We're thinking about buying my signifiant other a new vehicle and she's come across a '99 Pathy she likes. What are the In's and Out's on these things. Problems, longevity, etc, etc... Thanks for your input.

"I think I busted something... In fact... I know I did."

Very dependable, great street ride. They are unibody construction. They will take you a good 1/4 million if cared for. I believe the gas milage is in the 20MPG range. They also hold value extremely well.

I'm sure the tranny is the weak point like most Nisans.

Which motor? I forget which year got the 3.5....the '99 probably still has the 3.3 which is the same engine in current Frontiers and Xterras. The 3.5 has MUCH more go to it, but the 3.3 is still a very dependable, long lasting engine. Just be sure to do the timing belt at recommended intervals and it'll take you a long ways.


1998 Frontier 4x4 with ALL the goodies!
2002 Xterra 4x4 still stock
Grow the Nissan Community and stand up for ORV user rights!

I have a 98 Pathfinder LE.

The engine rocks from everything i've read. You will have a costly timing belt replacement around 100k miles. Mine is at 90k and i'm putting on new front struts.

Ride is awesome, everything is well laid out. Tuneups and most maintenance is pretty easy. (minus the timing belt which is probably a $500 job at private mechanic)

1998 Pathfinder LE 4x4

The timing belt is definitely something that can be done in the garage on your own too. It'll take a weekend at the most, but you'll only spend about $50-70 on parts that way.

They are great vehicles mechanically. The one problem area I have heard about is the rear suspension bushings. I dont think its all that common, but I've heard of a few with the problem. When the bushings in the rear links wear, the truck will kinda wobble going down the highway. So, just check that the truck drives good on the highway. If it feels nice, tight, and responsive, it should be ok.


BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse
Nissan Terrano .. "Take a grip of Steering!"

Good info. guys! Thanks! It won't be pulling much 4WD duty, but it's nice for her to have. I'm pretty sure it had the 3.3, but power seemed decent... Better than the 3.0 in a 4Runner. I think she went to go haggle with the dealer this afternoon. I'll post pics should she come home with it. Anyone SAS one of these things yet ? Just kidding.

"I think I busted something... In fact... I know I did."

Actually, I don't *think* anyone has... It would be a first.

doing the timing belt scares me for the simple fact that if i get it wrong i could mess up the engine. I don't understand how i'm supposed to get it to TDC, so i just decided to pay for it. It seems out of my league.


1998 Pathfinder LE 4x4

The 3.3 makes somewhere around 170-190 hp I believe. Yeah, call me vague The Toy 3.0 MPFI makes 150 and the Nissan 3.0 MPFI makes 151-153.

Mr. Will

Give me ambiguity or give me something else.

Don't get me started ... Although fabbing up a couple of subframe connectors and throwing 4 leaf spring hangers on wouldn't be THAT hard. Can you say "dog house"?

"I think I busted something... In fact... I know I did."

quote:

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Originally posted by crashinaz:
Don't get me started ... Although fabbing up a couple of subframe connectors and throwing 4 leaf spring hangers on wouldn't be THAT hard. Can you say "dog house"?

_"I think I busted something... In fact... I know I did."_

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If you made it sit low enough, she probably wouldnt even notice.

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BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse
Nissan Terrano .. "Take a grip of Steering!"

SUA, baby!

Mr. Will

Give me ambiguity or give me something else.

Yeah, it's the quarter panel damage and rock scrapes that mysteriously appear when she goes out of town that'll be hard to hide. Um, it goes like this honey. I drove your car out to Florence so I could ride shotgun on a couple of trails... Then some of the guys said a late model Pathfinder has never been up Highway to Hell... And then they started making these HORRIBLE chicken noises!



"I think I busted something... In fact... I know I did."

"... and then they called me Yellow. You know how I dont like being called yellow."

you could always fit some spiffy rock sliders to make the truck "look nicer".. Spray paint goes a long way for hiding "shopping cart damage".

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BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse
Nissan Terrano .. "Take a grip of Steering!"

Ah yes... And the .120 wall 8-point "dry cleaning hanger"...

"I think I busted something... In fact... I know I did."