I just bought a 1997 pathfinder SE 4x4 187000 miles.
It reaplaced a 1996 accord rust bucket/ deathtrap
Anyways. I have noticed that on startup it will sometimes idle a little rough, but then clear up after driving for a few minutes. It also runs rough on occasion when backing up.
The SES light is one, took it to Auto Zone and they said its pulling a gas cap code and misfire code the guy said most comon for a simple tune up....(for the life of me I cant remember the code numbers though, and i literally just left the damn place 20 minutes ago)
Does it sound like the short periods of rough idle are because it does need a tune up, or possibly because of something else...Other than the problem describled the car runs great.