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I'm thinking of getting a 1995-1998 Nissan Pathfinder to drive for a year or two. Anyone who has owned one or are familiar with them, what are some issues that come up with these?
I checked some ads and have seen a few mention the transmission not going into reverse. Anything else? Are some years better than others?
I always use google to research a car to find common problems and owner complaints. It does not take long to get an over all idea about any particular model In less than one minute I discovered there are MANY ENGINE/COOLING SYSTEM COMPLAINTS.
I have a 1995 2.4 litre 2WD Nissan truck (they used the same engine and trans in Hardbody trucks and Pathfinders on most if not all models) with a 5-speed manual. I bought it new.
It has been astonishingly reliable and is still almost all original with 249,000 miles currently. The thing simply won't quit...my most expensive repairs in all this time has been about $300 for the heater blower motor (one) and two alternator/voltage regulators at about $350-400 a pop. That's been shop prices labor and materials. The clutch is original although it's been getting a bit "sticky" lately.
Doors - tailgate and both driver and passenger door locks/mechanisms failed by about 200,000 miles. The AC burned out at 180K. Since this has been a second/back-up vehicle for years now, I haven't bothered fixing or replacing. The bed both inside and out has started rusting pretty well around the wheel wells but otherwise the body and interior have held up well considering I live in Michigan and don't garage it. Also considering this has been a work truck...it has towed and/or hauled stuff since I got it, has driven cross-country a few times and to the tip of Baja California and back twice. It hasn't been a "babied" vehicle" except I am pretty religious about oil changes and basic mainenance.
Based on reviews and personal experience, I would absolutely purchase another of these (either truck or pathfinder) if I could find one with low-ish miles. In fact if I outlive my little red truck, I may try to find another just like it with real low miles because I love it.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chiroptera
I have a 1995 2.4 litre 2WD Nissan truck (they used the same engine and trans in Hardbody trucks and Pathfinders on most if not all models) with a 5-speed manual. I bought it new.
It has been astonishingly reliable and is still almost all original with 249,000 miles currently. The thing simply won't quit...my most expensive repairs in all this time has been about $300 for the heater blower motor (one)
In case the OP buys one and his goes out, my son and I replaced his in 20 minutes, cost $60 online.
I think overall they are reliable for their age and mileage. It's hard to take anecdotal evidence, because it could be a small number of problems where people are complaining, but most others aren't having those issues. I found a site that rates it highly with just a few lower cost engine problems 1997 Nissan Pathfinder Reliability - MSN Autos
I'm a little worried about the transmission, because I have seen 3 ads so far for pathfinders with transmissions that won't go in reverse.
when i shift to 4 wheel, i hear a grinding sound only when i turn the wheel. when i drive straight, no sound. when it is in 2 wheel, no problems. any advice?
when i shift to 4 wheel, i hear a grinding sound only when i turn the wheel. when i drive straight, no sound. when it is in 2 wheel, no problems. any advice?
Are you on the dry pavement when this happens or off road? You really should not use 4wd dry pavement, it can lead to binding of the driveline, and could explain the noise you are hearing
Great engine, but the automatics were known for transmission failure. We had a '95 and it had transmission issues. Would buy one with a manual transmission if possible.
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