Looking for 2000-2003 Pathfinder have questions.......

[Pathfinder Fan]

Looking for a 2000-2003 Pathfinder as a winter car. What's a good winter tire that I can leave on the truck all year round?

Looking at a few higher mileage (80k-110k) used ones for sale, none have had the timing belt replaced. Dumb question, is the serpentine belt the same as the timing belt?

Anything else I should look out for?

Anyone have one for sale in the New Jersey area?

thank you,

G

[Rizzo226]

every pathfinder you look at look for surface or bubbler rust around the wheel wells....i really wish nissan would put out a recall for it almost every r50 or older pathfinder i see has rust on at least one wheel well including mine

[smj999smj]

There is a recall on the R50 Pathfinders currently for inspection/repair of the strut towers due to them rusting out. Contact your local Nissan dealer to see if there is an open campaign for your vehicle.

There is one major differance between the 2000 and the 2001 through 2003 Pathfinders: the 2000 is equipped with the VG33E engine and the later models have the VQ35DE engine. The VG engine has a 105,000 mile timing belt and is very reliable, but not big on power nor gas mileage (170HP). The VQ engine is a timing chain motor with another 70HP and a little more efficient (depending on your foot). It is also has had some problems, including bad coils, catalytic converters, crank/cam sensors failing and power valve screws falling out and into the engine.

The serpentine belt is used to drive engine accessories, ie alternator, AC compressor, and/or power steering and is not the same as a timing belt.