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Comments
I also had them check my break peddle. To me it seemed to be to close to the floor board before engaging.
The Service Advisor said it checked out ok, but adjusted it anyway. He said that they test drove the PF to check the new outside temp. display and the breaks. said everything was working fine.
When I drove back home the break peddle seemed to be a lot higher and reacted much better, the outside temp. readings are much improved. From what I can determine the temp. readings are within one deg. of being wight on the mark. No more wild fluctuations in temp. readings, hot or cold.
I am still very satisfied with MY 2001 PF and if that is all the problems I have then I feel that I made a good choice.
I already have the LTX's on my Expedition - great tires. Very good traction in the wet. The Goodyears that came on the Expedition never gave me any trouble, but the Michelins were indeed a great improvement.
AW
P.S. With my new BFGoodrich Open Trails installed with a big improvement in noise and comfort, I'm moving on to new rear shocks next.
Also, last winter we had a rock chip become a pillar to pillar crack. I have seldom had such developments in any vehicle. From the above comments I get the idea it may not be uncommon in Pathfinders.
I am currently experiencing extremely bad MPG, its crazy, about 200 miles with a full tank (almost).
Is it supposed to be that bad during the breakin period? If so for how long? 1000 miles? 2000 miles ?
I mostly do city driving this time of year. But still I should be experiencing better mileage ? No?
thanks
If you have "winter formula" gas up there like we do down here, that's another strike again you. Often there's a ~2 mpg penalty from it.
You're not confusing yourself with those Imperial gallons are you? (/joke)
Steve, Host
My overly cautious fuel gauge will light up with about 1/8 of a tank left and I've never managed to get more than 16 gallons in it.My driving range is probably close to 300 if I was truly brave enough to go that far before filling up.
Happy Pathfinding!!!
Steve
On the open highway I get 18 mpg in AWD and 20 in two wheel drive. This is winter and summer
driving.
The highway drives usually cover about 300 miles in all, I usually average 70 to 80 mph.
One thing I found that there is some lag time when stations change from summer to winter gas. If you get a tank of summer gas when the weather has turned cold, your gas mileage will drop a little, same for summer.
Nonetheless, you should have them inspected to be sure. (Or, do it yourself- take off the wheel and look at the brake pad to see how much is left.)
I did not try to approximate the MPG in my previous post because of all the conversion I'd have to do (Canadian gallon vs US gallon, liters, km, argh....)
I feel adventurous this morning so lets try:
1 US Gallon = 3.7854 litres
1 US mile = 1.6093 kilometers
So I put 63 litres to do 370 kilometers (tank topped off before and after)
In US: 16.6 gallon to do 229.9 miles
So
229.9 by 16.6 gives 13.8 MPG (US)
63 by 3.70 gives 17L/100 for canadian folks
This is Lamborghini fuel comsomption rating I think ;-)
Arrrghhh..... I'm looking forward to my 2000th mile to get over that breakin period.
I was doing 14L/100 with my 4Runner and I thought that was bad.
I'll be buying shares in petrol company soon !!!!
World
Had it repaired, looks pretty good and didn't cost anything out of pocket.
AW
On Mileage Post: 1,150 miles on new US '03 LE; using 93 octane; in 2WD mode majority of time (except brief periods of rain when in Auto); averaging 13.98 MPG in downtown DC city driving. I fill at same station pump and don't fill beyong automatic shut-off pump feature - that way, I get consistent measurements. At this rate, I get about 250 miles of range from Full to the top of the empty line. When you fill up on top of the empty line, there are still a few gallons in the tank (do the math) - thus true range should be close to 300 miles if you want to push it (I wouldn't it). Given the gas reserve, I wait until it hits exactly the top of the E line to get the most consistent average MPG measurements across the tank of gas. FYI. On a highway trip driving at a varying rate between 45-65 MPH (break-in period), I averaged just above 18 MPG. Both of my numbers seem to hit the 15/19 CITY/HWY rating for the vehicle. If I did not have my loved Thule racks on top (which create much wind friction), I am confident I would be hitting 15/19 exactly. Hope this helps.
I think the 2003 4Runner V6 will have similar ratings thus similar consumption.
Review of the NHTSA website records for 2000-2002 PF's reveals several incidents of unintended acceration when the brakes were applied, some resulting in accidents. Only a couple identified the cause as unintentional pressure on the gas pedal. No NTSB/NHTSA investigation is indicated. Assuming that only a small portion of the public even knows of the NHTSA, or would report to same; there must be numerous incidents unreported.
The space between the pedals is 2 1/2", which is appropriate, but it still unacceptably dangerous to have the brake travel below gas pedal level. My experience occurred with tennis and boat shoes. Pity the guy or gal with winter muclucs!
I intend to pursue this with the NHTSA, and would appreciate hearing from other owners. Note, that with the engine off, no power brakeing, pedal travel is lessened.
Do you happen to know the MSRP on the 2003 LE? I'm just trying to figure about how much they came down. It's difficult to negotiate, not having dealer invoice.
Also, I noticed you are also a 4Runner fan. I'm actually still torn between the 4Runner and the Pathy. I can't understand the comments I've read that the 4Runner is so much more expensive than the Pathfinder. The 2003 SR5 with similar options as the Pathy is only about $1000.00 more MSRP. Any comments? (or for anyone else reading).
Among Japanese big three, Honda, Nissan and Toyota, Nissan is of lower reputation and less popular. Some of my friends never consider any Nissan in their shopping list when buying cars. I suggested Nissan and they said well I don't know that Make/Model... too sad for Nissan. That could be one reason the other two makes are high priced because of high demand.
http://www.edmunds.com/products/tmv
So what to do? 1. use full synthetic oil. 2. replace the OEM air filter with a K/N air filter. 3. make sure that you maintain proper tire air pressure, not whats posted on the door but tire manufacture posted cold pressure. 4. learn to drive like you have an egg between your foot and the gas pedal. Or say the hell with it, and drive the way you want and pay the price at the pump.
I use 5w/30w full synthetic, a K/N air filter and keep the front tires 32PSI, the rear at 30PSI.
On the highway I try to maintain a constant speed and try not to use your brakes by timing the lights.
It's takes time to learn to drive for improved gas mileage, but it can be done. But a lot people say the heck with it and pay the price.
Anyone else have some good ideals about improving gas mileage?
The issue about gas mileage is not about money. I think people nowadays are more conscious about wasting fuel. They like their Pathfinder, 4Runners and MDX but they care to some extent about fuel effiency and reflect a bit on how this situation could be improved.
I don't know about you but the people I know who do not care about effiency in general are not the people who can afford wasting the most. The more people can afford the more these people are conscious about how their money is being spent and care when they see waste.
World
Of course, coming *back* from the interior on the Coquihalla highway seems to feel like we have more of a downhill coast than going the other way, could be just psychological
I tried the 26 PSI recommended by Nissan and found it to be inadequate for the type of driving I was doing. That is most of the time high speed highway driving. Handling was much better and gas mileage was too.
Now I agree with you, 26 PSI would be great for off road use, but I do most of my driving on hard surfaced roads. Thats the reason for 32 and 30 PSI. that I maintain on my 2001 LE OWD 4x4 and it rides fine, as you know by now the 2001 has a very soft suppension.
recommended pressure is 30 psi. It is shod with Dueler HT's.
Thanks!
And your comment on thinner tire in snow being better is correct...
It would also depend on how much tread you have on your tires...
Maybe just spend the money on new set of Michelins, but if you've got money to burn, go with the winter tires...Just my .02...
I'd have to agree with 'alwaysfords' about the OEM Dueler HT's.All the reviews at Tirerack.com were pretty awful,especially in the wet,slush or snow. When I was buying the PF I got the dealer to switch to Michelin LTX all seasons .I got the Alpins more for handling and braking in winter weather than for traction(the 4x4 system on the path should handle that). I too think it's pretty tacky of Nissan to go with el cheapo rubber on a higher end vehicle like the Pathfinder
Has anyone installed Decor package (Decoration package?)? Any pros and cons. I'd appreciate any info.
Thanks
I purchased a set of Bridgestone Winter Duelers last fall and used them for one season so far. They are great tires. I had considered the Arctic Alpin 4 x 4 but they were new on the market and couldn't find reviews of them. The size installed was 245/70/R16, as per the original tires. Changing tire sizes will alter the accuracy of your speedometer and odometer.
I believe the person asking about tire size is only considering narrower tires, which if selected properly (i.e. maintaining the correct circumference / height) will not effect the odo or speedo. It will also improve the in snow performance as narrower tires cut rather than float through the muck.
Are there any particular problem areas to look for in these models? Or are there any particular years to avoid/seek out? Any advice would be appreciated.
Woodyr1
We're going with the Pathfinder instead of the 4Runner. I like both vehicles. I realize that they are totally different. I would still love to get a 4Runner. Maybe next time. Their heads are a little too big for me, so I say screw 'em.
Two things did, however, help confirm my decision.
1.) The Nissan dealership that I'm dealing with is just so great. No hassles, up front, never waste your time. (excellent service dept. too) I've yet to get a monthly payment based on X amount of dollars for the 4Runner. I guess they don't want to give that information over the phone, and I don't have the time nor patience to go there and sit around while they try to jack with me. They don't even have a 4Runner to look at, and it's been about a month now. That, to me, is just ridiculous. I understand the demand and all, but come on.
2.) My insurance payment would have been about $170.00 higher per year on the 4Runner. That's not that major, but it has influenced my decision.
I also consulted with CarsDirect to get invoice price. Thanks for the info. Go Nissan! I think they are every bit as good as Toyota.