Nissan Pathfinder

tivmike · May 2001

I am probably going to order my Pathfinder. Does anyone know when the 2002 models are released? My dealer said it will "probably be a 2002" if I order right now. I want to know for sure though. He also said if I order it will take 90 days. Is that an unusually long amount of time? I would have expected 6 weeks tops.
He said that some people have ordered and got the wrong color when it arrives. that sounds like a bunch of malarky to me.
Thanks, -Mike-

meca2 · May 2001

tonveranga: The new body style is comming out in 2003. Should be alittle longer
and might have third seat?

poswald · May 2001

This is kinda weird. Today on my drive into work in my 01 PF LE I looked up at my digital compass/thermometer and the line for the compass part was flashing and the directions always pointed north independent of what direction I was actually going. Anybody have this happen to them? Is there a reset. I haven't checked the manual yet. Temperature part was OK.

sanandton · May 2001

I think that means it needs to be recalibrated. I think instructions are in your owners manual. As I recall it requires driving in circles in an open space to recalibrate.

bgritz · May 2001

Yup, Sandandton is correct. This happened to ours a time or two early on and quickly sorted itself out. I tried the "drive slowly in circles" trick, but the only thing that happened was that I looked like an idiot to our new neighbors. ;-)

goose1207 · May 2001

Can the interior bike rack (Nissan by Yakima) be used in conjunction with the cargo organizer? Or will the organizer block the hooks needed to secure the bike rack?

Also, does the bug deflector really keep alot of bugs off the windshield?

TIA

shark715 · May 2001

I have a 12 month old '01 LE 4 wheel drive with 18K miles. No noise from the center vent, but significant road noise seems to be coming from around the transfer case shift lever (my truck was built before the automatic 4WD was offered). The noise has been the same since the truck was new, and I also have the feeling some sort of noise insulation is missing. Anyone have any ideas?

BTW, I love my truck, but have always suffered from the widely reported highway speed steering wheel shimmy (I have Bridgestones, which seem to be wearing quite nicely by the way) as well as the widely reported outside temperature gauge which always reads about 5 or 6 degrees too high. My dealer has repeatedly claimed both problems are "normal" for this vehicle.

smithmd · May 2001

The noise from the T-case lever is probably normal. Mine makes it, too...just turn on the radio and I don't notice it. However, don't accept the shimmy as "normal." You're driving a $30,000+ vehicle. The dealer has a NTB or TSB with info regarding this shimmy and how to fix it. Make the dealer fix it. Once you get it fixed, don't ever let anyone balance that set of tires again. I put the post containing some info about the shimmy in the "problems" forum. If you can't find it, let me know and I'll locate the info again. Good luck! I'm getting my 30,000 mile service done on my '99.5, today, with no real problems to date...once I got the shimmy fixed.

lofquist · May 2001

Folks,
Maybe it's time I chime in here again about what has got to be the best possible prices on a new Pathfinder. Get it in Canada. I've mentioned this a number of times before in this forum, but I'll recap since it's been a while. I did it myself and I know of well over thirty others who have since. The exchange rate is staying at near all-time highs.

Here's some rough numbers for prices in Canada that I have seen (converted to US dollars, and including duty):
- SE 4x4, 5spd, LSD, sunroof. $24,000. (US dealer invoice is $28,214)
- SE AWD auto, LSD, sunroof. $25,300. (US dealer invoice is $29,339)
- LE AWD, LSD, leather. $27,700. (US dealer invoice is $31,433)

Here's the answers to the most asked questions:
- Yes, it's perfectly legal as a US resident to buy a new car in Canada.
- Pathfinder meets all US safety and emissions requirements (California too).
- You will have to pay some Canadian sales taxes, but they send you a refund after you take the vehicle out of the country.
- The warranty is honored in the US.
- It's identical to the US Path, but in Canada they come better equipped with options.
- No two-wheel drive available in Canada.
- Speedo is in km and miles; odo is in km, but can be changed if you prefer.
- I have found some dealers willing to sell over the phone at close to invoice, far below list price.
- Get your financing at home first.

Quick summary of the process:
1. Call dealer and make a deal. Get VIN number.
2. Call Nissan and get US emissions and safety compliance letter (will fax if in a hurry).
3. Go to Canada, pay, drive away.
4. Stop at Canadian customs. Get a form stamped.
5. Stop at US Customs. Show the compliance letter. Pay 2.5% duty.
6. Register vehicle and pay your state's sales tax when home just like normal.
7. Send in forms and get Canadian sales tax refund check in the mail.

Sure there's a little paperwork to do, but it's not bad. Also, many people are surprised how close to Canada they really are. Anyone from Chicago to D.C. is easily within a one days drive of Toronto. And much of the west coast is close to Vancouver. I've seen people from as far south as LA and Atlanta go too.

I still get lots of notes on this and I'm glad to help anyone out with questions or good contacts. Just email me.

-Jon

tonveranga · May 2001

are there any pictures the new PF body style coming out on 2003 anywhere on the web so i can check it out?

ballfire8888 · May 2001

It was bound to happen. ARGGGGGG I hate these people...people like us take pride in the vehicle we drive even though they obviously do not! Some inconsiderate driver must have banged their car door against the graphite colored fender flare on my 01 PF SE AWD. It left a noticeable mark on the plastic flare. Is there any way of treating this scar to minimize the appearance?

TIA

meca2 · May 2001

The "mode" switch must be pushed and held for about 10 sec until the direction
bar starts blinking then turn the vehicle about 1 or 2 turns.

wcroland · May 2001

I got the LE 4x4 Sunroof deflector, LSD, leather, microfilter, tow hitch (Uhaul), tinted windows, and rear cargo organizer, rear window deflector, all from dealer and paid $31,124. Hope that helps. Also got 3.9%, all I have added was bug deflector, but not Nissans, dealer said they were back ordered due to breakage and being redesigned, got mine from weathertech.

kc571 · May 2001

INVOICE MSRP
Base Price: $28,910.00 $31,799.00
Destination: $520.00 $520.00
Total Base Price: $29,430.00 $32,319.00

buyingadvice.com

d1a3 · May 2001

We bought our 2001 LE AWD last November for 3.9% financing. We have had no problems nor suprises in using NMAC. I actually like the fact that they send me a statement each month with an envelope and a coupon, so we never forget to make the payment. I specifically looked for language about service fees and such. I found nothing out of the ordinary. If you qualify, I say just do it. With the recent drop by the Fed, though, you may find something equally competitive outside of NMAC.

nwwoods · May 2001

Try Paintless Dent Removal. Like windshield repairs, it's not perfect, but it's very good, it's inexpensive (<$100) and fast (<1 hr), and it usually can preserve your multi-dozen step factory paint job.

pogito · May 2001

Hello everyone,
I am new member and just posted my first message.
I just ordered a K&N air filter for my 01 Path SE Auto. My questions are what are the benefits of this air filter compared to regular air filter? And how do I maximize the efficiency of K&N? Do I have to do something else other than just installing and replacing the existing air filter? The pathy has 12K on it now and it has a miserable 13.5 mpg city, but get a decent 19-22 highway when cruising at about 65-70 mph with nothing but myself alone and some light baggage in the car. I hope to improve the mpg and performance of the pathy. Appreciate your input.

pathstar · May 2001

I installed a replacement K&N filter last November. I just finished a highway trip to the coast and back (1200 km each way). I always keep records of fuel and mileage. If there is an improvement it's pretty much buried in the "noise" of normal variations. It appears to me that the only advantage on the Pathfinder is you can clean it, and never have to buy another air filter. I -may- have more power, but that is very subjective, and I wouldn't want to claim it publicly.

stever · May 2001

We also have a discussion about them: K & N Air Filters - Bolt on Power?

I have one of their brochures in front of me (#11803). It says that "conventional (filter) elements become restrictive after only a few thousand miles, resulting in a significant loss of engine power and fuel economy." But it doesn't say that their filter helps fuel economy either :-)

It's also interesting to note that they tout an assembly that "straightens the air flow" which means, I guess, you wouldn't want it behind your Tornadoair device :-)

Steve
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Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

linley · May 2001

my sister bought 2001 Sierra Silver, leather, sunroof. sunroof deflector, 4x2, microfilter (no tow or 4wd) paid 27,900. with 3.9% financing. (I also bought 01 Pathfinder but SE with leather and sunroof for 27,900. at 3.9%)

ballfire8888 · May 2001

How do I "random play" the 6 CD's in my in-dash changer?

TIA

ballfire8888 · May 2001

Here's a dumb question:

Say I'm highway cruising at 70 mph with the PF in "AUTO" drive mode. Due to slick rain, snow or ice road condition, sensors kick the PF into 4-wheel drive. At the 70 mph speed, I'm going higher than the recommended maximum speed in 4-wheel drive mode?

drew_ · May 2001

Should you be driving at 70 miles per hour in slick conditions though? ;-)

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

minneman · May 2001

One thing to make sure of when you buy a vehicle in Canada is that the Odometer is in miles not kilometers. Cars sold in Canada have kilometers. The problem is that if you try and sell it in the US, you can't. No one will buy a Canadian car being sold in the US if it has kilometers.

minneman · May 2001

Sales tax in Canada is like in the US it varies Province to Province. In Toronto up front you will pay 15% sales tax. That's right 15%. The odometer and spedometer will be in kilometers. It can cost you $1000-$2000 US to have it converted to miles. Then there is the 2.5% border tax, which on a $20,000 vehicle is $500. Then there is the milage you put on your car right away - the cost is 32.5 cents per mile. SO if you if you live in Washington DC and you drive to Toronto you will pay approx $156.00 And hotel costs and that sort of thing. Also, when you get there, what if they don't have what you want you can spend a fortune on long distance calls to see if they do. Also, make sure you have a birth certificate or passport because a driver's license just won't do. Also, make sure you have a clean criminal record or they might not let you in. A million and one things could go wrong and costs are not much different if you use your head and realize that there are a dozen different hidden costs between getting them here or there. Also, if you do, make sure your insurance covers you in Canada. Not all insurance carriers will cover you abroad. By the way I am from Canada, and have experienced these things already.

austnpwr88 · May 2001

What will be the upgrades/additional features or options that will appear on the 2002 PF's, broke down by model please...

djeanclerc · May 2001

Hello all. I'm taking delivery of a 2001 LE tomorrow and would like to tap into your experience by getting your input on caring for a new PF. Specifically, I'd like to know:

1. Special driving/mechanical guidelines during the break-in period. Also the preferred octane rating to use and any tips on improving mpg.

2. Best products/practices for caring for the appearance, especially the leather interior (a friend of mine with the PF leather package had some problems with leather conditioners filling up the perforations in the leather itself), black clear coat paint, and floor mats.

3. Recommended retailers/websites for aftermarket accessories, i.e. grill guards, interior bike rack, etc.

Thanks for the help. I look forward to hearing from you.

nsartor · May 2001

Ballfire8888 asked about Fram Filters: Check out http://members.nbci.com/minimopar/oilfilterstudy.html for one guys review. I've stopped using them. I couldn't find Purolators around here so I bought some Nissan Filters at the Dealer on a buy 3 get one free deal (Michael Jordan RPM Nissan, Durham NC)

Anybody got advice on oil filters for pathy's? (97 LE)

Nick

lofquist · May 2001

Wow, that was a rough one! Andrew, I know of over 30 people besides me who have done the trip to Canada. It's not rocket science. Look back a few thousand posts and see all the happy people. I'm not a dealer or anything, but I still think this is a great idea for many people.

Here's my comments about the "facts":
- Yes, you will pay the 15% tax (in Ontario; less in most other provinces), but it gets refunded by mail from the govt. No net cost to you except loss of use of the money for a couple months.
- Odo and speed are in km. You do not have to get it changed unless you want to. If you do, any speedometer shop can do it easily and legally with factory parts. I have quotes as low as $251.
- Yes, you pay 2.5% duty at the border. I already included this cost in the prices I posted.
- Everyone I've corresponded with is smart enough to figure out their air/hotel/mileage costs. I still saved $3700 under US dealer invoice. Lots of people have told me they saved even more!
- I know very reputable dealers in Toronto and Vancouver. Vehicles are always ready when told and no phony costs. You are dealing with the managers, not ordinary salesmen.
- I do mention in the notes I send out that passports and birth certificates are the legal documentation. Many people use drivers licenses anyway. It's no different than returning from vacation. I don't know about criminals - don't know any :-)
- I also say to call your insurance company beforehand. No problem with mine. Have not heard different from anyone either. Canada is not like Mexico.

I have written an info sheet with step-by-step instructions I'm willing to share with anyone.

-Jon

phil47 · May 2001

In addition to Drew's comment (which I agree with), I'm trying to remember if the maximum speed limit pertained to "auto" mode or just to 4hi which is the part-time setting? I'd like to think that the auto mode is a "set and forget" thing during the winter. Since the auto system allows slippage between the front and back wheels, why would there be a limit?

kaczor1 · May 2001

You will find much advise on this board and others regarding care of your new PF. Many of us are using Zanio products (www.zaino.com) as far as cleaner/wax/polish, etc. Some others have had much sucess with other products such as liquid glass and some other waxes, I think it is personal preference. I'm using Zaino on a Pearl White finish and love the way it looks, it also seems to help with any bugs, etc. sticking to the finish. I use Lexol on the leather seats, it goes on really easy, does not leave residue, and does not stay in the perforations, etc. I have been using Lexol for years on everything from shoes to saddles, I like it better than saddle soap because it will not change the color of the leather as will saddle soap over time (darkens it). I wash my Husky floor lines with soap and water and dry them in the sun, works fine. The only aftermarket products I have bought were the side moldings and got them from Nissan Parts.

Most of us are using 91-93 Octane as advised by the owners manual, others have used the lessor octane, but they do have some warnings against that. I figure while it is under warranty, I better use what they advise! Not worth it to me to take a chance with any engine damage for a couple of dollars. I drove mine to the beach a week after I got it, that is about a 7 hour trip for me. I just didn't continue at any one rate of speed for extended periods. The break in went fine, and I got great gas milege on the road. I get about 15 around town, on country backroads, etc. Good luck and enjoy your new PF!

kmrq · May 2001

I dont know about K&N filter, but I have 99.5 PF with a Blitz's stainless steel filter. It works great and I've noticed more power. And as for the gas milage, its about the same. Also since the filter is stainless steel, I can clean them with spraying water, not like the other filter, where you have be careful how to clean them.

goblue96 · May 2001

I remember somebody long ago posting a message about building your own interior bike rack. I already have the mounts and a 2x4, but does anyone know how to secure it? I got the fork mounts for $12 each and the wood for $0, so paying $250 for the Nissan-Yakima rack is out of the question. Any help would be greatly appreciated. BTW, I have a full Yakima roof system, but with the gas prices the way they are I would like to avoid the 20% reduction in mileage for long trips.

smithmd · May 2001

I believe the guy that posted about that said that he used a heavy bungee cord on each end of the 2x4 to attach it to the cargo hooks.

highup · May 2001

2x4 is way too big. Measure the distance between the 2 "C" tie down points at the rear and add 3-4 inches to each side. Go to hardware store and get a piece of pineboard = 3/4" x 8" x (your measurement here). Lay the board in the rear so that both ends lay over the "C" clip points. Mark each end of the board so that can then chisel or drill out a slot for the "C" clips. The "C" clips when fipped up will then poke through these slots. The board will then be secured wtih a bungee cord stretched from clip to clip. Mount your bike in the rear (without front tire) and measure and mark on the board where the fork mounts would go. Also carefully close the rear hatch to see if all is well. Good luck.

vmarry · May 2001

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Area - Bought new Sierra Silver with 01 Pathfinder LE with black leather interior on Feb. 15th. All options except TOW, NAV, ENT. MSRP was $34,853. Vehicle has close to 2300 miles. Went to Nissan Garage to look at Maxima, ended up looking at Pathfinder and buying one, because of all the incentives available. In retrospect, I really didn't need a sport utility vehicle and should have stuck with buying an Accord or Maxima. I guess I got carried away because it is such a beautiful vehicle - looks, ride, motor, etc. If anyone is interested, you can contact me at vmarry@pulsenet.com.

ghinson · May 2001

I am considering buying an SE. A couple of questions: 1) you can only get the AWD in the LE, correct? So the SE has 2WD, 4HI, 4LO? 2) Is it true that you can only get the LSD if you add the sunroof? I don't need a sunroof, but would like the LSD because of 4WD uses. 3) Favorite source for aftermarket accessories? Thanks.

stever · May 2001

Try Edmunds Used PowerShopper and good luck.

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

pogito · May 2001

My wife and I bought a '01 Path SE auto part time 4x4 last August. All the cars we drove in our lives were either front wheel drive or rear wheel with automatic transmission. We have never use a 4x4 car or SUV much else engage into that mode. Last winter my wife was coming back home from work early because it was snowing, I paged her to engage the path into 4HI while driving about 50 mph. When she got home I asked her if she did, and she said no. She just drove the Path on 4x2.
Now I must admit that neither one of us is an expert of this technology.
The next few days I decided to practice using the 4x4 off road ( actually I practiced on a grassy field haha). I tell you it is very complicated for me, I was there reading the manual at the same time engaging and disengaging into 4hi and 4lo vice versa. Now when I engage it into whichever mode was it there was green glimmering light indicating it is engage. When I tried to disengage it, it was a struggle. Finally the green light went off.
Now, I read on the other posted message that one should back up ten feet to unlocked the hubs on their '96 Path and if someone drive with the hubs locked, you will do damage to some part of the car.
Wow, these things make me scared. Did I do something to damage my beloved Path???? Or the system of '96 and '01 are different? I just rely on the green light to know that I disengaged the 4x4.
Can anybody out there tutor yours truly step by step in a very simple English term how to use this technology? Or else I might say good-bye to my beloved Path and go find another front wheeler. Thank you very much.. appreciate your help.

phil47 · May 2001

I'll give it a try.

When conditions are loose (slippery, wet, snow, gravel, sand, etc.) you can engage 4hi at any speed between 0 and 50 mph. Don't be afraid of it. Just pull back on the 4wd lever smoothly and firmly until it stops. It engages VERY easily. If conditions become dry and firm again, push forward smoothly and firmly until it stops. If you are moving at the time, it is sometimes easier to disengage while you are off the accelerator for a moment. As long as the lever is fully up (disengaged), don't worry about the green light too much. It WILL go out eventually. Depending on how much stress is on the transfer case at the time, it sometimes takes a little while for the light to go out and the front wheels disengage. However, while the light is on, try not to turn tight circles on dry pavement. This is very hard on the drivetrain.

As for 4lo, unless you are in very bad trouble (deep mud or sand, very steep hills, etc.) just leave it alone. It is much trickier to engage. I took my old 99.5 PF LE in some pretty tough conditions and only once engaged 4lo. You must be stopped and in neutral, then from 4hi push down and then back very quickly and firmly.

Enjoy your truck, hope this helps.

skips2 · May 2001

I test drove a 01 LE PF today and loved the ride except that I cound hear quite a bit of wind noise and I could hear the engine as I accelerated. I have a 2000 Maxima GLE and it seems a lot quieter. Can any PF owners comment on the interior noise levels. Please note that all of the windows were all the way up. And the sun roof and interior sun shade were completely closed. The radio was off. Please don't suggest that I play the radio loud enough to drown out all other noise. (smile) Does the PF have any sound proofing material under the hood? My Maxima does. Thanks.

bimmer4me · May 2001

First of all, the PF is a TRUCK and not a sedan and this is why it isn't as quiet as your Maxima. The PF's shape isn't exactly aero as the Maxima the SEDAN. Yes, the PF has sound proofing under the hood. FYI: the 2002 Maxima gets a 250 hp engine! Now only if they would do something with the body style! Its exterior needs a redesign badly.

skips2 · May 2001

It's obvious that the PF is not a sedan. It appears from your response that SUVs have to be inherently noisey. I disagree. Just test drive a QX4, Highlander, or Land Cruiser. PS Thanks for your constructive feedback. It's in my waste basket.

winnyv · May 2001

If the QX4 was less quiet,then why don't you buy it, it's only $4-5k more than the PF. I can accept a little noise for the savings, but I really didn't notice a difference between the two when I drove them.

skips2 · May 2001

I haven't purchased any SUV yet, but to answer your question, the QX4 is still on my list, despite the extra cost. Its a widely known fact that the QX4 uses extra sound deadening insulation. That's why it weighs 300-400 pounds more than the PF. It's also why the QX4 has a reduced payload compared to the PF. SUVs don't have to be noisey. (For your record, the difference between a QX4 and PF, after discounts, is less than the $4 to $5 grand you stated.)

winnyv · May 2001

300-400 pounds of this stuff huh???? Sounds a little far fetched.

sanandton · May 2001

I have an 01 PF LE. I have to say that I didn't notice a considerable noise difference between the Q and PF when I bought last year. Quiet ride was one of my major checkpoints and I was willing to pay the premium to get it if I noticed it. It is true the Q has more sound insulation among a few more perks.
I after having owned 3 ford explorers and now an Expedition EB have to say I find the PF very quiet. It is not as quiet as my Honda Accord, but I didn't expect it to be, and I suspect neither do you. I may have got a good PF or drove a bad Q or 2 bad Qs, but didn't notice a major difference in the two.
The one differece I think is evident is more rear wheel well noise when it rains. Othe than that, I am a blissfully happy owner of a 01 PF after one year.

bimmer4me · May 2001

You've complained about the PF in previous post, it's like beating a dead horse, again and again. What is your agenda? Why do you continue to re-visit this particular forum if all you do is whine about the PF's short comings? As I said earlier, it's obvious the PF isn't for you. If you want to complain, you should look at the Maxima body...ugly! Nissan already has plans to scrap the current Maxima design in 2003 and do a total redesign only after 3 years. This is interesting since most car manufacturers only do a minor refreshing in the last 2 years of their design cycle.

ballfire8888 · May 2001

Wow! What an eye opening article on engine oil filters. Better stay with Mobil 1, Purolator or Delco.

I'm going to refund my Fram's at Walmart tomorrow.

Which retailers carry the above 3 filter brands?

Thanks kindly!

winnyv · May 2001

Nissan Pathfinder

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