What to look for when buying a used pathfinder?

kev1n · Postby **kev1n** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:16 pm

Hi everyone,

I recently had my car totaled by a teenager and I am now in the market for a used vehicle. I have never owned a truck before, but I am interested in purchasing a 2005+ Pathfinder and was looking for any tips on what to watch out for. First, what are some of the problem areas I should look out for when looking at one ? I prefer to get an Auto Mode 4WD model, I believe that is only available in the LE , is that correct ? Is there a good way to test the 4WD system when I go for a test drive to detect if there has been any abuse or any problems with the drive train ?

any input would be greatly appreciated

thx

kev1n · Postby **kev1n** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:11 pm

anyone ?

HillbillyJake · Postby **HillbillyJake** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:24 pm

I'm not sure how to tell you to check the 4wd. what I did is when during the test drive I found a gravel road, pit it in 4hi and drove about 100 yards, switched to 4lo did the same then went back to 2wd. I just listened to see if I heard any odd sounds or clanging. you will know if it is working because the handling is different

Npath · Postby **Npath** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 9:48 pm

kev1n wrote:anyone ?

Good way to test it is put in 4HI and drive it on dry pavement. You'll feel grabbing and a little bit of jack rabbiting. In 4Lo, should feel the same, but higher revs and slower going.

G35TR · Postby **G35TR** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:18 pm

Check the basics, like on the underside of the hood, to see if there are any splash marks. Have the sellers move the vehicle to see also if there is anything left on the pavement that shouldn't be there (oil, coolant etc).

2 things about checking the 4WD. If you switch out of 4WD, and the indicator blinks for a bit, and takes a little while to get back in 2WD, do not be alarmed. The switch time varies from a second to possibly a couple min. If mine doesn't switch right away, i stop, put it in "N", then into "R" and backup like 5 feet, then back into "D". This gets it out almost everytime.

And as usual, going into 4LO will result in a pretty noticable clunk. This is normal.

A number of people have mentioned water from the HVAC system on the floor on the passenger side. Not sure on the details (do a search here), but worth a check.

thetiger · Postby **thetiger** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 9:27 am

These are the problems I had on my 05 PF. Passanger seat connector for activation of airbag went south @34k mi...cover under warranty. IPDM went south too with 34,200 mi and cost me $500 becuase I was out of warranty

(3 years since it was delivered). If you are wondering on my timing, I did the connector a month before.

Now I both catalytic converters starting giving me problems so again within weeks of last repair is again in the repair shop. However this time it falls into the other warranty of 80k mi, so I was covered

.

Don't get me wrong the PF is fine and I love it

and I would highly recomend you get one. Just watch out for the warranty or get the extended if buying used. If new you are covered.

stmack2007 · Postby **stmack2007** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:05 am

i just bought a 2007 pathfinder se..i bought mine from a dealer..a little more money but with the factory warrenty..dont test the 4wd system on dry pavement ..like the other member said find a gravel road ...switch from 2 wd to 4wd high while driving...50 0r 60 km per hour..drive for a while giving it the juice and listen...you should feel the difference when its in 4wd....stop put the tranny in neutral and then put the truck in 4 low...dont go anyfaster then 30 kmh...you will definetley fell the difference you can go up to 100kmh ..60 mph in 4 high and around 30 kmh 15 to 20 mph.....you wont be disappointed with this suv..mine is a beast

What to look for when buying a used pathfinder?

What to look for when buying a used pathfinder?

used pathfinder

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