Nissan Pathfinder

lofquist · February 2001

I don't think I would wait to get a 10mpg Pathfinder looked at. It may get a little better as it breaks in, but there has to be something wrong. I got 18.0, 21.7, and 19.6 on my first three tankfuls.
-Jon

sanandton · February 2001

No gas smell here. I also drive with my hands at the vents.

felke001 · February 2001

Just got a new 01 LE AWD (ended up paying a hundred over invoice but was so ready to get it over with and buy the car that it didn't matter!)

Drives great, but have noticed a slight burning smell when getting out after driving it for any distance. Hard to tell if its from the brakes, engine, tires, etc.

Any thoughts?
I'm taking it back to the dealer on Sat to get the brakes bled (feeling too spongy as has been reported on here before), and will have them look at it.
Great forum and looking forward to keeping up with all the Pathy news here.
Mike

nismofreak · February 2001

When my Pathy was new, I too had the burning smell. 8000 miles later, I only have the new car smell left. :-)

I am not sure what it is but it probably is just the engine/drivetrain components heating up and "curing". I think a few of us went through that whole burning smell thing.

"Enjoy the ride"

edraldi · February 2001

I have yet to see that my CD-R's jam. The only time I noticed a problem is when the CD-R had a designed label on it. That of course makes the CD-R thicker.
That would definitely cause a problem.

I can only suggest not using the label system if you're going to listen in your car.

funinthemud · February 2001

Jon, thanks for all the previous input - it's been very educational. Of the 20 or more folks you know that bought in canada, did any of them buy a CPO 2001? Yes, I know it's 2001 now, but I have read and/or have heard of numerous local folks who decided their recent car buys (mostly non-PF's of course!) were too hasty for one reason or another, and now they're looking to trade-in for another vehicle.

Naturally, it's risky arranging this sort of thing in advance without test driving. But, do you know anyone who has done it successfully? Good stories, bad stories, any stories?

Even though the canadian price is already terrific, might this not be an option worth exploring?

johnskev · February 2001

now this may sound stupid to those of you who have the gasoline left hand, but smell your watch band. you may have gotten gas on it at one point and it just retains that smell.

ssbf · February 2001

Please correct me if I'm wrong. Normally 1st oil change is 3750 miles or 3 months. Thought I saw it in the manual that 1st oil change /service is 7000 miles.

pathstar · February 2001

It's usually the wax and plastic they cover the vehicle with before shipping by boat. Some dealers clean it off very well, some don't (it's hard to get that wax off that's sprayed on the engine). It burns off the hot parts after a few months, though my 90 4Runner still would smell like hot wax when I came off the freeway after 10 years of driving! In that case it was the wax covered transmission.

tonychrys · February 2001

pathstar is exactly right. Every new car I've ever owned has had this "burning plastic" smell initially.

If one does a good old fashion visual inspection, and nothing is wrong, I wouldn't worry about it.

felke001 · February 2001

Just wondering what everyone thought of the PF choice of colors--

To me, the blue is way too light and would be much more popular in a darker, more "navy" blue.

We got the sherwood green, but would have prefered it a bit darker as well.

macchi2 · February 2001

I notice that burning smell after a long drive and had the dealer check everything twice and they didnt find anything. The fleet manager advised me that the smell is the brake pads and that he experienced the same thing with his Altima. I would be very curious if someone finds a cure for this.

lofquist · February 2001

funinthemud,
Oh, oh. I left my secret acronym decoder ring at home and don't know what a "CPO 2001" is.

Are you asking about arranging purchase and picking up a vehicle from Canada without seeing it before you pick it up? All of us did it that way. I did a pretty good inspection when I got there and I know others who have also taken it for a ride first. The Canadian Pathfinder for all purposes is the same as the US. A little better equipped yes, but there should be no feature, power, or ride differences.

Or maybe I'm way off base on answering your question and I need a little clarification.

-Jon

usarmyttt · February 2001

called the dealer today they said they think it is the front tortion bars or one of the coil springs might be weak,will have it checked in person Friday or Sat,also said they have seen quite a few Pathfinders with this problem.

When I was inquiring about this problem he asked me if it was a Canadian bought Path,mine is not but I asked him why. He stated that if you buy the vehicle in Canada the warranty is void,Anyone heard this? With as many people on this sight going there to buy, you might want to researach this.

lofquist · February 2001

usarmyttt,
Your dealer is wrong about Canadian warranty not being honored in the US. You do have to have the vehicle VIN entered into the US warrany system, but that's an easy thing to do. Just call Nissan US and they send you a form to fill out. Or actually I just went over to my local dealer and they did it for me. Even called me back a few days later to tell me they verified that the number was in the system and all was well.

-Jon

drew_ · February 2001

Doesn't the Pathfinder use struts up front and not torsion bars?

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

phil47 · February 2001

on the PF. Maybe the service tech was referring to the anti-sway bar?

nomarian · February 2001

Hello All,

I just wanted to let you guys know that this is one of the most informative newsgroups that I have ever seen. The information here is invaluable and it has confirmed my decision to buy a Pathfinder. I also wanted to post the price that I am paying for one if anybody wants to compare. Here is what I was quoted from a dealer in Houston.

Pathfinder 4x2 LE Sierra Silver
Leather Package
Microfilter
Side Moldings
Floor Mats
S/R Wind Deflector

$28,748.00 and I can go out the door. They even offered me the 3.9% financing for 60 months. He said he was giving it to me for $500 under invoice, but he was also charging me the $300 MA charge on the invoice. All in all, I am pretty sure that I am coming in $200 under invoice. Just wanted you all to know. Thanks.

pathstar · February 2001

About to turn 10,000 km (8 months), and the leather seats are becoming "soft". When new you seem to sit "on" the seat, but now it's "relaxing" and I'm getting more side bolster support because the seats are becoming deeper. I'm happy this is happening. Just a note for potential new buyers - the hard firm leather seats do "break in" over time. Now I just have to decide what to clean and treat them with, Zaino or ?

tonychrys · February 2001

Lexol.

brian60 · February 2001

I second the recommendation for Lexol.

mbunting · February 2001

Just curious..I was going to order some leather conditioner from Zaino, but maybe I'll give Lexol a try. Where can I purchase?

baddestbob1 · February 2001

$28,748 is $500 under invoice for options mentioned per Edmunds site but what is "MA charge"? Jon posted at 1076 a current price in Can. (US final cost I think) at $28,500 on LE although it is 4WD, not 2WD (can't buy 2WD in canada).

brian60 · February 2001

I got a bottle of cleaner and a bottle of conditioner at my local auto shop for ~$20 total. I've also seen them in the parts dept at the local Nissan dealership. They are definately not Zaino-hard to get, but be forewarned that not every auto shop carries them. Good luck.

tonychrys · February 2001

http://www.carcareonline.com/

Enjoy.

TC

meca2 · February 2001

aspenwhite: I used the purolator oil filter mostly because it was easy to find. It seamed about the same size as the Nissan oil filter,small.You have to remove the skid plate that has several bolts (10mm wrench)and 1 plastic fastener in the middle up front. I also discovered that Purolator does not yet make "pureone" filter for the L14612 because of popularity. I haven't decided yet how often to change the synthetic oil yet? After several thousand miles I might have the oil tested or look inside the engine to see how much sludge if any has formed. After reading about AV-1 Mobil oil and the hi wear and sludge I dought if I will use Mobil-1. Aviation breakin oil is generally ran about 50-100 hrs or until cunsumtion slows witch is non-detergent oil and did does not have the problem that AV-1 did in 200 hrs. cheers....

tclub · February 2001

I own an older PF and love the looks of the new ones and the 240HP engine. But I realized it "requires premium". Is that what everyone is using??? I drive over 20,000 a year and in the Wash DC area most places charge 20cent more for premium. Is anyone using 87 or 89 octane?

plwilliams · February 2001

I've been holding off using my CDR's but just yesterday I read the manual and the only reference to them I could find said, on page 4-25, "Recordable compact discs (CD-R) may not function properly in the CD player". The operative words here are "MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY". I see nothing that indicates that you cannot use them or that their use would void the warantee. Is there somewhere else in the manual that I've missed? If not, I see no reason why Nissan could refuse to fix any problem under the warantee.

meca2 · February 2001

aspenwhite: The L14620 sounds good to me. How often will you change the synthetic
oil?
tclub: I have been running reg unleaded in mine sence the 2nd tank,the milage is
17-21. During the winter in Oregon they put alcohol in the fuel and who know what else. Who knows exactly what octane the fuel is anyway?? You buy fuel at one station and your car purrs like a kitten,next time you buy some across the street it runs like a sick puppy. I feel if you find a fuel that you are pleased with, stick to it. The computer in the car might like you better!!
Cheers

lofquist · February 2001

I also looked this up just last week at a local store. The book says to use the L14620 for the Maxima, but to use the L14612 for the Pathfinder. But Fram, AC/Delco, and Nissan have the same part number for both vehicles.

The PureOne filter only comes in the PL14620 - they don't make a "PL14612".

So what gives? Isn't the Max 3.5VQ and the Path 3.5VQ the same engine (or darn close)?

-Jon

phil47 · February 2001

I believe the Maxima uses a 3.0 litre version of the VQ engine (VQ30DE) as opposed to the 3.5 litre PF engine (VQ35DE). The PF engine is also modified to generate better low rpm torque. These difference could be enough to have a different oil filter (larger capacity for the PF?).

lofquist · February 2001

Yes, of course how could I forget. The Max engine is a 3.0, not a 3.5. But as aspenwhite says above the recommened filter for the Path is >smaller< than the one for the Max. Should we just use the PureOne Max filter? PureOne is about the top rated filter right now.
-Jon

nomarian · February 2001

baddestbob1: The MA charge is a Advertising charge from Nissan. The salesperson was telling me that he was informing me upfront about it. He says that most dealers will sneak this fee into the final contract. Not sure if this is true, but I was still able to come in under invoice and get the 3.9% for 60 months.

dennis1950 · February 2001

Check out Leather Seat Maintenance in the Maintenance & Repair board. Great stuff.

xplorx4 · February 2001

The Purolator oil filter discussion for the 01 PF is interesting.
I have been using the 14620 Purolator filter (either PL or just L, if PL's are out of stock) on my 97 Pathfinder for a year or so. Before that, I was using a combination of Nissan, Fram, and whatever those quick-oil-change shops use.

Admittedly, the filter DOES seem a little small, but the filter size has always been the same as the one that was installed by the factory. Even the PL14620.

goose1207 · February 2001

Does anyone know if I can install the Nissan nav system if I bought an '01 LE w/o it?

My '99.5 SE had the VIN etched into every piece of glass. It also had the VIN stickers on all the body parts as well. How come my '01 LE doesn't have any of these theft deterrent features?

Also, the '99.5 had the rear passenger grab handles on the ceiling as well as mounted on the sides behind the front seat belts. Why doesn't the '01 LE have the ones on the ceiling? It's hard to hang a bunch of shirts on current hook thing.

FYI, the lowest price I've found for a 6 qt. pack of Mobil1 synthetic is about $20 at Costco. Has anyone found it less expensive anywhere else?

Where can I buy the Purolator oil filters?

the_gladiator · February 2001

Has anyone purchased a new Pathfinder in the Vancouver BC area? I am looking for a dealer where someone had a good experience. I have certain preferences for what I'm looking for in my suv. LE auto, sunroof pkg, tow hitch, running boards, and side mouldings. Those that have purchased in Canada... Do you get factory orders or are you getting similiar match of your desired configuration that exists on their lot. Also, how cooperative are the dealerships in the US to work out some of the problems (ie temp gauge, body lean or even lifetime oil changes).

I've been researching the PF for awhile. The best info however, is what I find on this newsgroup. Kudos, guys and gals.

fossfate · February 2001

I have been researching for about 6 months now and am finally ready to buy.
this forum is great! have learned so much from all of you.
decided on the LE due to the AWD feature- huge difference during my test drive (snow/ice conditions) I didnt spin out while pulling out into traffic.
a few questions:

LSD- is it really necessary with AWD?-(maybe I don't fully understand how it works?)

If I buy in Canada- is there anyway to take advantage of 3.9% rate?

I found a dealer advertising the SE for $27,096
"$4,000 discount off MSRP"
can I expect them to discount an LE the same?
can I take that AD to another dealer and expect them to honor that price?

Edmunds doesn't list this special 3.9% finance at this time, why does the dealer still advertise it?
the national rate was 6.9% for 60 months- how can certain dealers give it for 3.9% x 60mos? can all dealers offer the same? is it a scam?
have any of you taken advantage of this recently?
should I hold out for a better deal- say during the big presidents day sales that usually happen in Feb?
how about buying a dealer demo- how can they discount it so much- I found a 2001 SE with sunroof for 27,000. but was an SE and not a color that I wanted. (I know, I know- way to picky- its a lot of money and I want everything to be perfect)

bottom line- I want a base LE... in lets say black or bronzed gray.. for $28,400 with 3.9%x60
months. Am I being unrealistic?
I really hate dealing with sales people. do I just walk in and make my offer and walk if they wont do it? - would I have better luck if I locate the exact vehicle myself instead of asking the nearest dealer to locate the right one?

Thanks for your input.

jambazi · February 2001

In post #503, meca2 stated that he tightened his rear drum brakes by turning the self-adjuster inside the access hole. I did that too, but now it seems like my parking brake doesn't disengage all the way!

Is there any way to fix it? That star-shaped gear thingy only turns one way! I hate to wear out my parking brakes by having them engaged all the time!

thanks,
Howie

meca2 · February 2001

jambazi: I had to adjust the parking brake the last time I adjusted
the brakes. The star wheel turns only one way. The wheel you turned
is part of the self adjuster. Under the parking brake handle there is an adjuster for the parking brake. Use a 10 mm socket and med extension to loosen the nut until you have about 6-8 clicks and the brake handle with normal force.
Steve
If you need any more help pleaes e-mail me.

stevinwshingtn · February 2001

the_gladiator
I am one those who bought in Canada. The purchase itself was as painless as it can be. I bought at Richmond Nissan from Bill Fielkowitch. Richmond is just south of Vancouver. His number is 604-273-1661. When I called he gave me a price over the phone, I told him what I was looking for and he located it the same day and we arranged for me to pick it up a few days later. There was no hassle and he didn't even mention extended warranties, special coatings, blah, blah, blah..... no sales pressure whatsoever. I asked about their vehicle search because I was concerned about getting a demo or something that had been used for whatever. He said that they wouldn't accept a car with more than 25 - 50 Kilometers on it.
The car I got wasn't from his lot. It apparently had just come into port. It had 4 kilometers on it when I picked it up. And since the Canadian LE comes with leather, sunroof, AWD, LSD and climate control with no options available the only decision you make is what color you want. The Canadian LE's don't come with body side moldings, micro filter or sunroof wind deflector but that is about $150 worth of stuff at any number of online accessory stores and it gives you something to do on your new rig when you've finished washing and waxing it. The price is somewhere around $28500 US$. They will quote you a price in Canadian $.
I haven't had the need to visit the dealer for any service so I am not sure how they might react to a Canadian car but I wouldn't expect any problems.

fossfate,
I doubt that you can get the 3.9% financing or any financing when you are buying across the border but you could ask. As far as I know, most have made their financing arrangements in the US.
If you search back a little on this board you will find lots of information about buying in Canada.
Start with #2 from lofquist.

jambazi · February 2001

I answered my own question. If interested, please see my post under "Problems and Solutions."

phil47 · February 2001

The LSD option is still useful with AWD. AWD transfers power from the rear wheels to the front wheels when necessary. The LSD transfers power from the slipping rear wheel to the gripping rear wheel. It is especially useful if you are driving in 2WD.

jambazi · February 2001

I have a few questions for anyone who owns the Cargo Organizer that's made by Nissan as an accessory to the PF (NOT the "Cargo Protector" which looks like a vinyl covering for the whole area, including the wheel wells).

It looks like it's made of hard plastic or rubber, and it has some storage bins. Are the bins entirely removable, so that I can have only that black thing on the floor of the cargo area? Also, is there a way to access the tie-downs and hooks through the cargo organizer?

It looks like it will protect the cargo area very nicely from mud, my dog, etc, but I need access to those hooks, and want to be able to remove those storage bins for more space.

Thanks,
Howie

paco99 · February 2001

at Pep Boys.....they have several types.....cleaner, conditioner, etc. in plastic spray bottles...

paco99 · February 2001

Anyone buy them... and where.....looking for the ones that are long and wide enough to extend along floor bumps on front pasenger side and under driver foot pedals, etc.....I bought a pair at Walmart (~ $ 18), heavy ribbed rubber, but it turns out I'm not too thrilled with them as they don't cover enough of the floor carpet...so, I'll use them in back.....

Thanks.

li_sailor · February 2001

I asked this question back in post #400...Phil47's answer is right...for more detail (from TonyC and Drew/the host) see several posts around #401-420.

Don't count on Edmunds for current incentive info - they can't keep up too well. Check ads & call dealers or ask here.

On price negotiation - I found that using internet sites like carsdirect & priceline is a good place to start to see how far under invoice you can go, then either get it there or use that to give the dealer a number that he/she either meets/beats or you walk. That worked for me...after some bluster & the 'I gotta talk to the manager' stuff...he came back and said...deal. I got $500 under invoice that way (on an LE with all but Nav/Ent).

Hope this helps,
Tom

tonychrys · February 2001

Just out of curiousity, which dealer did you you end up buying from?

Yea, I remember shopping around with the Carsdirect price... what fun! I love "that's an impossible price, we'll lose money!" Then I'd say, "ok, I don't want you to lose money, you have a family to feed. I'll but it from carsdirect"

Then of course they would go "fight for me" with their sales manager.

And car dealers wonder why they're not liked.

TC

rob0975 · February 2001

I'm selling a black 4WD SE with beige cloth interior.All power(except seats).Moonroof,6cd Bose stereo.Just over 3600 miles.Showroom condition-No dents,scratches,no smoking,no car wash.Must sell to get down payment for condo/house..I'm not a dealer.Asking $29,500
Has 3yr/36,000 factory warranty.Serious inquiries only please(rob0975@aol.com) or rob9575@aol.com
-Robert C.

gottria · February 2001

Does anybody know if the Entertainment system can be installed from the dealer or is it only at the time of purchase? I looked at the add on ones and it dosen't look as good. Besides my dealer owes me one.

Nissan Pathfinder

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