Hey guys,
I'm looking at three pathfinders now to replace my worn out 2001 Grand Cherokee.
First one is an 09 S model
Next an 08 S model
An 07 SE
Finally an 05 SE. A little bit older than what I want but the price is right and I like the nicer trim level.
All of these have ~60,000 miles and I am aware of the transmission/radiator issue and extended warranty.
Just wondering if any of you can comment on the difference between the trim levels and the 05-09 models. These are all the 4x4 with V6.
I like the SE but obviously there is more stuff to break. My jeep was a limited and the dual zone automatic climate control was notoriously unreliable and a huge pain in the butt to work on. Any similar issues with the pathfinders?
Going to buy a 2005-2009 pathfinder
Moderator: volvite
They made the engine bay bigger to make room for the V8.
I don't think we've seen any failures of the rad/transmission on the 08s yet, theory is that Nissan fixed the issue for this model year. No real data to back that up though.
The radio is different, pre-07s were pretty bland, unless you had the Bose system. After 07 there was an option for factory nav, and a touch screen available for temp control and other functions.
The 08 has a different lift gate, which solves the problem I have with the license plate chrome piece. It doesn't fit well and has caused paint bubbles and rust at the bottom corners of this trim piece. Looks like crap, I've painted it several times but it always comes back.
I don't think we've seen any failures of the rad/transmission on the 08s yet, theory is that Nissan fixed the issue for this model year. No real data to back that up though.
The radio is different, pre-07s were pretty bland, unless you had the Bose system. After 07 there was an option for factory nav, and a touch screen available for temp control and other functions.
The 08 has a different lift gate, which solves the problem I have with the license plate chrome piece. It doesn't fit well and has caused paint bubbles and rust at the bottom corners of this trim piece. Looks like crap, I've painted it several times but it always comes back.
So the bay is bigger in the 08+ V6 models too?
That's a bonus because I do work on them myself.
Yeah, I am not thrilled about the radio in the S model. But, I can put in a new head unit in an hour and for $150. Also looks like its easy to find replacement speakers for the non-bose systems. My jeep had an infinity system and you had to either keep the stock stuff or ditch the whole system. I'm guessing the bose is similar
Besides the climate control, manual seats what are the differences between the S and SE? (don't care about sunroof)
That's a bonus because I do work on them myself.
Yeah, I am not thrilled about the radio in the S model. But, I can put in a new head unit in an hour and for $150. Also looks like its easy to find replacement speakers for the non-bose systems. My jeep had an infinity system and you had to either keep the stock stuff or ditch the whole system. I'm guessing the bose is similar
Besides the climate control, manual seats what are the differences between the S and SE? (don't care about sunroof)
There have been radiator failures on the '08 models as well. The engine bay space is a very slight difference (think a couple inches if that). That being said the '08's seem to be quite a bit more reliable from several other updates. I'm crossing 85k miles on mine and haven't really done anything. Backup camera and the large LCD display was a nice upgrade for '08 along with some minor interior bits. I think the backup camera was only available on SE at that time though.
One thing I found when shopping...almost all the "S" models had started out life as a rental or lease. Not my favorite options, particularly the rentals.
One thing I found when shopping...almost all the "S" models had started out life as a rental or lease. Not my favorite options, particularly the rentals.
thanks again
yep, the 09 S 4x4 was a rental for its first year. I think I can get it for about 16,500, then I got to pay tax and tags (about $600). Was rear ended too, looked at both car fax and auto-check and it was reported as a minor rear end accident in both so I am not terribly worried
The 08 S 4x4 is one owner trade in, clean history, best offer 18000 out the door for it. Seems like a fair price, but not exactly a good deal.
yep, the 09 S 4x4 was a rental for its first year. I think I can get it for about 16,500, then I got to pay tax and tags (about $600). Was rear ended too, looked at both car fax and auto-check and it was reported as a minor rear end accident in both so I am not terribly worried
The 08 S 4x4 is one owner trade in, clean history, best offer 18000 out the door for it. Seems like a fair price, but not exactly a good deal.
Most of the problems with these R51's are on the 05-07 models. With any luck, the previous owner fixed all of the big problems. I own an 06 LE and also work on an 08 SE; I really don't see a whole lot of difference in room in the engine compartment, just more room in front of the AC condensor to the nose. "S" models are the base models. "SE" models will have alloy wheels, foglamps and some other options. There's also an "OFF ROAD SE" version which had Rancho shocks, hill ascend and hill descent assist. "LE" models come with the auto mode transfer case, whereas non-LE models have part-time four wheel drive. "LE" models will come with leather and sunroof, along with the Bose system. The Bose system is good, but a lot harder to go aftermarket as it uses 1 ohm impedance speakers rather than 4 ohm like non-Bose and aftermarket systems. One thing I've noticed is that the O8 I work on gets about 2 MPG better than the 06.
Thanks for the detailed responses.
Bought the 08 S 4x4 60,000 mi.
Picking it up tomorrow!
I plan on shoehorning a head unit in there over the holidays. Are the speakers 6x9's in the front and 6.5" in the rear? Any tweeters?
I actually prefer the basic heat and AC controls. The S does have 16" alloys which I like. I took the 17's off of my grand cherokee and ran 15" rims on it
Bought the 08 S 4x4 60,000 mi.
Picking it up tomorrow!
I plan on shoehorning a head unit in there over the holidays. Are the speakers 6x9's in the front and 6.5" in the rear? Any tweeters?
I actually prefer the basic heat and AC controls. The S does have 16" alloys which I like. I took the 17's off of my grand cherokee and ran 15" rims on it
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