Are the V8’s impacted by the radiator / transmission issue

[K50]

Thanks!

[smj999smj]

05-10 model years, "yes," but....we don't hear too much about it because not all Pathfinder radiators fail in those years and there is a relatively small percentage of Pathfinders with V8 during those years. 2005 through 2007, which were the most affected by the radiator issue, weren't even available with a V8. The V8 wasn't an option until 2008.

[palmerwmd]

K50: If u have found a V8 and its at all in decent condition buy it. They are very nice motors and lose only 2 mpg vs the V6

[K50]

2008 V8 LE with about 80K miles - asking price 14K (dealer)
2011 V6 LE with about 85K miles - asking price 9K (private sale)

i really like the idea of the V8 as we plan to tow a small camper. i read that the V8 has a towing capacity of 7000 lbs, the V6 has a towing capacity of 6000 lbs. i kinda honed in on a 2011 - 2012 year range so i wouldn't have any worries about the transmission.

Thanks!

[K50]

2008 V8 LE with about 75K miles - asking price 12K (dealer)
2011 V6 LE with about 85K miles - asking price 9K (private sale)

I guess i am so scared about buying a car that could have the transmission issue that i just want to be safe and buy a 2011 or 2012. I assume that some unscrupulous seller, private or dealer, could mask a potential issue by doing a trans and radiator flush/fill then sell it. me being the person to buy

so i guess the v8 with 75K miles is a pretty good deal for 12K. am just too nervous to buy it.

[palmerwmd]

K50,

I get your concern.
Theoretically its possible for someone to do just that but even after flush on a long testdrive u should be able to feel symptoms if it is a SMOD vehicle.

I would easily take the (small) risk but I am single so less financial obligations.

If I had a chance to buy a V8 LE for 12k I would run, not walk, to the dealer.
Can you get a 1000 mile or 1 month powertrain warranty?

If this is a big concern to you maybe a good extended warranty might be an answer in this case.

Who is selling the 08?

"Mike's small corner car lot" or a major franchised dealer? (major make dealers have invested $$$ in becoming just that and will generally not sell a bad car knowingly)
How about a lengthy test drive?
If a bad tranny is covered up it should show up on a long enough testdrive. But if a tranny has no symptoms it generally means its fine.

Try to negotiate with the dealer a new radiator.
Honestly tell them about the SMOD issue.
Most of them will not realize how much work these rads cost to replace and agree if you say you will share the expense with them 50/50 to buy the car (i've done this).

A new radiator especially since u plan on towing, is probably not a bad idea anyway.....Koyo makes some good ones that are affordable too.

PS: The 11 V6 is obviously the safer buy and also at a great price.. (come on, an 11 LE for 9k wow!).. and the V6 is no slouch and gets slightly better mpg.. and also an LE... still depending on the condition of the 08 for me the siren song of the V8 might be too great to resist. )

[smj999smj]

The thing you have to watch out for on the V8's is the exhaust manifolds as they have a tendency to crack.

[palmerwmd]

The thing you have to watch out for on the V8's is the exhaust manifolds as they have a tendency to crack.

Wasnt this fixed by 08 and mostly an issue with the early Armadas/Titans?

[smj999smj]

The thing you have to watch out for on the V8's is the exhaust manifolds as they have a tendency to crack.

Wasnt this fixed by 08 and mostly an issue with the early Armadas/Titans?

Well, I've heard of Pathfinder owners that have had them crack on their V8 and 2008 was the first year that offered it in the R51. I'm not sure if they ever fixed it or not?