Nissan Pathfinder

15253555758158

Comments

  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    Thanks Wholeinone. I'll shop around and see what I can find. Just wanted to make sure it will fit.

    Dano
  • beaulierbeaulier Member Posts: 9
    Just picked up our new 2001 EL with Leather/LSD on Friday the 25th and we love it! Crawled under to find the location of the oil filter and can see it through a small hole in a splash guard beneath the engine. Does this guard have to be removed for the oil change... or is there a better way????? I have always changed my own oil, but maybe not with this one.
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    tonveranga: TSB/Technical Service Bulletin. Issued by manufacturers to address known problems. MPG/fill up...record odo and gallons...drive...next fill up, record odo and gallons again. Calc mileage between fill ups by dividing miles driven by the gallons needed to re-fill.

    beaulier: You have to remove the plate you mention to replace the oil filter. Takes a little more time to do but once off, very easy access to drain plug and filter.

    Answers to some questions like these can be found in the PF FAQ forum.

    Tom
  • sonardudesonardude Member Posts: 12
    After reading some of the tire pressure discussions, I contacted Dunlop, which came on my 2001 Pathfinder. Anyway, the Dunlop tires have a max. pressure of 51 psi. and we all know the Nissan recommendation is 26, which seems comparatively under inflated. Dunlop said to go by the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation, since they set the pressure based on vehicle design.

    I just read a post that Nissan is going to put out a tech. bulletin on this and have varying recommendations based on tires. Does someone have the complete story on this issue? Thanks.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    Definitely do the oil yourself. We had ours done by a local oil change place and they stripped the guard bolts after not replacing them with the correct ones. Had to retap the holes and buy new bolts. There is 11 bolts in all and a plastic clip. The clip can be removed and doesn't have to be replaced. Good luck.

    Dano
  • xishixishi Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I'm new to this town hall thing and I've read some great discussions. I live in Houston, Texas. Can any one recommend a Nissan dealer? Also what kind of pricing can I expect? I'm looking for an Pathfinder SE auto, no leather sunroof or stuff like that, thanks.
  • ballfire8888ballfire8888 Member Posts: 131
    Did any of you guys switch to synthetic oil to realize this great increase in gas mileage???

    I am considering going to Mobil 1 tri-synthetic ... just a question of when!

    TIA
  • neptunedudeneptunedude Member Posts: 9
    hey guys I need your HELP. I got a deal for a Pathfinder SE 4x4, the only option being an automatic, now the dealer gave me a price of $27,500+540 (destination charge) for total of $28,040. Now I think the dealer could have done slightly better by a couple hundred. Edmunds price the car at $27,922. Cardirect price this car at $27,773. This is in New Jersey. Can anyone tell me if that is a good deal. These dealers are so much into playing games it is hard to be sure that you are getting a good price. Anyone know of any good nissan dealers not into BS games in Central NJ? Your help will be greatly appericated. One last thing does anyone know what kind of credit you need to get the 3.9% financing from Nissan.
  • lponz7lponz7 Member Posts: 25
    Sonardude,

    I also have the Dunlop M&S tires on my new PF SE, 2wdr. I checked pressure on delivery and the dealer filled the tires up to near capacity (48-49 psi), so I don't know where the 26 psi recommended pressure comes from, but that seems pretty low for these tires even with the vehicle unloaded. Anybody else have any thoughts on the optimum pressure?

    Also, based on previous posts, I guess I'll go with premium (91 octane) fuel. In for a penny in for a pound.

    BTW, anyone figured how to remove the antenna. The smallest open-end wrench I have, 8mm, is too large. Seems like kind of a pain to have to use a tool to remove and reassemble every time you go to a car wash. On the other hand, I guess if that's my biggest complaint, I'll be happy.

    LP
  • sanandtonsanandton Member Posts: 342
    I didn't switch to a synthetic,it just sort of showed up. I had been getting around 260 miles on a tank then one day I realized I was getting about 290-300 miles per tank. When I did the calcs after a few tanks of gas it came out to 17.3mpg. Even more happy with my PF now. Mine is a lease, otherwise I might have considered a synthetic. Have my 15k service coming up soon, hope they don't do something to throw off my good carma.
  • smibradsmibrad Member Posts: 34
    If you are shopping around try Route 22 Nissan in Hillside. I bought my PF from them a year ago and they quoted me dealer invoice price over the phone. No games at all. The dealer maybe a little out of the way for you but it is worth the savings. Ask for Kelvin Hoffmann 908-964-8700. Good luck.
  • smithmdsmithmd Member Posts: 167
    I wrote about a dealer in Houston in post #2690. Check it out.
  • imastangdudeimastangdude Member Posts: 1
    I was quoted $500 under invoice for a SE and LE. The supply is real good in South Jersey and they are willing to deal.
  • neptunedudeneptunedude Member Posts: 9
    Where in South Jersey? Can you give any specific dealers?
  • pathy57pathy57 Member Posts: 25
    Just finished spring fishing trip back to midwest, 3,200 miles round trip. Pathy towed boat Great, didn't really think there would be a problem, but you never know. Never lacked for power and was really nice being able to tow in overdrive. Checked couple tanks of gas for average MPG, would you believe 15.3 and 14.8? I was surprised, running Interstate, cruise on 70. I love this vehicle. Anyone thinking of buying a Pathfinder if you get one as good a mine you will enjoy it. This is my first import and I am impressed with the quality, fit and finish. The only time I have had to take the vehicle back to dealership has been for regular service. Usually after a few thousand miles vehicles start to loosen up and develope small rattles and squeaks but this vehicle is as tight as first driven. I was impressed with its ability to handle boat, motor, trailer and gear for two without bottoming out. Fishing wasn't that great, fished in sleet twice in one day, fished in rain for 6 straight days. Ride home was comfortable, ready for oil change now.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    Sorry for not posting earlier, I was sick last weekend.
    I rented a Bobcat from NationsRent and used the Pathy to tow it. Not sure what it weights + the trailer but I had absolutely no trouble. I don't have any aux brakes so the Pathy handled it alone. Plenty of torque and no one had to follow the slow poke! I notice a little sagging but with air lifts or other would correct. The expression of the guy at NationsRent was worth it all. He asked, are you sure it will tow it. All I could do was try. I don't recommend turning your Pathy into the "work truck" but if you have to haul something heavy it will handle it!

    Dano
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    Sorry for posting several in a row, can't seem to remember everything at once.

    What is the maximum size for a roof top carrier? I noticed several sizes from 12 cubic feet to 20+ cubic feet. Samsonite even lists to check with the specs for your vehicle before purchasing. I've not looked in the book cause I knew the easy way was to post it here.

    Thanks,
    Dano
  • ballfire8888ballfire8888 Member Posts: 131
    Took delivery of my new 01 PF SE AWD March 30/01 with dealer installed bug shield on front of the hood.

    Just looked at it today and noticed scuff marks on paint at front of hood. It was caused by the bug guard not being properly supported by the stick-on rubber nipples. Dealer used a total of 4 but located 2 on each side near outside of hood; centre of hood got not nipples!

    Darn my luck. What can I do now?

    TIA
  • mustangfiveomustangfiveo Member Posts: 12
    Hi guys,

    Sorry to ask so many questions, but it seems that each time I decided on a Sequoia, someone post a problem with their rig. This is unacceptable for a $40K vehicle. Hopefully someone can help me with my questions on the LE model.

    1. Can you change LE's shocks to an aftermarket shocks?
    2. Can you install airlift on an LE?
    3. Does LE comes with transmission cooler?

    These are the only issues I have with the parthfinder because I am concerned on bottoming out since I will be towing a 21' travel trailer with a 420 lbs. tongue weight 8 times per year; If all of these can be done, the parthfinder may be my next vehicle.

    Thanks for any help

    Max
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    Max,

    The answer to your questions is YES. Although I have not done any of these changes I have seen other post here discussing these options. There is a link, I'll have to find it for a company called AirLift. You might have heard of it.


    Found it, http://www.airliftcompany.com/indexAL.htm


    The trans cooler is an option for the Pathy, not standard. The tongue weight id 500lbs. and the max load is 5000lbs.

    Good luck.

    Dano

  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Dave, have them buff out the scuffs and make sure they put the nipples in the right spot.
  • meca2meca2 Member Posts: 284
    All PF have a transmission and engine oil coolers. They are both water to oil
    heat exchangers. Good luck!!
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    Where is it listed that all Pathys have a trans cooler? I have looked on the Nissan site as well as others and it isn't mentioned. All transmissions do have a cooling line that runs into the radiator but an external trans cooler is usually an option adding specifically for towing/racing purposes. Not that I doubt there is one but it wouldn't make sense for Nissan to make it standard for all Pathys.

    Thanks,
    Dano
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    Does anyone know if a TSB or Recall was issued on exhaust manifold problems on 1995 Pathfinders ?
    The manifold on the driver's side had a leak last year that was covered by warranty. Then just last week, the passenger side manifold started leaking and I had to pick up the tab. I can't believe I'm the only PF to have manifold problems. Stan in San Diego
  • pondfull5pondfull5 Member Posts: 53
    Hi Folks:
    How are you all doing?
    As usual I have been doing my silent reading on and off.
    Please advice me on the type of OIL FILTER I will need. please state all the part #I of the manufactures.

    2) Also when do I switch from 5W30 to 10W30?.

    3) When is it ok to use synthetic oil?.

    Thank you all in advance.
    pondfull5.
  • jambazijambazi Member Posts: 51
    pondfull5,


    Check out my FAQ for a discussion on oil filters. We went around and around with this a few months ago, and so far I don't have any new information.


    --Howie

  • duperduper Member Posts: 127
    I believe the 95 and older only has 60,000 miles warranty for the exhaust. All 96+ have up to 100,000. My 99 exhaust bolt fell off and it wasn't even cover.

    Try http://www.4x4parts.com forum, there are many older model owners that can offer some help.


    Good luck

  • filodfilod Member Posts: 189
    JD Power 2001 Initial Quality Study ranked the PF the best medsize sport utility

    Always a nice feeling to see these results if you own one... I guess the survey were sent to us satisfied owners!!!!
  • mmackenzie1mmackenzie1 Member Posts: 13
    Considering a 97 PF. Sounds like a winner. I have seen conflicting reports on using regular or premium gas. Any thoughts? What happens w/ regular? How does premium help? Thanks.
  • baddestbob1baddestbob1 Member Posts: 96
    Got back last night with SE, auto, cloth,taupe (Bronzed Gray) purchased from 401 Dixie Nissan near Toronto. (Sells l500 new Nissans a year, biggest dealer in Canada)
    Great, smooth, quiet, tight, powerful. Great feature, auto headlight, now standard on SE. Also now std. is mode switch for temp display get F or C. Sound is awesome, my inside mirror quivered all the way home.
    Downside; seats not quite as comfortable as I'd like, LED and "green" display lights hard to see in daylight especially on audio controls. Wind noise from roof rack at speed, but I got used to it, under 60 or so no prob. Really seemed to go through gas but manual shows 20 7/8 gal capacity, at 1/4 tank on gauge could only fill about 11-12 gallons ($22-24 worth of 91/93 octane). When I got home flasher/beep signal no longer worked when locking.
    Really BAD news, US Customs at Detroit insisted on charging duty on all taxes and fees paid instead of basic cost of vehicle and freight. Am fighting this because of impact on state sales taxes. Will post info on result when known.
    Sent Jon some other info to post in his FAQ or E mail packet for interested potential Canada buyers. Saved $4-$5K over US, will pay for insurance, property tax for a couple of years and sales tax, buy 91 octane for a while.
  • loboyloboy Member Posts: 75
    Congrats on your new rig!
    I'm jealous about the temp display to get F or C (I have the previous version which I have to cut a ground wire-but shouldn't be a problem). Try turning the instrument display "wheel" to the locked position (turn all the way until it locks-forgot which direction).

    Don't know if this is any comfort, but I had to pay duty on the tax as well (port of entry through Vancouver). I have to agree about the seats even though its 8-way power. Maybe because I don't fill the entire seat :-). As for the gas, most I was able to fill was 17 gal but I have yet to run below "E". Also, I've seen mileage increasing, getting just under 20mpg on hwy.

    Currently working on getting the odo/speedo replaced. Price was $251+tax. Will post results.

    Again, congrats and welcome to the PF board. Do share your experiences, good or bad.

    Happy Pathfinding...
  • sonardudesonardude Member Posts: 12
    Iponz7,

    The 26 psi comes from Nissan. It is on a plaque that is in the driver's side door jam. When I saw the max. pressure on the tire and checked my pressure, it was around 26 psi. I pressed up the tire to around 48, since I thought that 26 was too low. Anyway, Dunlop told me to go back to 26.

    I asked my dealer about it and the service manager said it should be between 26 and 30. The thing that bothers me is that I have always understood that it was best to have the tires inflated to about the maximum pressure to prevent overheating and I have never seen the recommended pressure 50% less than maximum. This is one of the disagreements between Firestone and Ford because Ford lowered the tire pressures on the Explorer.
  • lponz7lponz7 Member Posts: 25
    sonardude,

    Just can't get myself to go below 30 on pressure for some of the same old habits/biases about pressure you describe. Gues I'll settle around 35 unloaded--don't want Explorer issues.

    Anyone have any advice on best tool for removing manual antenna for car washes without marring or scratching the lock nut? Thanks.

    LP
  • meca2meca2 Member Posts: 284
    pondfull5: As Howie said we did go around about oil filters. The dealer uses a very small filter 15208-65F00. Purolator came out with a new filter for all 2001 Nissans L14610 but I haven't seen any. I'm going to start using Amsoil filters on all my Nissan and have been using Synthic (valvoline) oil in my PF sence 1700 miles with no
    oil consumption. 10w30 oil is good from 0 F and higher. 5W-30 is good from -20 F and higher. The weight depends on where you live.
    Steve
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    The requirement for premium gas only applies to the new (in 2000.5) 3.5L 240/250hp engine. The '97 doesn't need it.

    Tom
  • poswaldposwald Member Posts: 38
    lponz7: To prevent scratching just put a rag over the nut for the antenna and use the next bigger size wrench to loosen/tighten. I personally leave the antenna on when I go to the car wash and have had absolutely no problems.
  • ballfire8888ballfire8888 Member Posts: 131
    Service manager claimed the bug deflector was installed to Nissan "spec", i.e. 2 rubber stops at each end and none near centre.

    Well, I brought my PF in today and they could NOT buff out the scuff marks caused by the deflector. Marks are sorta hidden by the deflector though but I know they're there!

    Darn it! Other than repainting, what else can this unhappy PF owner do? Darn truck is only 2 months old!
  • millhouser1millhouser1 Member Posts: 13
    I noticed in an earlier post you mentioned you had a 99.5 PF that you put a stillen package in. My question(s) is what exactly did you put in, what were the results, did it void any warranty, how much did it cost and was it worth it? Thanks in advance for the info.
  • hattrick16hattrick16 Member Posts: 16
    I'm new to this board. I have been lurking for a little while and I cannot believe how positive everyone is about the PF. I am planning on buying an '01 SE soon. I may even give Canada a try. Sounds like an awesome deal! I am still researching a bit, but Canada looks like the way to go.

    I test drove the PF last week. It blew away the xterra. The dealer gave us the keys and told us to have fun... we really put the PF to the test. It was raining so we took it to a parking lot and tried all kinds of moves. Can't wait to get one. I really had my heart set on a navy blue SUV. The PF only comes in a blue that is way to light for me. I might go for the Black or Green. Well if anyone has any more tips for going to Canada please let me know.
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    Cost me around $1500 CAD plus $300 CAD for installation. It included a K&N conical filtercharger (replaced the very restrictive existing intake system), ceramic-coated headers and cat back exhaust (aluminized steel, mandrel bent. performance muffler, chrome tip).

    My Nissan dealer installed it and assured me there would be no warranty voidage (actually wrote it on the invoice). It doesn't involve the engine management system or result in any compression changes (like a chip or a supercharger). I noticed a very significant improvement in acceleration (particularly high revs), better gas mileage (highway) and more NOISE. It sounded great from the outside and inside on acceleration, but it was definitely louder and the "drone" eventually got on my nerves.

    If you don't mind the noise (particularly the resonation or drone), then I would say it is worth it. I've heard that Stillen no longer sells the kit for 99.5-2000. You may want to confirm that.
  • nismofreaknismofreak Member Posts: 120
    The only thing I can offer you to have the dealer open another Nissan Bug guard and prove that is comes with four rubber "stops". They made the mistake in not installing it and thus it is their fault that you now have scuff marks on your truck.

    The problem is that the actual price to fix the scuff marks is small so they really don't care. If you went the legal route (I don't know if it is worth it) is in small claims court. Get an estimate from a body shop.

    Again, sorry to hear about your issue. This is why NO ONE is doing service or anything on my truck except for me.

    Good luck!
  • kmrqkmrq Member Posts: 50
    Is it possible to adjust headlights???? lower than factory specs.
  • joef4570joef4570 Member Posts: 29
    ...is one of the most boring of the SUV boards on Edmunds. And you know what ?!!! That's a good thing! It's an indication of the high quality & owner satisfaction that seems to come as standard equipment on the new Pathfinders. I've had mine for only two months & 2500 miles but can't say enough about the performance & ride quality. This is my third SUV & while I'm not going to knock some other guys' ride, for my money they don't come close. I just hope I can say the same two or more years from now.
    It's been a while since I've looked forward to a summer of driving like I'm looking forward to this one!
  • pondfull5pondfull5 Member Posts: 53
    The only thing that should show on your invoice are: 1) the price of the Pathfinder.
    2) Options (if any)I. recommend Sun roof def.
    3) Freight (about $980.00 Canadian).
    4) Federal air condition tax ($100.00Can.).
    5) Offer to pay the dealer $150-$200 Can. to
    drive you to the US/CA. boarder to exchange
    the paper work for your new baby.
    ( his car and your PF.).
    6) Frankly you and the dealer don't have to
    do item #5, but due to some minor US/CA
    import/export laws and that's why.
    7) By doing the above you also avoid paying
    both Can. taxes, the G.S.T and the sales
    tax.
    8) So at the boarder all the US Customs will
    will charge is the total purchase price
    of your Baby. Of which is 2.5% of the
    amount.
    9) Don't forget to include the $15.00 Can.
    transfer tax.
    10) You must insist of not paying for item
    # 7. After all you don't live in
    Canada.
    11) I bought mine in Ottawa. If you need further help contact
    me.
    As I have said before, it was an adventure.
    pondfull5.
  • dvargadvarga Member Posts: 1
    I bought a 2001 PA EL several months ago and love it... that is until my if brought home a Lexus RX300. Is there anything that can be done about the suspension to reduce the stiffness or "truck" feeling? Living in LA we have some old concrete freeways that have miles and miles of uneven sections that make for a very bump ride. In the RX300 you don't even feel it.
  • kmrqkmrq Member Posts: 50
    I believe that RX300 is not a true SUV, its an over-sized station-wagon. Even though your not feeling the bumpiness in your RX300, if you take the RX300 off-road, you would not go pass few miles. There's many different types of SUV, ranging from small-mid-large.
  • bimmer4mebimmer4me Member Posts: 266
    The RX300 is a nice smooth riding wantabe SUV. Basically, it's a modified Camry, not that it's a bad thing. I've even heard some call the RX300 a "chick car" to each its own. What is your current tire pressure? When I purchased my PF a couple of months ago the tires were at 42 psi...somewhat a harsh ride. I lowered my tires to 30 psi (4 psi more than recommended) and what a difference...much better in my opinion.
  • baddestbob1baddestbob1 Member Posts: 96
    When I bought my PF in Canada this week I learned a lot. If you pick up at dealer as I did near Toronto I think they have to list all the taxes on bill of sale. I did insist that these taxes were not part of vehicle cost but it was a my way or no way standoff at US Customs. That was a bad scene man. Toronto to Buffalo to avoid the problem might work but not Toronto to Detroit. too far. Duty charged is 4% first $lK, 2.5% on balance. My Detroit boys in blue did not mention or offer personal exemption of $400 either.
    You can save a lot of money by getting a firm quote from dealer but ask for a "window" on the price (say 2 weeks). Watch for the exchange rate quote (Accu-rate.ca) and be ready to confirm with them via bank draft when the exchange rate is most favorably trending, then call dealer to write bill of sale. Accu-rate has a "gold" account rate for large transactions, over $10K I think that will cost about 1% less than rate shown on their web site. Call Marie Boivin at 800 278 1578 and she will handle smooth and easy. If I was doing this again I would just tell her to tell me when to do the deal (make the exchange).
    When I went to MVR to license and title they needed proof of exchange rate on the date on the sales contract. They wanted a fax from bank documenting this info. Suggest a personal trip to your local MVR to find out what they need and how they base sales tax, etc before committing to purchase. Happy to furnish any info, see Email on my profile.
    1 coat of Show car glaze, 2 coats of #26 Yellow wax, Back to Black on trim, Mother's Endurance on tires, 2 washes (first), 3 or 4window washes, 7 or 8 hours and my Pathfinder looks like a show car.
    One final note, then I will shut up, someone posted about installing a honeycomb grid behind front bumper to protect rads, please post a number, I think this protection will look and do good.
  • tonverangatonveranga Member Posts: 29
    just got my black 01 4x2 LE. Can I have the Navigation from Nissan installed as an aftermarket accessory?
Sign In or Register to comment.