Wanting to buy a used Pathfinder

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Raf
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Wanting to buy a used Pathfinder

Postby Raf » Fri Dec 13, 2019 2:29 pm

Hi everyone! I'm in the market to get a used car since the other one is half a foot in the grave. I am looking at the 2010-2012 Pathfinders. Want to pick your brain on yearly maintenance costs, what you like and dislike and common issues etc.

Also, what should I look for when shopping for a used pathfinder? How easy are they to work on yourself?

Reason I pick the 2010 to 2012 is because the rear window opens and I do some DIY here and there and it will come in handy when hauling 2x4s and etc.

Any advice or suggestions are much appreciated.

Thanks!!!


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palmerwmd
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Postby palmerwmd » Fri Dec 13, 2019 3:31 pm

Welcome to the Path!!!! :D

You have picked the sweet spot among pathfinders.

The 10s however might still have the flawed radiator...
(but its an easy fix---> just replace radiator)

Check this thread on the radiator issue:
viewtopic.php?t=17198

Other than that these are very reliable vehicles.
I cannot think of any weakspots.

Of course unless you live in TX, FL or CA you want the 4WD

The difference in price among the trims is not that high in the used market... so I'd go for the nicest trims.. LE or Silver Edition.

Silver Edition adds Bose Stereo and Leather
LE adds upgraded transfer case with additional auto mode and (I think Sunroof) and some pretty nice wheels.
I am sure there is something I am missing.

Oh, one thing .. about the Bose.. make sure it holds the presets stations.. reset a pre set during buying process.
then tun off the engine at least 10+ seconds.. then see if it held the presets..
Might seem minor but always going to out of region presets can be a huge drag.... and its not a cheap fix ( must replace Bose radio!)

And the part thats at fault also remembers the mpg avg...
So your mpg av would reset back to what it was on the day the unit failed...
You can reset it and do your trip mpgs.. but once engine is off it wont remember and u have to start .

I also own an Xterra (exact same powertrain as the V6 pathys) .. its at 140,000 miles and never ever broke on it.

But dont limit yourself to the last years of that generation...
The earily years (05-09) also deserve consideration... (depends on condition..)

Also there is a fantastic V8 version currently for sale in our classified section.
viewtopic.php?t=19304

Raf
Posts: 12
Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2019 2:07 pm

Postby Raf » Sat Dec 14, 2019 9:10 am

palmerwmd wrote:Welcome to the Path!!!! :D

You have picked the sweet spot among pathfinders.

The 10s however might still have the flawed radiator...
(but its an easy fix---> just replace radiator)

Check this thread on the radiator issue:
viewtopic.php?t=17198

Other than that these are very reliable vehicles.
I cannot think of any weakspots.

Of course unless you live in TX, FL or CA you want the 4WD

The difference in price among the trims is not that high in the used market... so I'd go for the nicest trims.. LE or Silver Edition.

Silver Edition adds Bose Stereo and Leather
LE adds upgraded transfer case with additional auto mode and (I think Sunroof) and some pretty nice wheels.
I am sure there is something I am missing.

Oh, one thing .. about the Bose.. make sure it holds the presets stations.. reset a pre set during buying process.
then tun off the engine at least 10+ seconds.. then see if it held the presets..
Might seem minor but always going to out of region presets can be a huge drag.... and its not a cheap fix ( must replace Bose radio!)

And the part thats at fault also remembers the mpg avg...
So your mpg av would reset back to what it was on the day the unit failed...
You can reset it and do your trip mpgs.. but once engine is off it wont remember and u have to start .

I also own an Xterra (exact same powertrain as the V6 pathys) .. its at 140,000 miles and never ever broke on it.

But dont limit yourself to the last years of that generation...
The earily years (05-09) also deserve consideration... (depends on condition..)

Also there is a fantastic V8 version currently for sale in our classified section.
viewtopic.php?t=19304

Thank you SO much for such a detailed list! I'm on a pretty tight budget at $10k so I'm struggling to find one around my area. That V8 looks amazing! Definitely far from me, I'm in the Kansas City area.

Raf
Posts: 12
Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2019 2:07 pm

Postby Raf » Sat Dec 14, 2019 3:30 pm

palmerwmd wrote:Welcome to the Path!!!! :D

You have picked the sweet spot among pathfinders.

The 10s however might still have the flawed radiator...
(but its an easy fix---> just replace radiator)

Check this thread on the radiator issue:
viewtopic.php?t=17198

Other than that these are very reliable vehicles.
I cannot think of any weakspots.

Of course unless you live in TX, FL or CA you want the 4WD

The difference in price among the trims is not that high in the used market... so I'd go for the nicest trims.. LE or Silver Edition.

Silver Edition adds Bose Stereo and Leather
LE adds upgraded transfer case with additional auto mode and (I think Sunroof) and some pretty nice wheels.
I am sure there is something I am missing.

Oh, one thing .. about the Bose.. make sure it holds the presets stations.. reset a pre set during buying process.
then tun off the engine at least 10+ seconds.. then see if it held the presets..
Might seem minor but always going to out of region presets can be a huge drag.... and its not a cheap fix ( must replace Bose radio!)

And the part thats at fault also remembers the mpg avg...
So your mpg av would reset back to what it was on the day the unit failed...
You can reset it and do your trip mpgs.. but once engine is off it wont remember and u have to start .

I also own an Xterra (exact same powertrain as the V6 pathys) .. its at 140,000 miles and never ever broke on it.

But dont limit yourself to the last years of that generation...
The earily years (05-09) also deserve consideration... (depends on condition..)

Also there is a fantastic V8 version currently for sale in our classified section.
viewtopic.php?t=19304
I am looking at a 2003 right now with only 87k miles. Not the same generation. Are those any good? Much easier on the wallet for sure!

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palmerwmd
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Postby palmerwmd » Sat Dec 14, 2019 4:43 pm

The 2003s had some rust vulnerabilities especially around the rear wheels arches...
Be sure to check for rust.
Overwise nice SUVs.

If I saw one in great shape rust free or near rust free shape i would consider it.
The R50 is respectable... the R51 is still a significant step up though in performance.
I consider the R51 an equivalent to the 4 Runner at 60% of the price..
In some ways even better.

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underworld1001
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Postby underworld1001 » Sat Dec 14, 2019 5:01 pm

I think a 2003 would have a VQ engine if I'm not mistaken and would have respectable HP. The 96-? would have the VG which is a bulletproof engine, but is sluggish performance wise. It's an old engine too. I had a 87 and a 88 Z that had that engine :)

Raf
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Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2019 2:07 pm

Postby Raf » Sat Dec 14, 2019 9:46 pm

Thank you both on the advice! Are the R50 that sluggish? We have another car which is a 2010 CRV and it's pick up is horrible. Have to floor it on the on ramp to get it to move.

Anything to help the performance on the R50? The one I'm looking at is only around $5k with low miles. Is it like dangerous sluggish? Vecause there are times in the CRv wjere I need to cross 3 lanes and feel like I'm about to die lol

All the R51 I come across are still relatively expensive if it is hovering around 100k miles.

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palmerwmd
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Postby palmerwmd » Sun Dec 15, 2019 6:16 am

Raf wrote:Thank you both on the advice! Are the R50 that sluggish? We have another car which is a 2010 CRV and it's pick up is horrible. Have to floor it on the on ramp to get it to move.

Anything to help the performance on the R50? The one I'm looking at is only around $5k with low miles. Is it like dangerous sluggish? Vecause there are times in the CRv wjere I need to cross 3 lanes and feel like I'm about to die lol

All the R51 I come across are still relatively expensive if it is hovering around 100k miles.
The R50 is not sluggish in the model year you mentioned .
It has the 3.5 liter VQ with 24 valves variable valve timing (earlier years had a 3.3L)
It is called VQ35de and has very respectable 240 hp.

It is closely related to the 4.0 L VQ in the R51.
The VQ series engines were among the most powerful and long living of their day ...
Some new Nissans and Infinitis are even still equipped with the VQ35.

5k for a low mile example is not bad. Its 4WD yes?
Of coure if you are mainly concerned with towing and not so much off road or snow driving you might be able to pick up a 2WD .. they book for less so good condition 2WDs are often affordable a model year or two newer.
Be sure to inspect for rust.
Where is the truck from?
If u like u can show us the autotrader or cargurus link...
Last edited by palmerwmd on Sun Dec 15, 2019 6:51 am, edited 3 times in total.

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palmerwmd
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Postby palmerwmd » Sun Dec 15, 2019 6:43 am

PS: Thank you for allowing us to participate with you in the fun adventure that is buying yourself a Pathfinder!! :D

PS2: When I go used car shopping I value condition of the vehicle higher than the miles. This allows me to reach to newer year or higher trim levels.
I will happily consider a 140,000 vehicle thats in very good shape over a vehicle with half the miles but various flaws.
Look for signs a car has been loved.

Dont just check the condition of the oil.
Look at the tranny fluid (carefully so u dont get the tranny dipstick dirty, transmission are very sensitive to dirt)
Check the powersteering fluid too ( should be red )
The brake fluid .. how old does it look?
Coolant?

If u have a bud who is car savvy bring him too.

The R50 are competent, with good engines and well equipped (depending on trim)
They are desirable IF you can find a rust free or near rust free example..

Raf
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Postby Raf » Sun Dec 15, 2019 9:31 am

Thabk you all for being so generous with your time and knowledge! I'm really wanting to buy a Pathfinder. Have had my eye on one for a few years and now that the ol daily is crapping out. Time to get on the Path ðŸ˜

Unfortunately, the car I'm looking at is not in local area. It is a 2003 Se with 4WD. I'm in Kansas and there is already about 4 inches of snow outside. The R50 I'm looking at is from NJ

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 3400778150

The dealer had very positive feedback. Never got a car from ebay before but every Pathfinder I find in my area are way overpriced.

Any tips on buying on ebay? I will get in touch with the dealer and order an inspection to fet the rust spots looked at and the items you mentioned above! 😊

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underworld1001
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Postby underworld1001 » Sun Dec 15, 2019 11:05 am

Thats quite a distance. I personally would look for something closer. When I look for cars, I generally use Craigslist and AutoTrader.

Not sure where in KS you are, but here's a quick search off of AT for the R51
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... stRecord=0

And here's one for the R50
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... stRecord=0

I rather be able to look a vehicle over in person and see if there is anything wrong with it that the seller didn't mention or wasn't aware of.

Raf
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Postby Raf » Sun Dec 15, 2019 11:46 am

underworld1001 wrote:Thats quite a distance. I personally would look for something closer. When I look for cars, I generally use Craigslist and AutoTrader.

Not sure where in KS you are, but here's a quick search off of AT for the R51
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... stRecord=0

And here's one for the R50
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... stRecord=0

I rather be able to look a vehicle over in person and see if there is anything wrong with it that the seller didn't mention or wasn't aware of.
Same here, that's why i am still a little hesitant on ebay motors, but it just gives me a little bit of flexibility due to budget.

I am in the Overland Park KS area and totally forgot about Craigslist. Just found this guy right here:

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/ctd/d ... 15059.html

Think I will schedule to go test drive it this week :)

Also waiting to hear back from the ebay guys to see what they are talking about. I know they have companies that does specific inspections for ebay motors as well, keeping my fingers crossed!

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palmerwmd
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Postby palmerwmd » Sun Dec 15, 2019 3:18 pm

That 06 is nicely priced. ( its a 2WD tho.. like I mentioned before..they book for less)

I think the autotrader finds that underworld brought up are interesting too, even thought they all seem to be either high miles or 2WD.
Of course these pathfinders if well maintained last forever... its just that one never knows...

Check out the carfaxes too if they are made available.
I have bought vehicles from half way around the country before w/o looking at them but ONLY if they were sold by trusted members of my Nissan forums.

The only time I trusted a dealer it was not as nice as described..

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Postby palmerwmd » Sun Dec 15, 2019 3:26 pm

SE 4WD.
But from a model year susceptible to SMOD. So be sure to check under the radiator cap that it doesnt look strawberry milkshake frothy.
If so run from it.
If not consider buying it.
The transmissions are actually pretty good as long as they dont ahve that SMOD happen (coolant mixing with ATF).
Once u bought it u can do a bypass ( explained here on the board its easy to do) or replace with a new rad.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventory ... =256266789

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palmerwmd
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Postby palmerwmd » Sun Dec 15, 2019 3:28 pm



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