The Nissan Path

Hi All,

I'm Dave.

I've needed to add something 4wd to my garage for a while now. I live in the sticks, it snows, I need to haul stuff, and I honestly need a better daily driver than my 944 Turbo.

So, anyway, I've narrowed what I'm looking for down to the 1st generation 4Runner or a WD21 Pathfinder. And, as cool as it is that the 4Runner's roof is removable, the WD21 seems to be more truck for the money(thoughts?). Also, my dad has had an '86 Hardbody since new, so I've definitely got some nostalgic memories of a very similar truck.

Anyway, I guess what I'm looking for is some info on what to look for, what to avoid, good resources for info, whatever you can help me out with.


Thanks in advance!

They were pretty good SUV's in their time, but keep in mind they haven't made them in 18 years so a good, thorough inspection should be done to any one you are considering buying. Rust is going to be the key concern. Get a good look at the frame brackets where the lower control arm tension rod attaches to. Broken exhaust manifold studs are common and result in a ticking noise when the manifold gasket starts leaking. These are timing belt engines (unless you find a really early model with the Z24i engine), so that has to be kept in mind as they are interference engines. They also aren't big on power nor very good on gas mileage, but usually reliable and not bad to work on.

I was looking at the same two trucks. I bought the pathfinder because it was a good deal. I have had my problems with it, mostly because the previous owner never changed anything. When the timing belt broke I had to replace everything I touched. I am glad I ended up with this truck though. As smj999 posted they don't have a ton of power. My 6 cylinder gets down the road just fine, but your not going to be pulling a 3 car pass on a two lane road. In the woods it's my best friend. This last weekend while trying to go in between two bad mud holes the truck just started to slide sideways. Gave it a little gas and and pointed the steering wheel where I needed the truck to go and it pulled out like I was on a paved road.