School me on: first and second gen Nissan Pathfinders and Nissan Xterras

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

The days of my winter beater Subaru are numbered due to rust, and I am looking for a replacement vehicle. Budget $3000 + or - $500 or so, and looking for a 4x4 with preferably a manual, which has led me to the Pathfinder and Xterra. I won't really be doing any towing, I won't really be doing any serious offroading, it will be driven all winter and on rainy days in the summer. I can't find any decent Cherokees at this point.

Pros and cons? T-Belts for sure need to have history of being done, what are some other week points on these?

[Masked Bandit]

The Pathfinders up to 1995 were pretty reliable. Lots of them running 400,000 KM or more. The 3.0L V6 is a bit underpowered and uses a lot more fuel than it should. The 1996 - 2000.5 had a 3.3L V6 and it's total shit. On paper it has more power (barely) than the 3.0L but it sure doesn't feel like it. It used as much gas and the redesign produces a whole bunch of body roll. However going 2000.5 and newer gets you the 3.5L which was a much nicer motor. Night & day.

I can't tell you anything about the Xterra platform.

[Sentry]

... Hold out for a Cherokee.

:D

I've never owned one but know lots of people that have and honestly they are one of the greatest choices for a DD/winter beater.

[CapnCrunch]

I doubt you'll find anything pre- 1995 that isn't completely rusted out for $3000.

[DeleriousZ]

The VG30/vg33 is an awesome engine. Very easy to drop a small turbo on to get the power where it needs to be, plus it was used in older 300zx's so there are lots of turbo parts for em. As for anything else i can't help lol.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by Sentry
... Hold out for a Cherokee.

:D

I've never owned one but know lots of people that have and honestly they are one of the greatest choices for a DD/winter beater.

Never should have sold my original Cherokee, should have just fixed the drivers floor board and kept it :(

[Sentry]

Originally posted by Sentry
... Hold out for a Cherokee.

:D

I've never owned one but know lots of people that have and honestly they are one of the greatest choices for a DD/winter beater.
AGH, I found one I liked. 800 bucks, manual, 2 door. Fly ass teal paint. Just needs windshield and floor pans.

Fuck you James! I have 3 cars already.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by Sentry

AGH, I found one I liked. 800 bucks, manual, 2 door. Fly ass teal paint. Just needs windshield and floor pans.

Fuck you James! I have 3 cars already.

I saw that one on kijiji, I would go for it but don't have time to fuck around with trying to fix the floors at this point, and have even less desire to work under a vehicle after recent surgery.

[quick_scar]

Have a 01 pathfinder with the 3.5. Love the power, hate the gas mileage.

Uses a timing chain so no timing belt to replace.

Mine also has the electronic 4X4 switch so it makes that transition super easy, and does not require me to stop, or make the switch when in neutral.

I keep saying I am going to sell it, but just can't bring myself to. It truly is a great vehicle.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak
You will get a lot more bang for your buck if you go domestic, Jeeps have the worst resale ever so you can go get a low mileage cherokee in great shape for you budget.

H3's should be getting into that price range, you can get them with a manual

;)

I can't find either of those suggestions you speak of haha, they must be unicorns at this point.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[revelations]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak
Here, get this... 250K is nothing for these:
http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-1989-Toyota-4x4-sr5-W0QQAdIdZ556481436

True story, buddy and I were working on logging roads in the bush in BC when I decided to check the SR5s oil level one day (we were far enough out that it was important) - he had ZERO oil on the dipstick - for god knows how long - no dash lights and no obvious leaks either.

We used some of the Diesel engine oil from the excavator we were using that day and it ran for another 400km on this until he got his oil changed.

He drove it for another 2 years before selling it - 300,000kms total.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Did some more research, think I'll hold out for another Cherokee, hopefully another 4.0L manual but a 4 door one this time.

[GTS4tw]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo
Did some more research, think I'll hold out for another Cherokee, hopefully another 4.0L manual but a 4 door one this time.

Good choice, best truck I have ever owned for taking a beating, just make sure that the cooling fix has been done already and you're good to go. The only other problem I have seen a lot of is that the plastic vacuum lines to the transfer case are brittle and can rip off, which seems like a big problem when it happens (no 4x4) but its a 5 minute $5 fix.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by GTS4tw


Good choice, best truck I have ever owned for taking a beating, just make sure that the cooling fix has been done already and you're good to go. The only other problem I have seen a lot of is that the plastic vacuum lines to the transfer case are brittle and can rip off, which seems like a big problem when it happens (no 4x4) but its a 5 minute $5 fix.

Yes I remember when the rad and one of the hoses burst on my 1998 Cherokee coming back from McLean Creek once, that sucked.

Should never have sold that thing, it was a 1998 2 door sport with the 4.0L and manual, skyjacker 3" lift, off road lights, brush bar, 225000km and I dumped it for $2200 to go on vacation last year.

[Canucks3322]

OP, pm me, I can sell you my 98 Pathfinder, 26x,xxx km, bought about three years ago now from an old rich couple in pump Hill who maintained it really well, never had a problem with it, in summer it goes 400km on a tank and winter, 350, but it's a beast, just put on some almost new blizzaks too... Hate to sell but I have money now for something nicer.... Pm me cuz I won't be checking this thread...

[brucebanner]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak
Here, get this... 250K is nothing for these:
http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-1989-Toyota-4x4-sr5-W0QQAdIdZ556481436

I can check that out and see if it's worth the drive up if you were interested, only minutes up the road from me..

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by bruceod


I can check that out and see if it's worth the drive up if you were interested, only minutes up the road from me..

Thanks but I need something with at least 4 useable seats and the back seats in those are practically non existant.

[n1zm0]

I was looking at an SUV for daily/weekend driving mostly for my SO late last year, looked at a few 2nd gen Pathfinders and realised I forgot about the QX4s of that era, just a glorified high-end Pathfinder, the QX4s generally have high kms but the owner demographic is a bit different than those of the Nissan model, i.e: dealer maintained, well to-do folk.

How much does a JDM VG33/VQ35 + swap go for anyways these days?

[Sugarphreak]

...

[bourge73]

Ill be selling my 93 xj 4 door 5 speed
Pretty good shape an cheap in the next month

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by bourge73
Ill be selling my 93 xj 4 door 5 speed
Pretty good shape an cheap in the next month

Definately interested my good sir!

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Well I'm back at it looking, but I need something that can tow 4000lbs fairly well.

[turbo'dGSR]

Early 90's pathfinders are prone to frame rot. The frame on my bro's 93 PF rotted at the rear upper control arm mount. It's a bar that run across from one frame rail to the other, it broke clean off the frame rails on both sides. Otherwise the body and truck was mint...that one was a real letdown.

Im a cherokee XJ guy... pick one up from '91-99. Avoid the 2000/01 xj as the head it prone to cracking and they also have a Low pinion front diff (LPdana30), and pre 91 is the older renix style with closed cooling system which is not as good and some have the vacuum connect 4x4 system which can suck. Otherwise they are great rigs!

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by turbo'dGSR
Early 90's pathfinders are prone to frame rot. The frame on my bro's 93 PF rotted at the rear upper control arm mount. It's a bar that run across from one frame rail to the other, it broke clean off the frame rails on both sides. Otherwise the body and truck was mint...that one was a real letdown.

Im a cherokee XJ guy... pick one up from '91-99. Avoid the 2000/01 xj as the head it prone to cracking and they also have a Low pinion front diff (LPdana30), and pre 91 is the older renix style with closed cooling system which is not as good and some have the vacuum connect 4x4 system which can suck. Otherwise they are great rigs!

Thanks. Looks like Pathfinders, Xterras and Cherokees are probably going to be a bit hard to tow 3000-4000lbs with, I may need to look for a half ton truck.

[FraserB]

Look at the Grand Cherokees, they can handle that kind of weight and there is ample aftermarket support.

[GTS4tw]

Originally posted by FraserB
Look at the Grand Cherokees, they can handle that kind of weight and there is ample aftermarket support.

Just going to say, used to have an xj, now have a zj. Love everything except the fuel economy, and the wear and tear is a bit higher being all time awd. Way more comfortable and powerful though. Much nicer interior.

[nobb]

2000+ Pathfinder with the VQ35DE is where it's at. One of the best engines from Nissan. Silky smooth and the SUV really does feel quick! Frame rot is a problem, but Nissan has a recall and will pay you a bit over market value for the SUV if they can't fix it. Unless money is a problem, I really would not look at the older model Pathfinders because the VQ35 is leagues ahead of the older VG33 engines.

A 3rd gen 4Runner (I have one now as a beater) is comparable to the Pathfinder of that year, but in all honesty, the Pathfinder schools the 4Runner in almost every aspect other than aftermarket support.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Yeah I am considering a Grand Cherokee and maybe a 2001+ Pathfinder. I saw a nice GC that already had 33s and a lift with lower km on kijiji last night that wasn't priced too badly.

[FraserB]

I could probably be convinced to sell mine.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I don't know too many details on yours other than it looks awesome.

[lamp_shade_2000]

I may be selling my 99 grand cherokee in the next couple of months. Great winter vehicle. 4.0l I6, 4x4 brand new nokian rotiiva tires, heated leather seats, car starter etc, 260,000km has tow hitch and wiring, oh and no rust

If you're still looking when im ready to sell ill pm you.

[GTS4tw]

Get a 5.9 Limited. There are a few up for sale last time I looked around and I wish I had held out for one.

[FraserB]

There is also this one. My buddy built it and is probably flexible on the price.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/1998-jeep-grand-cherokee-limited-suv/572865308

Specs are on the Kijiji add, but it's a well built rig. PM me if you want his number, I don't think its posted.

[GTS4tw]

^ That is badass, and a good price with that work done, why am I spending all this time building mine...

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by FraserB
There is also this one. My buddy built it and is probably flexible on the price.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/1998-jeep-grand-cherokee-limited-suv/572865308

Specs are on the Kijiji add, but it's a well built rig. PM me if you want his number, I don't think its posted.

That's the one I saw the other day.

[FraserB]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo
I don't know too many details on yours other than it looks awesome.

Thanks:)

Mine is a 1998 5.2L with:
- 6.5" lift with front long arms and Bilstein 5125 shocks
- Front ARB bumper with Rigid Dually spot lights and 10k Superwinch
- Front skid plate, gas tank skid, transfer tank skid
- Rear Rockhard bumper with recover points and tire carrier, license plate and gas tank
- On Board Air system, ARB compressor to a 2.5 gallon tank
- Custom rear storage drawers
- Roof rack with Hi-Lift and shovel mounts
- 33" Goodyear MTR/Kevlar tires with fullsize spare
- E-fan with manual cutoff
- Snorkel
- Optima Yellow Top battery

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Wow yeah yours will probably be a little out of my price range.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Finally picked up a fellow Beyond members Pathfinder!

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Canucks3322]

Mine. . Haha it's nothing special at all but has a lot of potential. .. First owners were a rich couple that owned it for the first 230,000 of its life, the husband got it for his wife and made sure everything was taken care of. .. have fun with it man!

Funny thing is I'm looking at the 2005 and up Pathfinder or Xrerra now I understand there's some kind of design flaw where the radiator fluid leaks into the tranny??? But there's a way to reroute it?

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by Canucks3322
Mine. . Haha it's nothing special at all but has a lot of potential. .. First owners were a rich couple that owned it for the first 230,000 of its life, the husband got it for his wife and made sure everything was taken care of. .. have fun with it man!

Funny thing is I'm looking at the 2005 and up Pathfinder or Xrerra now I understand there's some kind of design flaw where the radiator fluid leaks into the tranny??? But there's a way to reroute it?

Trans cooler is integrated with the radiator so if there's a failure between them coolant can flow into the trans cooler then back to the trans. Best bet is to get a separate aftermarket trans cooler that is put in front of the radiator instead of integrated with the radiator.

[GTS4tw]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo


Trans cooler is integrated with the radiator so if there's a failure between them coolant can flow into the trans cooler then back to the trans. Best bet is to get a separate aftermarket trans cooler that is put in front of the radiator instead of integrated with the radiator.

yeah it is a common problem not limited to these trucks. Its the same style on a Grand Cherokee. As long as your rad isn't all corroded inside it should be fine. I agree though, when you change it you should get a separate cooler.

[HuMz]

You can bypass it, in doing so you risk cooling issues if you tow or wheel a lot. Aftermarket rad is the best option for 500. Problem mainly effects 05 and 06 models. 2007 has a few failures nothing newer to my knowledge.

[Canucks3322]

Bought a 2006 Pathfinder LE for $5250 with Nokian winters almost new. 260,000km.. guy bought it four years ago at 100,000km and used it to drive to and fro Olds everyday in Calgary. The math adds up .. showed me receipt for a tranny rebuild at 225,000..Just spent another 250 for some used Good year all terrains.... Pretty good deal Id say. .. CarProof showed only one minor accident at 60,000km! Only issues are p0420 9430 codes (no obvious signs of cat converter clogging though)... one broken tpms sensor...*knock on wood*

[woodywoodford]

Originally posted by HuMz
You can bypass it, in doing so you risk cooling issues if you tow or wheel a lot. Aftermarket rad is the best option for 500. Problem mainly effects 05 and 06 models. 2007 has a few failures nothing newer to my knowledge.

Yep, '05-'07 automatics Xterra's. Here's the how-to:

http://www.xterranation.org/showthread.php?1542-How-to-bypass-radiator

From what I can tell, the 15 minute bypass hasn't given anybody grief and the extra rad is only really needed for the demanding work. I think the consensus is that it doesn't really become an issue until the ~100,000 mile mark, and you can feel it coming on a test drive if the shifting isn't smooth.

[Canucks3322]

Went to do it on mine and the previous owner had already done it:thumbsup:

[93VR6]

Originally posted by Canucks3322
Went to do it on mine and the previous owner had already done it:thumbsup:

If you want an additional cooler for the transmission since now it isn't cooled I have one off my 07 xterra, it also has a valve built in so you can close it in the winter and open it in the summer.