?: Would love your opinion on a possible purchase!

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greyhoundrick
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?: Would love your opinion on a possible purchase!

Postby greyhoundrick » Mon Aug 27, 2018 12:16 pm

Hello everyone,

Id love to get your opinion on a possible purchase Im considering. We have had 5 Nissan Pathfinders over the years, 1994, two 1997s, 1998 and 1999 and are looking at a 2001 LE version.

Im not the most knowledgeable person in the world regarding cars, but this one looks and drives pretty well.

Ive checked the basic items, but obviously not the transmission or timing belt.

If the service records look good how do you feel about a 2001 LE with 165,000 miles on it? Do you think thats too many or would you feel somewhat comfortable?

Im also looking at another one, a 2004 LE that only has 103,000 miles but the price on that one is $6495 as opposed to $3750 for the 2001.

Thanks in advance for any input you can give me.

I really appreciate your help.

best,

Rick


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smj999smj
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Location: Prospect, VA

Postby smj999smj » Mon Aug 27, 2018 1:08 pm

2001 and later Pathfinders don't have timing belts; they have three timing chains. The VQ35DE has a lot more power and better gas mileage than the VG33E, but is a lot more technically advanced engine and has had more issues with check engine light issues. Some of the VQ35DE engines in the R50 Pathfinder had problems with the power valve screws falling out due to insufficient threadlock, allowing them to fall into the engine. Some have also had oil burning issues due to the oil control rings sticking in the lands and not being able to seal against the cylinder walls properly. Updated rings were developed later, but this requires tearing down the engine to replace them. Rusting at the bottom of the strut towers was an issue that was addressed in a recall. The automatic transmission is okay, but some experienced "shift flares" which were addressed by a service bulletin instructing to replace the shift solenoid pack.
Personally, I prefer the R51 over the R50, but they are not without their problems, especially the 05-06 model years. You have to be aware that there were a number of radiator failures that causes cross-contamination between the engine coolant and transmission fluid. There were also a number of VQ40DE engines that developed a whine from the upper timing chains due to a manufacturing flaw that require removal of the front timing cover and replacement of the upper timing chains and tensioner faces. On the plus side, they are otherwise a more reliable engine than the 3.5L and have more power. The transmission is better so long as it doesn't get contaminated. Gas mileage is a little better and the vehicle has a full frame, not a unibody.

Pathfindork
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Joined: Mon Apr 09, 2018 8:27 am

Postby Pathfindork » Tue Sep 04, 2018 5:22 am

I bought a 2002 SE with 165k with the understanding that mechanically it would be fine but I would need to replace things like sensors. Biggest thing is that it is rust free. If you are buying from somewhere which uses salt in winter have that really inspected esp around the shock towers. Also have all the bushings and suspension components checked.

Replace your idle air control valve (2001-2003) if it hasn’t been done. Back when I bought it I asked about preventative replacement of parts and wasn’t told about that. Wish I had been since it cost me repairing the ECU as well. Other things I’ve done are a new MAF sensor, O2 sensor, and fuel pump. Great truck otherwise. Also consider an infinity QX4 which is pretty much the same.

As stated the R51s are very nice, and I would go ahead and fix the radiator “strawberry milkshake of death†issue if not done already. Budget that into your purchase price.


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