell as well. The local dealer had their only one for a year and a half. If the V6 wasn't so good itself, maybe I'd have picked it up.

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SPICOLI
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Postby SPICOLI » Sun Jan 17, 2010 12:18 am

The V6 has plenty of power for towing, hills and other types of fun. I've had V8's that have had less power and reliability than the PF V6. V6 all the way-less cost and better fuel economy.

skinny2
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Postby skinny2 » Sun Jan 17, 2010 7:55 am

I'm a motor head and typically buy the fastest option I can get. I was looking for slightly used Pathfinders recently and had a hard time finding a V8 to test as well. Ended up driving a new one to compare. I'm coming out of a V8 Tundra and wanted to make sure I wasn't going to miss the V8 power. The V6 is a little more sluggish off the line, but once rolling I couldn't tell much difference. The V8 would be the choice if towing heavy often, but I think the V6 is very impressive. It likes to rev which helps a lot at the passing speeds.

Car and Driver has a test which compared the V6 Pathfinder to the V8 4Runner and the Pathfinder was .3 seconds slower to 60mph (7.5 vs 7.2) but was equal in all the other testing, specifically passing speeds which is what interests me the most. I rarely drag race anyone, but do high-speed passes on 2-lane roads daily. I never found full speed testing for the V8, but Edmunds claims to hit 60 in 7 seconds with the V8. So I guess it depends on how you're driving and if you're towing. 14/20mpg vs 12/18mpg is quite a bit in my book as well. Plus I've been averaging 20-21mpg on my commute with the V6 which is better than expected. I don't know how the V8 does in real world.

KEVSTER
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Postby KEVSTER » Sun Jan 17, 2010 8:12 am

When I went to buy my 08 LE Pathy, I knew I wanted the V-6, salesman tried to sell me the LE V-8, but I did not want it. I never even drove the V-8. I have to say the V-6 is loaded with power and I am very happy with my choice. :D The V-8 Pathy's are hard to come buy, Nissan does not make alot of them, and most of the time in the Pacific NW. the Dealers have a hard time keeping the V-6 Pathy's in stock, very popular vehicle.

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Captain
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Postby Captain » Sun Jan 17, 2010 3:39 pm

I like my V6. when I had stock tire on it it got me 20mpg and would pull my boat like a champ. now that I upgraded my tires the mpg hurts but I still have geat power

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DJLittleWonder
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Postby DJLittleWonder » Mon Jan 18, 2010 9:45 am

Congrats on the new truck. I have the V8 and love it. Besides the gas mileage, I don't have any negatives to say about the V8. I've got the fastest SUV in my family and I whooped my cousin with his g37 recently. I love speed and am currently modding the truck to get more power. Most of the guys on this forum have the V6, so I've been forced to join a Titan forum. Those guys are all about performance.

thegovernor
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Postby thegovernor » Tue Jan 19, 2010 1:43 pm

Get the V8, if you haven't already. Last month, I traded in my '06 Pathfinder V6 with 70k miles. For 3 of the 4 years, I towed a 6x12 tandem-axle, enclosed trailer twice a week with min. combined weight of 2500 lbs. Also, did round trips from VA to FL & from VA to TX, both trips towing my Z32 on a u-haul flat trailer (5000lbs). I beat the hell out of the '06. Just changed fluids, tires, did air filter maintenance & used premium fuel. Original brakes, battery, everything else.

I averaged 16.5 MPG in 4 years with the V6. K&N drop-in filter was the only mod.

The new V8 averages 15mpg with a K&N cold air intake & Jet maf sensor. I've only 1800 miles or so (est. 70% of that is hwy), but I've towed my 6x12 enclosed trailer 3-4 times (40 mile trips) and I'm pretty heavy footed. I still have some breaking-in to do. Also, that break-in fluid can't be good for mpg's so I may see some benefit.

I am very pleased with the towing capabilities of the V8. I will sometimes have an additional 2 tons of debris in my trailer, and although the V6 could handle it, I would struggle on hills and when passing. If you don't do that kind of towing, then the V6 will be more than enough for you. I wanted the extra power but the deciding factor for me was the price. I wanted an LE with NAV which was standard on the V8, but not the V6 so the pricing was comparable after discounts.

Good luck

cbacarisse
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Postby cbacarisse » Tue Jan 19, 2010 2:53 pm

My 2010 SE has one of the strongest V6 I have ever driven. It gets my vote.

boogyman
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Postby boogyman » Wed Jan 20, 2010 10:18 am

I don't think the v6 is bad at all, since I have one, but the v8 has the beefier rear-end, so it should last longer and a better tow rating. If you are doing a lot of towing or real offroading then the v8 along with the upgraded rear will make you a feel more assured to get you home. If you plan on doing dirt roads and hauling a jetski or snowmobile, then get the v6. I can't imagine that maintenance will be much more difficult on a v8 compared to the v6. good luck with whatever you decide.

08 pathy
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Postby 08 pathy » Wed Jan 20, 2010 4:00 pm

skinny2 wrote: Car and Driver has a test which compared the V6 Pathfinder to the V8 4Runner .
Do you by chance have a link to that comparison?

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RacerZX
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Postby RacerZX » Wed Jan 20, 2010 5:47 pm

Supercharged V6!!!

Sorry, just had to say it. :-P

skinny2
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Postby skinny2 » Wed Jan 20, 2010 6:57 pm

08 pathy wrote:
skinny2 wrote: Car and Driver has a test which compared the V6 Pathfinder to the V8 4Runner .
Do you by chance have a link to that comparison?
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/com ... ison_tests


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