Postby pathy-logical » Mon Oct 17, 2016 11:00 am
I'm new here and to Pathfinders in general but from what I've been able to learn here a late model 2011 or a 2012 should be free of the inherent problems the R51s had.
I recently bought a 2012 "S", 2wd in Naples, Florida. I live in the Northeast and wanted a vehicle that hadn't been through 4 years worth of sand and salt in the winter months. The two combined literally destroy any vehicle. I didn't care about the model or whether it had 4wd or not.
I was buying sight unseen so I wanted to do business with a reputable dealer not a private party or brokerage/auction. So much for that theory. Do not do business with Airport Kia of Naples, FL unless you can be there personally to inspect the car. They just flat out lie about everything. I'm saying this because your username seems to indicate you're from FL.
After buying the vehicle for a decent price, a few hundred in parts and labor and hours and hours of cleaning the (like new they said) interior, I'm very pleased with it. One owner, below average mileage, bought and sold in Naples, FL.
Here are my thoughts after this:
CarFax and other such programs only have information if it was reported. Accidents, service etc. so it may not be totally accurate. A very important part though is the sales history. So many of the Pathfinders I saw for sale in the South had originally come from snow country. Some were only owned for a year or less and had several owners. Makes you wonder.
True Car is another I've seen touting their assurance that you're getting the best deal on a great car. They even show you your savings based on this vehicles, mileage, options, etc. compared to all other similar vehicles. According to the salesman at AP Kia they are charged (in my case $400) for listing with True Car so there's $$$$ added to the price. That's real dollars you can't negotiate for.
Know the vehicle you're looking for. AP Kia advertised it as an "SV" this affected the vehicle value in every appraisal program including True Car. They weren't the only ones doing this, I saw several with elevated trim levels, only dealers though. The VIN can help you with this.
Take your time, do not let anyone rush you in looking the vehicle over. Don't be distracted by their stupid banter, that's all it is. Check every nook and cranny, test every feature and option, test them again. If it breaks there they have to fix it. Have someone knowledgeable or at least pushy and obnoxious go with you. Remember the car salesman is not your friend.
I think having a used car checked by a mechanic you have faith in is a great idea. Mechanics get $90-$100/hour though and are not clairvoyant. Try to get a 30-90 warranty from whomever you buy it from.
Enough from me. I'm sure others will have more for you.