Nissan Pathfinder

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  • arisaris Member Posts: 15
    Hello everyone,
    I've been looking at a fully loaded PF at a local dealer, and i was wondering what a good negotiating price would be. I looked at the Edmunds TMV Price, and it's been the same price for a while now. It has every option available. Everything. It's the LE model.

    Base Vehicle Price : $29,265
    Optional Equipment : $5,433
    Destination Charge : $540
    Total..............> $35,238

    I would think that the price would be around $34K but I guess I'm wrong.

    Thanks for suggestions/comments/input,
    Aris
  • zenforgezenforge Member Posts: 4
    Looking to buy an LE PF before the 3.9 financing ends next week, but pickings are pretty slim around this area. Local dealers have suggested the following. Anyone care to comment on any of this (perhaps someone with a similar experience - this is my first new car purchase)?

    * they say come down, let them know what I want
    * they will do a dealer search and "trade" with the other dealer (approx 120-200mi away).
    * should I expect to pay for them to do the trade (drive it up here)?
    * should I trust them to drive it up here (e.g. start the break-in period for me)?
    * do you think that they'll try to pull any other special charges, or things I should watch for (i.e. "this sucker wants it that bad")?
    * If I find a dealer in CA (I was ready to drive some distance), one (I tried) said I should have them transfer it to nevada for me instead of my buying it in california. Besides the difference in sales tax, are there reasons I should/nt let them do this? I'd rather visual the car and break it in myself in CA than have them do it and deliver a car I've never seen.
    * anyone else notice that the 2001 LE's are almost gone, or is it just this area?
    * anyone care to comment on whether I should just wait for the 2002? I'd like the price on the 2001's (and incentives), but it's pretty hard to find an LE/leather/no ent/no nav, let alone one in the color I want.

    I know that most of these are not specific to nissan, but this is such a great list - and the intent is to buy a pathfinder tommorow or tuesday. Thanks for any suggestions!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Good questions. While waiting for more responses here, you may want to look through our advice articles like "10 STEPS TO BUYING A NEW CAR: What Everyone Should Know" (although from your questions, you sound like you've been doing your research already). There are also a bunch of threads over in the Smart Shopper Board you may want to scan through.

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • the_gladiatorthe_gladiator Member Posts: 58
    Ya don't say. My appointment is Thursday in Richmond (suburb of Vancouver) too! I don't have a ride. My wife is expecting with our son. Looking to take the train up. I also have been shopping for the exchange rate. Difficult to do as the rate could change every 20 minutes. Also have to be careful what min. $$$ amt they quote you in. I'm looking at Custom House in Seattle (or at Border), Accu-rate, or Royal Bank of Canada. Thru this board, I've heard its best to have the cashiers check for the exact amt in Canadian $$$. Some providers might need a day or two to process the check. Quite difficult to compare the exchange houses. From my calcs, I don't see anymore than $100 - $200 variation. That may be due to the time lag for the next quote. Are you buying from Richmond? Brad
  • kfmdkfmd Member Posts: 3
    Zenforge, I just bought my 01 SE this weekend and went through some of the things you're asking about. First, I'd say it's just your local area that doesn't have enough LE's. I had to go through 5 dealers to find one with an SE. They seem to sell only LE's here in GA. You should NOT have to pay another delivery charge for a dealer to go get a vehicle for you through a dealer swap. That's a cost of doing business and you pay for it anyway in the destination charge. Why pay twice? I also would not pay too large a deposit for them to get the vehicle. Most dealers will ask for one but I wouldn't do it unless it's refundable and if it's a small amount. It's a good faith gesture they're looking for to make sure they don't get stuck with the car. I gave them $150 and I got it back. If they ask for something like a $1000 non-refundable deposit, walk out and find another dealer. If you do that you are no longer on equal bargaining footing and you have no choice but to buy the vehicle no matter what the dealer does. My advice is to negotiate the "drive-out" price with each and every charge listed clearly on the offer sheet before agreeing to take the vehicle. That way everything is settled up front and you have no surprises. I'd buy a 2001 if you can find the color you're looking for. The dealers are letting them go at invoice or below. You may not get any better in a new model year. One last thing, I wouldn't go to the dealer unless they have found exactly what you're looking for; call ahead. Some dealers have a tendency to try to talk you into buying what's on their lot versus what you've asked them about. That's what happened to me, so I started shopping around. Since you're willing to drive a little to get your PF, that opens up your options more. Good luck. I hope this helps.
  • ladybugnovaladybugnova Member Posts: 40
    Aris--do not pay more than invoice on a new Pathie!! In my area--DC/Baltimore, Carmax is selling new Pathies at $1100 or so under invoice. I think there's another Carmax dealer in NC; or if you can stand the hassle (I can but my husband can't) go up to Canada and you can probably buy the 35K MSRP Pathie for, like 27k or something crazy like that. We are close to buying a new Pathie LE 4X4 at Carmax for $31,300, and that's loaded--leather, LSD, filter, etc. (everything but the navigation and enterntainment stuff I think). Check out www.carmax.com. Happy huntin.

    LBnova
  • ladybugnovaladybugnova Member Posts: 40
    If you are hearing a squealing noise from the steering wheel when you turn it, ask the dealer to check the connection with the air bag sensor. Supposedly, what I was told, there was dirt around the sensor (don't ask me how on a brand new vehicle) that caused the noise.

    LBnova
  • lspanglerlspangler Member Posts: 102
    The blocks under the gas pedals main function is to keep you from stressing the accel cable when you mash on the gas. The pedal and the block take all the load you can apply while the accel cable only has the load of the return spring to worry about. I am in the accel cable business.
  • looking25looking25 Member Posts: 19
    aris: I agree with ladybugnova! What I did was print off the exact Pathfinder I wanted from carmax.com and took it to my local dealer to beat it. Carmax had a $35,262 Pathfinder for $31,350 and I got it from the local dealer for $31,200; plus 3.9% financing. I wanted them to throw in a hitch bike rack.. but they wouldn't go for it. He did agree to sell me any accessory at dealer cost - got mats, cargo protector, bike rack.

    Bayshore Blue - 5k miles, flawless so far
    LE AWD
    Leather
    LSD
    Hitch
    Moldings, wind deflector
    Filter
    basically everything but nav./enter.
  • scot26scot26 Member Posts: 1
    Does anybody know if Canada will accept U.S. trade-ins.
  • yrideyride Member Posts: 21
    I'm flying into Vancouver and dealing with Richmond also. I'm getting an SE auto with cloth for CN$ 36,475 +GST. That's CN$1070 over invoice. I've contacted other dealers and all had stock and were willing to match prices. One was willing to go as low as CN$36,300, but since Bill has developed a good reputation on this site, it's worth a few extra bucks to deal with him. How does your deal compare? I'm still shopping exchange rates with little luck so far. Wells Fargo is offering 0.6689 currently. Any break-throughs on your exchange effort?
  • jints2282jints2282 Member Posts: 33
    Recently I have noticed a weird noise, sounds like friction, as I step on the accelerator, first thing in the morning. I thought it was the metallic brake pads, but my garage is dry, and I can't believe corrosion can form that quickly overnight. The noise usually goes away after a few hundred yards. Is this something I should worry about?
  • arisaris Member Posts: 15
    Thanks looking25, and ladybugnova,

    Well, the MSRP of the Pathfinder i'm looking at, at the dealer is 38,540. I was unable to print out a car from carmax that had the entertainment./nav. system like the one i'm looking at. I figure that $34K would be the price i'm looking to aim at. That would be nice. Lower would be better :)
    Invoice of Nav+Entertainment = $2860
    So if you paid $31,200+$2860 = $34,060

    Thanks for any other suggestions,
    Aris
  • inman01inman01 Member Posts: 9
    anyone have any updated info on the new full Pathy due out in 2-3 years. Any info will be helpful.

    Bill
  • the_gladiatorthe_gladiator Member Posts: 58
    I dont think Canada will accept trade-ins. Even if they did, you probably would not want to. I think selling a us vehicle would run counter to the incentive for a US citezen to buy a vehicle up there. Anyway, two of the people that I spoke to from exchange houses have said that WA dealers have been buying used cars in Canada and selling them in the states.

    Another mention from them is that the exchange houses have been getting alot of business for Canadian vehicle purchases. I'm sure its more so than what this town hall has been able to document.
  • the_gladiatorthe_gladiator Member Posts: 58
    Scot, it sure could not hurt to ask the dealer about the trade-in though. One reason, I would not, is that you might make a trip up there without closing the deal. With a new vehicle, you pretty much know what your getting (sight unseen). The CA dealer has no assurance of the condition of your vehicle. If he did accept, you would not know what your final price would be until your were at their dealership. It would be more difficult to broker the deal. Just something for you to chew on.....
  • the_gladiatorthe_gladiator Member Posts: 58
    Looks as if you did one better than I. My price came in at $36,550 before adding the sunroof wind deflector. I know that I received a great deal.

    About the exchange house. Within the past week, we lost about 20 points in our favor.

    Accu-rate was at 1.5065 today
    Royal Bank of CA 1.5073
    Custom House SEA or Surrey was 1.5064

    All these rates were within 30 minutes of each other. You will need to verify that you're not getting the $1 million rate. Accu-rate would take 2 days to process unless you plan to have them wire the funds to the dealer. Not something I want to do until I inspect the vehicle. I am leaning towards Custom House. However, I may still consider Royal Bank.
  • yrideyride Member Posts: 21
    I also spoke with Custom House, Seattle. You made quite an impresson there with your enthusiasm. The rate seems reasonable but more importantly, they seem very flexible. If something goes wrong at the dealership, they will take the canadian bank draft back at the Surrey office and reissue to another dealer of my choice. If things really screw up, (i.e. no Pathfinder at all :( ) they will return US dollars without raking me over the buy/sell margine!
  • yrideyride Member Posts: 21
    Anyone got the inside scoop on the conversion of Canadian speedo/odo to US flavor? Contacted San Diego Niss dealer and all 3 speedo shops in town. NONE of them have done or know how to do the conversion. They can swap hardware, but they are not sure how deep they need to go. 1800NISSAN1 was no help either. Should I have it done in Seattle? Will the Calif Dept of Motor Vehicles get fussy about registering a modified odo? Thanks for the help.
  • the_gladiatorthe_gladiator Member Posts: 58
    Your best bet for odo replacement will probably be the northern border states. Someone told me Tacoma Speedometer in Seattle or Tacoma WA will do it for you. I think they said it would be $251 for new parts. Best to check it out yourself first before going home.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Since Canadians use the Metric system, you might have to change the speedometer/odometer first, before you can even attempt to trade-in your vehicle. Unless your vehicle has a digital speedometer/odometer that does the conversion, it would be difficult to trade it in. Similarly, in the U.S., it is difficult to trade in a vehicle with a metric speedometer/odometer. My suggestion is to try and see what carmax would give you for the vehicle.
  • longball07longball07 Member Posts: 1
    I am currently looking at a 98 PF 4X4. Was wondering if anyone had advice/updates on the '98 PF. Anything I should be worried about? Thanks

    G
  • dmahdmah Member Posts: 6
    I got all the TSB's from the NHTSA website ...


    see: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/

  • kbehnkekbehnke Member Posts: 60
    longball, I recently traded in my 98 PF SE. I put 65k miles on it and, other than a couple of minor things, it was basically problem free. Really the only reason I upgraded to the 01 PF was to get the bigger engine. If the truck you're looking at has been well-maintained, I would certainly recommend it.

    Hope this helps.
  • pogitopogito Member Posts: 10
    We have our '01 Pathy SE Auto 4X4 for less than a year with about 14 K. I noticed from used car pages on newspapers that the price of a used '01 SE like ours depreciate so fast. Some ad listed it at 23,995, some at 24 K. We bought the Pathy at about 29K including everything tax,tags, etc. etc. Is this normal? I thought the price of this car would be about 26-27 K in about a year. What do you think? I am not whinning, but the 23K- 24 K price of a used 01 Pathfinder is comparable to 97-98 4 Runner SR5. We are not planning to sell the car, just want to know what you all think. Thanks....
  • kmrqkmrq Member Posts: 50
    I want to replace my speakers, but I don't know what size it is. If anyone has replaced the both front door side and both back door size which type do you guys recommend???
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    That amount of depreciation doesn't seem that odd to me. It probably dropped that amount when you drove it off the lot. The depreciation should be much reduced from here on. I'm expecting these trucks to hold their value fairly well (MY2001). As for the 4runners, I guess it depends on what they paid for them originally (too much in my opinion compared to a similarly equipped PF), and what they will actually get for them upon sale. I'd like to see how this shakes out in a couple years!
  • omega11omega11 Member Posts: 36
    Hello,
    I'm looking to purchase a yakima bike carrier for my PF in canada. What is a fair price for one?

    thanks.
  • kfmdkfmd Member Posts: 3
    You shouldn't spend much more than $200 (US) for an internal bike carrier. The one Yakima makes for Nissan (listed in its accessories brochure) goes for $189 (US).
  • bgritzbgritz Member Posts: 139
    try going here:


    http://www.crutchfield.com/whatfits/S-SITSHe6N3EK/index.html?lp=http://www.crutchfield.com/


    even if you don't buy from them, they have all the info about your car.


    gritz

  • loboyloboy Member Posts: 75
    Got mine changed last week, but it took 3 trips at Tacoma Speedometer. I think this was their first conversion for this model year even though they told me they had done many of these. I had a lot of problems with the first 2 boards. Anyway, to make a long story short, make sure you get the right board from Nissan. Apparently, there's 3 different boards for the PF. If you are considering making the conversion, tell them the VIN and production date plus the 4WD type (manual or All Mode). This will make a difference. I'll be more than happy to share my (horror) stories or give you contacts if interested.

    Being I was the first for Tacoma Speedometer, they should know what to expect and do you right the first time now.
  • philipc1philipc1 Member Posts: 10
    HELLO ALL,
    I HAVE A RHODE GEAR 2 BIKE CARRIER THAT'S BEEN USED ONLY A FEW TIMES THAT I BOUGHT FOR MY 95 PATHFINDER SE. I NOW HAVE A 01 LE AND HAVE NO USE FOR THE CARRIER SINCE I NO LONGER HAVE THE SPARE TIRE MOUNTED ON THE BACK. WILL SELL CHEAP! ANYONE INTERESTED, PLEASE EMAIL ME AT PJC22@MSN.COM
    THANK YOU!
  • the_gladiatorthe_gladiator Member Posts: 58
    Awesome week for me. Today I bring my newborn son home. Tomorrow I bring my new PF home.

    I exchanged at Custom House today. I was offered the same flexibility. Converting your currency within the US may offer gtr rewards as the USD is stronger and the exchange houses are more interested in getting them. Better rate from custom house in US than custom house in Canada.

    Additional info regarding odo replacement is appreciated. I may be converting within the next few days.
  • ballfire8888ballfire8888 Member Posts: 131
    Boy, do I feel good :-)

    I just finished my first oil change, the 2nd for this 01 PF SE AWD with the odo reading 6500 km (3900 miles). I converted to Mobil 1 synthetic oil but only used a Fram filter from the local Walmart :-( Hopefully, it'll be OK. The whole surgical procedure is dead easy. Clear access to the drain plug and filter unlike my wife's 1999 Chevy Tracker.

    I have already changed to a K&N air filter. I use only premium unleaded gasoline with minimum 91 octane rating. So far...so good.

    Any truths to fuel economy improving over time? I hope so (my only complaint).
  • sanandtonsanandton Member Posts: 342
    Gas mileage before 11k miles 15.5 -16mpg. Now after 11k getting 17.3-17.5 mpg.
  • engle3engle3 Member Posts: 12
    I'm getting my first oil change today, at the dealer. I've got about 1100 miles on it and wanted to change between 500-1000 but just couldn't part with it. I really wanted to stay with it the whole time, like taking your child to the doctor, but I took a deep breath and left.
    My milage seems to be getting somewhat better, between 17.5 and 18.5 MPG. I'm taking a trip down to LA next week and will really have a chance to check highway MPG. What are you getting?
  • loboyloboy Member Posts: 75
    I've been consistenlty getting mpg in the low 19's with about 80% hwy driving, a slight improvement. About 6K miles now. Have not made any performance mods (syn oil, K&N filter, etc) other than added some accessories. Making another trip tomorrow (bringing the Pathy "home" to Canada) for a golf tourney. :)

    Brad, good luck with your purchase tomorrow. Maybe I'll see you on the road.
  • crw2crw2 Member Posts: 4
    Does anyone have any information about when the 2002 PF will be released? Are there any major changes planned? Thanks
  • highuphighup Member Posts: 31
    Now that we're cycling back to oil changes and best mileages, here's some information on my 01 LE. I have changed the oil twice since new and have always poured in 5 1/4 quarts oil and would recheck the level in the morning. The level on the dipstick is always on the H mark on the dipstick. I mean the oil level is past the top line and completely covers the "H". I think next time I'll put in only 5 quarts and see where that lands.

    A month after I picked up the LE I checked the ATF level and it was about 2 inches above the high level hot range. (Yes I checked after the it was completely warmed up and idling) To bring it back to the proper level I siphoned out 3/4 quart of fluid. I guess the prep guys at the dealership were feeling generous that day.

    Gas mileage at 8.5k - 18.7mpg 70/30 hwy/other

    Hey found a good dashboard and doorpanel cleaner. It is not greasy or glossy and does not attract dust., Supposed to keep panels from fading and cracking. Smells pretty good too. "Refresh" by 3M.
  • smokey75smokey75 Member Posts: 434
    HIGHUP... just did my first oil change & ended up only using 5 qts. After 2 weeks it's right on the high mark where it should be. Could be if every last drop was drained it would be 5.25 qts. but a quarter of a quart seems like a lot to leave behind...
  • highuphighup Member Posts: 31
    Smokey75...I think we're onto something here. The location of the drain hole is set in the corner and high enough so that all the oil is not drained out. Maybe a 1/4 quart is left behind. So When I poured in 5 1/4 quarts the total became 5 1/2 which explains the high level on the dipstick. Next time I'll start with 5 qts. Thanks.
  • vj2000vj2000 Member Posts: 1
    Could anybody give me a price that I should settle for a new 2001 PF with leather package without taxes ? (Michigan area). Any feedback/comments would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks
    VK.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image
  • the_gladiatorthe_gladiator Member Posts: 58
    After a lengthy research, I finally have taken possesion. The PF is quite comfortable to sit in during a long trip. I compared exchange rates between Custom House and Royal Bank of Canada. Custom House was .01 better.

    I think I drove 45 miles when a rock already hit the windshield. I haven't notice a chip yet. Which brings me to this question.

    What is the best rock chip/bug shield protector for the PF?

    Also looking for a fabric spray to protect the cloth seats.
  • the_gladiatorthe_gladiator Member Posts: 58
    Awhile back, someone posted a url that gave detailed documentation how one person added a mesh guard in front of the radiator to protect it from rocks. I think there is good justification to provide some protection to the radiator. Anyone remember the url or the msg id number?
  • omega11omega11 Member Posts: 36
    shaka62 ,
    I have noticed that my automatic PF SE lurches forward a few inches as well when in park. Have you found out why and if it is normal?
    Thanks.
  • mrschlesmrschles Member Posts: 4
    I have a 2001 LE. Can anyone tell me how many gallons I have left in my tank once the fuel light goes on. The manual is useless.
  • mbuntingmbunting Member Posts: 158
    Hello!

    In September, my wife and I will be re-locating to my new job near Seattle-Tacoma, Washington. We currently live in Biloxi, MS.

    Instead of us both driving seperately (I in my 01' PF LE & her in her 01' Mustang), I thought it might be more feasible (less fuel usage)if I were to rent a trailer from u-haul ($200) and also have a Class III Tow Hitch put on my PF from my local Nissan dealer.

    I have no experience driving with a trailer...but I think I can do it with no problem.

    Would I be better off going with the Nissan Tow Hitch...or should I look elsewhere?

    Do I need a Transmission Cooler if I add a Tow Hitch?

    Our trip is nearly 3,000 K miles one-way...and it also has us going thru the Rocky Mountains (obviously).

    To those who have added a Tow Hitch, how does an LE look with the Tow Hitch on it? How much did it cost to have done?

    Anyone have any suggestions, pointers, tips for me before I make the call to my Nissan dealership?

    Or would it be better to travel seperately like we had originally planned before we really thought it over?

    Thanks for any help!
  • rudy1000rudy1000 Member Posts: 21
    Phil,
    I live in Calgary too and need to ask you a few questions,please e-mail me at rcrawford@telusplanet.net.

    thx
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
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