1998 Pathfinder?

Attack of the unibody snatchers! Styling and handling refined or bland? You decide.

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nickjthorn
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Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2012 6:20 am
Location: Iowa City

1998 Pathfinder?

Postby nickjthorn » Tue Jun 05, 2012 6:26 am

I'm thinking about buying a 98 Pathfinder. I found a really clean 4x4 with 88k miles, and I've got a few questions.

What kinds of things should I keep my eyes out for? How many more miles could I expect this thing to last me for? Are they fairly easy/straight-forward to work on?

For reference, I'd be moving from a 2002 VW GTI to this Pathfinder. So, I imagine that it'd be quite the adjustment.

Thanks!


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smj999smj
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Postby smj999smj » Wed Jun 06, 2012 7:00 am

Biggest thing to look for is rusted out front strut towers. There's currently a campaign on them. Another common issue is bad rear suspension link bushings; when they go bad, the vehicle sways all over the place while driving. The vehicle has a 105000 miles timing belt, so find out when the last time it was replaced.

Rizzo226
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Location: Newburgh, New York

Postby Rizzo226 » Wed Jun 06, 2012 4:04 pm

pathfinders go easily into the 200 thousands....very reliabe trucks and wash your under carrige pretty often rust under the wheel wells is pretty common my right rear quarter panel is rusting out on me. and get used to the throaty engine sound at high rpm's

nickjthorn
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2012 6:20 am
Location: Iowa City

Thanks!

Postby nickjthorn » Wed Jun 13, 2012 4:58 pm

Thanks for the replies! Here's the Pathfinder I've been eyeing for the past couple of weeks:

http://porsche.carouselautomobiles.com/ ... 66dfc.htm#

One owner with 89,000 miles seems reasonably priced at $5,900. I think I could get them down to $5,500 or so.

nickjthorn
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2012 6:20 am
Location: Iowa City

Postby nickjthorn » Wed Jun 13, 2012 5:00 pm

Assuming routine maintenance, how easy is it to get these to last 200k? I'm coming from a 2002 VW, so even though I'd be giving up some refinement, I'm telling myself that this Pathfinder will have an easier time to 200k miles than my VW. Plus, the 4x4 will be a nice bonus here in Iowa.

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drevildog
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Location: british columbia canada

Postby drevildog » Mon Jul 23, 2012 9:10 am

there's also rust issues by the fuel filler door, there's a recall notice that does not apply to all pathys, but still happens. but in general a solid truck. I'm trying to drive mine to the ground but not succeeding 187k miles on mine and still going strong. But like buying any vehicle, when in doubt walk away

nickjthorn
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2012 6:20 am
Location: Iowa City

Postby nickjthorn » Mon Jul 23, 2012 9:13 am

Well, ended up selling the wife's car and getting a Suburban instead of selling my car and getting a Pathfinder.

Thanks for the input!


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