So, I mentioned it in another thread, might as well get some education on them in a new one.

What do you guys know about older pathfinders? like 90-97 somewhere in those 2 generations. What years are good....what kind of problems are they prone to, stick shifts are good?

They seem to be of the older japanese breed of cars that "live forever"

Anyone?

thanks.

 

Last month I sold a 1987 Pathfinder XEV6 4x4 with 52K original miles for $3000.00. It was in excellent condition. My brother drove it for 15 years, and my wife and I had it as a third vehicle for the last couple of years. Other than changing the oil and plugs, we never had any problems with it.

I thought it was a great vehicle, and if we were putting more than 2-3K a year on it, we probably would have kept it. The only thing that I thought was expensive was the liability insurance on it. Pretty pricey for such an old vehicle.

 

I was reading some reviews on edmunds. they only had 97 models...nothing on like 95 models.

It seems like a crap shoot. You either get a rock solid reliable pathfinder, or you get a one that with have to have struts replaced, tires replaced cause of the struts, and warped brakes. Oh, and bad intake manifold for which there was a TSB put out.

I'm trying to figure out the ratio of solid to not solid vehicles. Last thing I want is get a beater/work house and then have to pump a ton of money into it. I just want to have to worry about basic maintenance.

 

Those year pathys are good. I own a 05 and beg the differ.

Also for the price on those used one IMHO in a good buy. I mean cheaper then the 4Runners. I really do not see any issues with them. Maybe little underpowered, but great for the money still.

Check out www.epinions.com and read consumer reviews. Hope that helps.

 

My aunt in upstate NY has a 94. It's passed 150K miles & has been a beast. Not a single problem. They use it now days as a plow truck. It's an auto.
I pitty the fool who sits in the back seats though. They sit straight up. Kills your back.

 

done a lot of work on the newer pathfinders (well, late 90's) and i wouldnt rec. them. expensive to maintain and always seem to have problems. older ones seem to run much better without the high cost. dont know anything about the new new ones.

 

The old ones were bullet proof, and by old I mean pre-95.

 

I had a red '90 Pathfinder, the thing ran like a champ no matter what I did until ran into a snowbank and pulled into Reverse before the rear tires ever stopped spinning. Needless to say, fucked tranny, but those things can last forever if you don't mob it around like I did.

 

My folks bought a 97 Pathfinder LE brand new in Nov 96. Drove it for 135 k miles and had NO problems. And that was with my teenage abuse on it too. Fantastic truck and they were so impressed with Nissan that they traded it in for a new Murano. That too is fantastic so far!

 

the 97s have a nicer body style, a little pricier tho

here are some i found in los angeles

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/car/100569338.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/car/99533945.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/car/100310048.html

 

I had a Loaded White/Gray SE '91 4 door 4x4. I loved it. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM! Sold it w/ 93K miles. Never a problem! More reliable than my 94 Accord.

Drove it high above Timberline, around Moab, etc. Played w/ it a lot, still no problems. Wish I still had it.

Favorite car yet.

 

41510TL...thanks...I've seen all those already

I had a Murano as a rental for over a month while shooting all over the country about a year and half ago. I really loved it, but its too new and too much money. I want something I can get outright and not owe any money on it, and not care if it gets beaten up.

I really like the look of the older body (90-95) and the interior is better on the 97. And I think I want stay with owning a stick shift.

This one does intrigue me...but its more then I want to pay.

We'll see. I'll start getting more serious when I get back to LA. In cleveland right now for work.

 

Well, I'm in Cleveland right now, finished the job and now visiting my folks.
I drove by the old Honda dealer I once sold for and they happened to have a 94 pathfinder on the lot. I went in to say hi, and check out the new civic coupe (VERY HOT btw) and see if I could drive the Pathfinder cause I was thinking of getting once back West.

So, they through me keys and told me to keep it the parking lot. It's a wholesale vehicle and it hadnt been saftied.

Well, the engine sounded loud (might have been a rusted muffler???) is this natural...wasnt a bad loud. Just a big grunting truck loud. And the feeling was tight. Steering feedback sucked though, but this car felt and sounded like it was having steering problems...this particular pathfinder was a junker to be honest.

But now I've driven one, and I think I do want one. I'll see more of whats to offer in LA when I get back.

 

A friend of mine just purchased an 88 4x4 for $1500.

The truck has 215K on it and still runs pretty well and has cold a/c. Seems to be a good vehicle.

I'm a much bigger fan of the 4runner, but you'll pay more

 

Arent the 4runners more floaty on the suspension though?

 

David, Melanie has/had a 98 pathfinder... PM her for more info..

https://acurazine.com/forums/members/melanie-12337/

 

Thanks John

 

Just got back from driving a 94...its from an independent dealer, with 225k ran pretty damn well. Couple minor things I think need fixing.

Not one I think I will buy, overpriced since its dealer resale. But I liked how this drove compared to the one I drove in Ohio that was in less then stellar shape.

I think I continue to pursue this vehicle. I have set up with one guy to look at a 95 XE with a 5spd. I'm hoping driving a stick in this type of vehcile is OK.