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Comments
Mechanical
• Lightweight molybdenum-coated pistons
• Variable-induction intake manifold
• Continuously variable valve timing
• Lockup torque converter
• Brake transmission shift interlock system
• Direct ignition w/platinum-tipped spark plugs
• Full length steel fuel tank skid plate
• Independent strut-type front suspension w/coil springs
• P245/70SR16 all-season SBR tires
• 16 x 7.0 3-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels
• Full-size spare tire w/aluminum-alloy wheel
• Pwr engine-speed-sensitive rack & pinion steering
• 4-wheel anti-lock braking system w/load sensing proportioning valve
EXTERIOR
• Body-color body-side moldings/fender flares/door handles
• Front/rear mud flaps
• Body-color grille
• Automatic-on/off multi-parabola xenon headlamps w/manual leveler
• UV-reducing glass
• Tinted driver & front passenger windows
INTERIOR
• Front/rear outboard seats-inc: height adjustable head restraints
• Genuine wood trim
• Cut-pile carpet w/matching floor mats
• Stainless steel door sill plates
• Retained accessory pwr for windows
• Pwr locks w/selective unlocking
• Illuminated entry system w/theater dimming & battery saving feature
• Infiniti vehicle immobilizer system
• Remote electric liftgate glass/fuel-filler door releases
• In-glass & pwr antenna w/diversity system
• Analog clock
• Triple front cup holders
• Overhead console-inc: temp display, digital compass, dual map lights, storage
• Leather-wrapped shift knob/parking brake
• Cargo area light
SAFETY
• 4-wheel anti-lock braking system w/load sensing proportioning valve
• Brake transmission shift interlock system
• Steel pipe door guard beams
• Energy absorbing steering column
EMISSIONS CERTIFICATION
• LEV certified (3.5L engine/4-speed auto trans)
But some of the things you listed are also on the Pathfinder. Mechanically the two are twins so most of the difference is cosmetic, luxury cosmetics at that. When the QX4 had the auto 4WD thing while PF had the extra gearshift that was a pretty substantial difference.
The QX4 is definitely more prestigious. If I had a choice of which car to drive, it would definitely be the QX4. I just couldn't justify paying more. Regardless of which vehicle you have, they are both great!!
On the regular vs. premium debate, 'I've only tanked up about a half dozen times, 50% regular and 50% premium.One caveat, I do drive slowly and conservatively. But I have found no difference in performance or gas mileage. I get between 17-18mpg consistently, excluding long freeway trips (20mpg).
Happy Pathfinding!!
Steve
• Front/rear mud flaps
• UV-reducing glass
• Tinted driver & front passenger windows
• Front/rear outboard seats-inc: height adjustable head restraints
• Retained accessory pwr for windows
• Infiniti vehicle immobilizer system (just substitute Nissan for Infiniti)
• Overhead console-inc: temp display, digital compass, dual map lights, storage
• Leather-wrapped shift knob/parking brake
• Cargo area light
• Energy absorbing steering column
• 4-wheel anti-lock braking system w/load sensing proportioning valve
There are others that I think are the same but I'm not positive, so I left them out.
The basic difference between the two (besides cost) is extra soundproofing, the extra warranty and a few "special" items on the QX4.
Your statements are not supported by any documentation I can find. The nissan website http://www.nissandriven.com/vehicles/ModelSpecifications/0,9439,20702||,00.html calls out the specifications and the first 4 are not mentioned at all. The 5th one "retained accessory power for windows" is described as "Accessory power delay (30 seconds)" on the Pathfinder. That is not the same thing. I will grant you the immobilizer point, the overhead console and the Energy-absorbing steering column as they are on the Nissan site. The leather wrapped shift knob/parking brake is not listed. The cargo area light is not listed. The "Rear load-sensing proportioning valve" is listed for the (4x4 models) so you would have to add the cost for 4X4 if you are going to claim that too. I know car companies like any other industry will advertise anything that is there so why do they not list it on their website if it is on the vehicle. Can you list a link to a site that calls out these things that you say are on the Pathfinder that Nissan does not claim?
Has anyone had similar experience? I was wondering about the rubber (Yoko). Tires have been rotated, balanced numerous times in search of problem, but no luck. I have had tire problems in the past with other vehicles...?
Any thoughts or help would be greatly appreciated.
Doug.
Look at it this way: Imagine you're the director of marketing for Nissan Motors, who manufactures both the Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4. Now, you know that you want to charge more for the QX4 than for the Pathfinder LE because, well, it's an Infiniti. So it makes more sense to "downplay" the Pathinder LE options so you can make buyers believe the "superior" QX4 is really a great bargain. Infiniti knows and admits that they are handicapped by the fact that virtually every luxury automaker has its own unique SUV, while Infiniti is forced to rebadge a Pathfinder and just change its appearance a little.
Don't take this message the wrong way, though. Infiniti is a great automaker and has an excellent reputation for service, so for many buyers that's worth the extra $50 or so per month in the payments.
I myself wouldn't mind having a QX4. I think it's got better HID headlights and (among lots of other niceties) a remote switch to pop the rear glass. That is worth something to me!
Happy Pathfinding !!!
Steve
Can't figure out how to put the link in here but it's stated under 2001Infiniti Spin around town and under New (top of this page) Infiniti QX4 Overview .
They say "But when all is said and done, the notoriously tightfisted Edmunds.com bunch would stick with the Pathfinder LE, with its identical engine, underpinnings, similar option list and as nearly as opulent an interior."
Still the QX4 is a gorgreous truck and a worthy selection from Infiniti.
Happy Pathfinding!!!!
Steve
www.nissannews.com
What's the secret behind Pathfinder power? Something we call VQ technology, which combines the use of precious metals, lightweight materials and race-bred engineering. An aluminum engine block, cylinder heads, and pistons add up to light weight and superior strength. Friction-reducing measures include molybdenum-coated pistons and a microfinished crank and crankshafts, both of which help the engine operate more smoothly and last longer. And double platinum-tipped spark plugs help Pathfinder go 100,000 miles without a tune-up.
Click on 'Variable Intake, Variable Valve', it says:
Breathing is everything. Anyone with a trained voice or a Nissan engineer will tell you it's the secret to power and range. For example, Pathfinder's Variable Intake System automatically changes how air flows through the manifold according to engine speed. You get plenty of thrust off the line; then, as rpm rise, it opens a shorter air path in the manifold for a more direct pipeline to power. Continuous Valve Timing Control similarly changes engine "breathing" according to conditions. It precisely modulates when intake valves open and close, factoring in throttle position, vehicle speed and engine rpm. Again, the result is outstanding low-rev acceleration, with deep reserves of passing power.
I am pretty sure that the QX4 and the Pathfinder are mechanically the same, i.e. engine, brakes, etc. The QX4 just has more luxurious amenities than the PF to justify the difference in price. But both are exceptional vehicles.
Is there anybody from Miami area? I'm looking for a new Pathfinder LE but don't really know where to go for it. Could anybody advice me good (or at least not bad) dealership around Miami, please? Any information about real prices and deals etc would be very useful. One more question: I have some doubts about what I need - 4x2 or 4x4. Is there any advantages to have 4x4 in Florida?
Thanks,
Herman
I strongly recommend you use the "price" a new car link at this website. Buying a car online was very pleasant for me. All you are doing by using this link is emailing the salesmen at all of your local dealerships telling them you are an internet customer and are interested in buying. They will call and/or email you back with their best price. They know they are all competing against one another, so they offer decent offers up front. In my experience, 4 out of 5 of these salesmen had very good, competitive offers. You can then go the dealership of your choice to check out/test drive/buy the car. My buddy's wife bought a 01 LE at 14% off of MSRP and I was able to get a O1 SE at 13% off of MSRP (won't bother giving you exact numbers because MSRP actually went DOWN roughly $1K for 02) (imagine that). I think you will have much difficulty even finding a 4X4 model anywhere in the southeast US. They are not in much demand here because it never snows. I saw some bogus dealer add-on fees on some random stickers (like paint sealant for $500 and $600 for advertising and $800 for reflex paint which was identical to the regular paint). Assume everything a salesman tells you is either a lie, a psychological ploy or plain ignorance and you will do OK.
I think both the PF and QX4 are very good SUVs, if you want to have a more luxurious look and feel with possibly better dealer service, go with a QX4 but you'll pay the extra costs. Although my Nissan dealer was just as friendly and professional as the Infiniti dealer I went to. So I went with the PF and I'm very happy with it.
In re-reading your posts about the QX4 and PF, you opened by stating that you got a power antenna, wood grained steering wheel and classier look for around $3000 more. Then somehow (justifying the extra $3000, perhaps?) you got stuck on pointing out the mechanical superiority of the QX4 (but that was shown to be false). And now you're back to "I didn't like the looks of the Pathfinder anyways".
Well, honestly, I'm glad you enjoy owning and driving the vehicle you purchased. It's your SUV, after all. My first car was a Hyundai 4-speed hatchback with no radio or AC. I hated dropping the monthly payments on a car I disliked driving, but at the time it was all I could afford.
I just think that many other people on this forum are interested in saving some money and not wanting to spend $3400 more for a prettier version of the near-same vehicle. The bottom line is that the differences between the Pathfinder XE, SE, LE, and QX4 are simply better trim levels, in ascending order. Early QX4's were much different mechanically because of the full-time 4WD transfer case, but now the playing field is even with the PF LE. Still, the QX4's bonus is that it's backed by Infiniti's service, which puts most Nissan dealers' service to shame.
So if you want to talk about the differences between the PF LE and QX4, focus on the service experiences and trim niceties (like rear window release), not the major mechanical differences. And hey, if your temperature gauge reads dead on in the summer, let us know, and tell us how your sensor is mounted because that seems to be one of the 'hot' topics here when the weather warms up.
I did w/my O1' SE and it's got 45K on it and everything I've spilled (coffee) on the fabric beads right up. I think you're dealing forcing you into an item not required!
I've since bought Toyo Open Country A/T's and rotate them every oil change (5K) and have had no problem. I've got 45K on the PF and about 15K on this set of tires.
By the way, love the Toyo's and great price at etires.net (about $90/tire +shipping) Good luck and there are several posts on this issue way back on this board.
To shark715: you are correct, Jeep was the first one to offer unibody SUVs. Nissan engineers obviously were aware of the jiggle ride, so they soft-tuned the springs of the rear suspension, hence the bottom-out problem. Similar problem is seen with the 4Runner. The solid axle rear suspension just cannot be made to give you a comfortable ride that is comparable with the independent rear suspension.
I don't think I would have done any worse at a regular Nissan dealer.
I had planned on buying a 2003 PF from Vancouver, Canada - if it was going to be the bigger, redesigned model from Nissan.
Looks like I won't be able to save the $$$ by purchasing in Canada now...what a bummer. I now live close to the border (Seattle, WA) and this would have worked out great.
I even had a co-worker ask me about my 2001 PF LE and how much I paid for it. I gave him the "GO TO CANADA" spiel that has drawn so much attention here and the board - THANKS TO JON !!!
He was pumped....and I told him that I would get all the imformation together for him tonight and all he had to do was pick out a color!!!
He is gonna be ticked at me tomorrow when I tell him buying in Canada isn't an option now.
Many thanks need to go out to Jon Lofquist - he should have gotten commission on those 70+ sales he helped with.
Thanks Jon !! (even though I bought my PF in Maryland last January 02')
One question about exterior care.... The manual says to avoid using tight-napped or rough cloths, such as washing mitts.
I was looking at buying one of those washing mitts, but how does one determine if it is of tight-napped construction. Has anyone used these mitts and if so, what kind?
But I'd be more than happy to adapt some QX4 parts to bolt them onto my aging 97 LE if it makes my life easier. Your truck does have the remote rear-glass release, right? And if your external temp gauge reads accurately in the summer, please tell us! Seriously. This was a topic of great debate last summer.
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Maybe this is a good place to end the QX4 vs PF comparison for now.
When I bought my PF 1-yr ago, I admit I didn't consider the QX4 and probably should have. However, I didn't like the looks and desired a utility vehicle capable of off-roading. Lexus and Highlander were out because they were CUV not SUV (car-based). 4Runner was out because it was too weak, but I loved the looks and back window.
So Between the two Nissans (QX4 & PF); Enough people have said it, but there really are very small differences between the two vehicles!
The HID headlights, remote hatch release, and real wood trim are the ones I would say are significant.
I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings, but the majority of things things listed by bigorange are marketing magic. Why wouldn't Nissan say there were differences between the two vehicles (even if is only the way they name the features...) Their goal is to differentiate the vehicle as best they can; even if it means downplaying the nearly identical features on the PF.
The internet is a good resource, but many of the sources rely on surveys filled out by car manufacturers or administrative assistants reading through marketing brochures. Not all surveys are completed, or are entirely accurate...
Bottom line: Consider both cars and pick the vehicle that suits your needs and taste. The price difference is small to some and big to others. At QX4 prices I would be in BMW or MB.
http://www.comp.autosite.com/configurator/code/makes.asp?AICWS_Client=autosite
As for my temperature gauge, I will check that when it gets a little hotter. Right now it seems to take about 3-5 miles of driving for it to read correctly. I believe they are calibrated under driving conditions with air flowing across them. They are mounted in front of the radiator the manual says. And yes, it does have the remote rear glass release. I really wish it released the whole door and not just the glass. We open the whole door more than we do just the glass.
I too was a little dismayed at the 2nd place finish of the PF.Maybe the reviewers thought the PF is to small in the back seat but I think it's fine for a mid-size, while the Explorer borders on large-size. The Explorer sure can look impressive on paper with the cavernous interior, third row seat , innovative options such as adj. pedals and reverse sensing system, towing capability, V8 stump pulling power and I think it looks nice too. For the long term I think the PF is a better buy as it will be more reliable. If you lease an Explorer, it's probably a great deal.
My two cents on fabric protector; not worth it. Unless they are giving you an unbelievable deal so the treatment cost is very small, I would recommend doing what I did which is buying a couple cans of Scotchguard and DIY.
My little boy walks all over the seats with his shoes and I'm constantly wiping the seats off with a damp rag which so far has been very effective.
Happy Pathfinding!!!
Steve
Top 10 Sound Systems in Cars Under $30,000 for 2002
(Pathy did well in our survey)
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I use the glass hatch whenever possible to save wear and tear on the main hatch struts, which are usually $$$ to replace. Granted, the glass hatch struts will have to be replaced much sooner, but they look to be a lot less expensive than the main hatch struts.
In that case, I use the glass hatch so that I don't have to listen to the rear hatch squeak as often when the strike plates dry out and get dirty. Ha.
I've got almost 1500 miles rolled up and I was suppose to get a coupon for a free oil change at 1,000 miles plus a survey of my buying experience from Nissan HQ. I wouldn't mind changing oil myself but after a quick peek under the hood and under the car I failed to see the oil filter. The manual wasn't very helpful. So how hard is it to change the oil?
Here's a super dumb question. After a month I still haven't figured out how to switch sides on a tape? I'm pretty familiar with the pop the tape out and flip the wrist technique.
I've been figuring out most of the HVAC controls. The ECON switch still baffles me. Whether in Auto or Manual mode if I ratchet the temp up, air gets hot.
Also got my free Swiss Army watch for test driving the Pathfinder. Gave it to my wife as a consolation gift for not getting the Highlander. See!, good things happen to those who own Pathfinders!!!
Happy Pathfinding!!!
Steve