Nissan Pathfinder

178101213158

Comments

  • nismofreaknismofreak Member Posts: 120
    Are you using only the air filter? What is the cost? Are you planning on using their oil filter as well? And this is for an '01 Pathy? On a lot of sites that have done research, they are highly regarded.

    TIA
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    Don't know if this is general knowledge or not but it seems that the prior $500 rebate is still in effect til the end of the month. So although the total rebate of $1000 is over as of today, there is still a $500 rebate.
  • IshIsh Member Posts: 1
    I am about to purchase one with only 36K miles and am wondering if there were any issues with this year. This is my first SUV and I know very little about this car, please help!
  • drewsherman68drewsherman68 Member Posts: 6
    It's very easy to calculate a lease payment. To do so subtract the residual value from the capital cost and divide by the number of months. This gives you the monthly depreciation. Then take the residual value and add it to the capital cost and multiply by the money factor. This gives you the interest or the "rent." Add these two figures together for the payment and don't forget to figure the tax on top. In easier terms:

    (capital cost - residual value)/number of months
    (capital cost + residual value)* money factor

    Then add together.

    In your case:

    (30691-21608) / 39 = 232.90
    (30691+21608) * .00295 = 154.28

    So the payment should be $387.18/month + tax.

    The dealer is playing their usual games as they know most people can't calculate a lease. Practice it a few times, take a small calculator when you go back and you'll scare the hell out of the salesman. Works every time. I've negotiated killer lease deals on every car I've ever owned.
  • baddestbob1baddestbob1 Member Posts: 96
    I wanted to check on the color Bronzed Gray so stopped by the lot of a local dealer who must have just gotten one in and it is beautiful. This particular vehicle had different and visually stunning bright wheels in a design not in any pictures I've seen or Nissan brochure.
    Window sticker listed "silver alloy wheels" as standard (it was an LE). Anybody know anything about this? Thieves will LOVE these wheels.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    If you goto the NHTSA site at:
    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/servicemmy1.cfm

    And search on this model, nothing comes up, which is good.

    There is no denying that PFs are well designed vehicles.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    I have the PF brochure right in front of me and the wheels listed for the LE are '16" 6-spoke alloy'

    I suspect what you saw are DIO (dealer installed option). Were they silver or chrome-polished looking?
  • sanandtonsanandton Member Posts: 342
    Anyone here remember the post regarding Nissan TSB on the "shimmy". Please re-direct me or If you are still here, it might be helpful to others to repost the info. TIA
  • brian60brian60 Member Posts: 76
    vsaxena,

    I too have a 99.5 PF and I paid $199 at Stanford Nissan in Palo Alto for the 15k service that included about 25 different services. Stevens Creek Nissan wanted about $275 for their 15k service, which I'm pretty sure included a lot of extranneous services. My advice, find another dealer or go up to the service advisor, owners manual in hand, cross out everything on their 15k service list that's not in the owners manual, and ask for a new estimate. $265 is a tad expensive, but it's not "outrageous" in comparison to the competition.

    tonychrys' link states that an oil change for a PF is around $53! don't know how much faith i would put in any of the numbers on that site.

    shop around, try to find a service advisor who isn't on commission, and just remember, $265 is a drop in the bucket of your $30k PF. Good luck.
  • brian60brian60 Member Posts: 76
    I second the recommendation for Lexol Leather Cleaner (orange bottle) and Conditioner (brown bottle). After a year of neglecting my leather in the CA sun, I finally started caring for my leather and it's considerably softer than it was now. I clean and condition my leather once every couple of months and it usually only takes 30 min.
  • brian60brian60 Member Posts: 76
    I would avoid the 96 PFs if at all possible. They had an unusually high number of problems (for a Nissan) according to Consumer Reports, most likely due to the complete redesign. I would look at 93-95, or 97-present, if you can afford it. Good Luck.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Yes, in the breakdown cost it seems like $53 just for the Oil part. Big deal. The point is that the overall service cost for the US average is $118. More importantly, the listing lists just what the manufacturer requires to be checked/done, not what the service place wants to tack onto your bill.

    Anyone can verify this by checking the owners manual. I'm surprised most folks don't simply do this if they have a question about service requirements. And if you have lost your owners manual the following info is from Nissans site under the "owners" section:

    "The Nissan owner’s manual has valuable model-specific details on the day-to-day use and care of your car, as well as recommended maintenance intervals. If you’ve lost or misplaced your manual, just call 1-800-247-5321 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. There is no charge for 1999, 1998 or 1997 manuals, however, there is a $12.00 charge for owners manuals prior to the 1997 models."

    Hope this helps,
    TC

    TC
  • goose1207goose1207 Member Posts: 113
    JACK0565:
    The in-cabin microfilter is located through the glove box.
  • meca2meca2 Member Posts: 284
    Hi nismofreak: I have an amsoil air filter and according to most test I have found it is
    the best. I also use one in my Altima since new and I have a Stanza Wagon with
    130k in it with the same amsoil filter, Just wash them out about once year and put
    alittle amsoil foam air cleaner oil in it. The 2001 uses the same filter as previous PF
    and it cost about $25-$30 I have a co-worker that sells amsoil products. I also have amsoil
    in the front and rear diff. And use their grease in all wheel bearings in my other cars . I'm
    not using amsoil oil filter because of the cost. The filter is so small on the 3.5 I will just
    change it with the oil. Perolater,ect. My PF has'nt used any oil at all, I have about 2100
    miles on it.I don't know if I will run any oil for 24k or a year like some claim?? Cheers
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    Someone just posted an email from K&N on the Edmunds's K&N topic. Some of you may find it interesting. I think I will be picking up a filter for both my PF and my Odyssey soon.
    /direct/view/.ee95007/307
  • thanzthanz Member Posts: 1
    Kudos to everyone for having one of the more active vehicle discussion areas. I've noticed that most of the moderators refer people back to the vehicle specialty area for questions in the maintenance section, so hopefully I'll save them some time by posting here.

    95' Finder 4WD EX, only 55k, perfect condition, even still sort has that new car smell.

    Problem: A couple of months ago a "putt-putt-putt" noise began emanating from the engine compartment. A friend diagnosed it as the "manifold area".

    Service Station 1: Agreed that it was probably the manifold/gasket. Then they surprised me by saying that I shouldn't bother fixing it because it was too difficult and they would have to charge me too much money for the labor & they would feel bad (seriously).

    Service Station 2: Same as above. Owner of the station claimed to have had a 93 Finder with the same problem. Also said that I shouldn't bother taking it to the dealer as they would probably screw me even worse than he would have to on labor.

    Questions:
    1. How much should I reasonably expect this repair to cost?
    2. Am I running any risk by not having it fixed? The "putt-putt" is annoying, but usually fades considerably once the engine warms up.

    Random Questions:
    1. Are all independent service station owners this honest?
    2. Why are all the Nissan dealers in Minneapolis such jerks? (I had multiple negative experiences trying to replace a broken alarm system key fob--one dealer actually told me I needed to spend $1100 on a new alarm![key fob is a $50 part])Is it the same everywhere else?

    IA,

    than
  • mbuntingmbunting Member Posts: 158
    I fly out in less than 24 hours!!! I'm so excited!!! I have alot of things to do today before I go though, so I'll try to make make this as short as possible!

    Looks like I'll be paying $31,000 (out the door) for a Loaded Sierra Silver 2001 LE (minus NAV, ENT, & TOW Packages) at Tischer Nissan-Acura in Laurel, MD (Between Balt. & Wash D.C.).

    If all goes well I'll have the vehicle by Saturday afternoon, and then on Sunday we'll (my wife & I) be driving off to vist our relatives in Indiana & Illinois in our brand new LE. I will do my best not to be heavy on the pedal during our drive, but I can't promise that this will actually happen:)

    I think this price seems pretty good, especially with the rebates ($1000) or rebate ($500) having expired on the 2nd of Jan. What do you all think? Seem like a fair price right now? Jon, I wish I could have made a trip up North (Canada) but in the end I couldn't swing it this go around anyway, maybenext time!

    I doubt I'll do much shopping around (like I planned) because I want to get on with the rest of our plans. But I'll be sure to look for the "Shimmy" and if I feel it..DON'T WORRY!!... I won't have second thoughts about making our stay in Baltimore last a couple days longer. Looks like a good rotate & balance may take care of this shimmy...so, maybe I'll have the Tischer Nissan do this anyway before I agree to buy.

    Anything else I should be aware of when looking over the PF before I take delivery? I have read each and every single post on the PF board here at Edmunds over the past couple of months, and I really can't think of anyhting else to look for. Obviously I'll look at the cosmetics of the vehicle (Paint, scratches, chips etc), but when I see a paint scratch or chip....what's the best way of getting a little something back in return? Maybe ask for a Rear Window deflector throw in??? Or should I approach this in a different way? This is my first new vehcile purchase obviously! Suggestions are welcome!

    Again, thanks for all the help! I'll be able to check this board for another 24 hours...so if anyone has any tips for me, please let me know!

    You all have made this purchase of the PF my most informed buying decision ever...again MUCH THANKS!!

    I'll let you all know how it went later next week!! (hopefully:)

    Best Regards,

    Mike
  • sanandtonsanandton Member Posts: 342
    That price seems pretty good. It appears to be at invoice or slightly lower. You will feel good about a good deal on a quality vehicle.
    One thing I have to warn you about. Some PFs have been noted to develop an annoying rattle near the front of the passenger department. The problem has been discovered to be the center console. You can fix the rattle by removing your 6 CD jewel cases from the center console, or just turn up that great Bose sound system.(JIC, this was a joke) ;)
    Don't forget your 6 favorite cds. Read about the break-in period before your long trip. Enjoy the Ride.
  • sanandtonsanandton Member Posts: 342
    passenger compartment not "passenger department" Have fun anyway.
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    Good Luck...sounds like you got a great deal. I have a dumb question, though...when you say 'out the door' does this include tax/reg? If so you have an incredible deal. I have a 'best' quote right now of 31,437 (inv is 31,080) for the same options as you plus tow (tow is 305 inv). After tax/reg I'll be at around 33,500. This includes the $500 rebate.
  • scraffscraff Member Posts: 5
    Hi guys. Have had my new PF LE AWD for 3 weeks now. It's awesome. My only complaint is gas mileage, but then again, I knew what I was getting into with 240 horses of pure power. ;) Just over 1000 miles now, but need a snowstorm to really break it in. Damn DC / Balt. weather people let me down way too often.

    mbunting.......your deal has to be before tax, tags, and title. Otherwise, you got an incredible deal. I got mine at Tischer in Laurel as well. Got it at $31,098 (all options EXCEPT Ent, Navi, and Tow) The silver is sweet, but I decided to go bronzed gray. It really was a toss up. I liked them both.

    Good luck with your purchase. Love to hear how things went. Take care.
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    Good Luck...sounds like you got a great deal. I have a dumb question, though...when you say 'out the door' does this include tax/reg? If so you have an incredible deal. I have a 'best' quote right now of 31,437 (inv is 31,080) for the same options as you plus tow (tow is 305 inv). After tax/reg I'll be at around 33,500. This includes the $500 rebate.
  • mbuntingmbunting Member Posts: 158
    sanandton -

    I hope I get that rattle you are talking about!!! That Bose sound system is just one of the MANY things on the vehicle that I'm looking forward to see/hear! I have my cd case with me as well, so I'll be sure to test-it-out good!

    li_sailor -

    Sorry, I should have explained it a little better: My out the door price of $31K does not include my Illinois state tax of 6.25% (which will be around $2k) or registration, which I'm not sure of the price (I think it's $78 in IL though), so it looks like we'll be paying about the same price when you figure in the tow-hitch difference. Good luck on your purchase as well!

    Another quick question before I go:

    Are the side & rear window deflectors worth having on the LE? These are really the only accessories I'm interested in right now, but if anyone has any comments on other accessories please let me know. I want to make my LE look it's best !!!

    Thanks again guys......

    Gotta go check my bags (Early Bird Check-In time!!!)

    Be on later....once more anyway!!!
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    I don't know about anyone else but my pet peeve about buying a car is that it has to have little or no miles. This means that no one drove it. When I got my PF, it still had the plastic wraps and was literally just taken off the truck. It had 3 miles on it when I took delivery. So, take careful notice of the mileage. If it has a couple of hundred miles, it may have been test-driven a multitude of times, etc. It could be a demo, who knows. I think that less than 50 miles for me is acceptable but less than 20 miles is ideal.

    Good Luck.
  • nismofreaknismofreak Member Posts: 120
    I hear ya on that one. I made sure that I picked up the one in the back of the lot. Had 18 miles on the OD. Was pretty happy about that. I really pounded the vehicle that I test drove though. Wanted to see it the 240 HP was real. And it still is! :-)
  • lspanglerlspangler Member Posts: 102
    I have a new SE with the manual tranny and for my first 1200 miles I have yet to get over 15.2 MPG I have a feeling this is due to 2 things. The first being the fact that it has barely gotten up to 20 F since I got the truck and two, when driving on the freeway, I am often going over 80. The truck is smooth and quiet except for some of the asphalt freeways that are buckling. The bump causes the rear end to bounce quite harshly. It doesn't take long for this to become very annoying.

    Also, has anybody done anything to the radio yet to make it more powerful? I have some amps and a subwoofer from my previous truck that I might as well use. The Bose system sounds nice for a stock radio, but it could use more power and depth.
  • socatasocata Member Posts: 2
    I installed a couple amps, a tube type sub, and after-market speakers to my 01' SE and it worked out great. They were able to mount the amps in the rear under-storage area which gets them completely out of the way...still looks like factory, but sounds MUCH better.
  • baddestbob1baddestbob1 Member Posts: 96
    These were listed on factory window sticker as "silver ally wheels". Were not extra cost option or, as far as I could tell, installed by dealer. At least no extra dealer cost shown. These were very high polished, kind of a starburst design, nothing like standard wheels shown on brochure. Didn't have time to look at any other PFs on the lot to see if similarly equipped.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    I don't have a clue. If they are not the standard ones, they are DIO. Nissan doesn't have any other choices.
  • bgritzbgritz Member Posts: 139
    On our '01 SE 4X4 w/manual tranny I have noticed a BIG difference between mpg at 75mph & at 85mph.

    One thing I did a few weeks ago was put in the K&N Filter. I seem to be getting an additional 1 mpg or so from the filter alone. I'm now averaging about 18.5 mpg-If I can manage to keep it at 75. It's so hard with an engine that just begs to be run:-)
  • oldsaltoldsalt Member Posts: 2
    Greetings; I just purchased a 2001 Black SE this week and have been enjoying it. I have a couple of questions that you could help me with.
    1) What premium octane gas does everyone use?
    2) Is there any other Pathfinder forum other than Edmunds? I also have a Miata and use the Miata.Net forum which is very good and broken down into several discussions topics.
    Thanks for your help!
  • lofquistlofquist Member Posts: 281
    I looked up the official 15K service schedule in the 2001 Nissan factory shop manual. For "severe use" this is the total list:
    Replace:
    - Oil and oil filter

    Inspect:
    - Brake lines & cables
    - Brake pads, rotors, drums & linings
    - Automatic transmission, (all-mode 4WD) transfer fluid, manual transmission & differential gear oil
    - Steering gear, linkage & transfer gear, axle & suspension parts
    - Drive shaft boots
    - Front wheel bearing grease (4x4 only)
    - Exhaust system
    - ASCD vacuum hoses

    Lubricate:
    - Propeller shaft

    Based on my experience with dealers, you end up getting an oil change, 30 sec. lube job, and a quick walk around the car for your $250. I'll continue to do the maintenance myself. I can do an oil change / filter in 30 minutes for under $10. $25 if I use synthetic.

    -Jon
    (sorry to be so cynical today)
  • sjdnysjdny Member Posts: 2
    I am looking to lease a 2001 Pathfinder 4X4 LE with all the options except for the entertainment, tow and naviagation package. The dealer gave me a price of 30,691 plus tax and license. A monthly lease of $459 with 500 out of pocket for 39 months. The residual value is 21,608, the money factor is .00295. Does this sound like a good deal or can I do better.
  • sanandtonsanandton Member Posts: 342
    Using the formula posted earlier (just one page back)post 460, your payment should be around 388.00. My lease was for 31k 36 months money .0305 61%residual and my payment is 460.00/month. Nothing down. Your payment and sale price are not that far from my own. I used a lease calculator from the web, and my deal was square. Maybe yours is as well. Just locate one of the loan/lease sites. They usually have the calculator for leases to be used for free. Plug in your numbers and see what you get.
  • mbuntingmbunting Member Posts: 158
    Crikey- Milage was a concern of mine as well. The salesman told me it had 14 miles on it when he had it put on hold for me, so looks like I'm good to go. I hope it still has plastic on the seats too. Guess I'll find out soon enough!

    This should be my last post before purchase, thanks again everybody!

    Mike
  • brian60brian60 Member Posts: 76
    Phil,

    Thanks for the heads up on the K&N issue.

    If I were paranoid, I might wonder if this email from "Rick" is as phony as he claims the mining equipment test to be.
  • brian60brian60 Member Posts: 76
    lofquist,

    where'd you get your manual and how much was it? chiltons, et al don't seem to have written one for late model PFs yet, so i'd be willing to plunk down the dough for the Nissan shop manual. can you order them through the dealer? i remember someone talking about a CD-ROM version, but i'd prefer the paper one.

    thanks.
  • taf7417taf7417 Member Posts: 4
    I'll try this post again:
    What type and brand of oil are you all using in your '01 pathfinders?
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    I do the same as you -- I _really_ test drive it. That's why I insist on a little or no mileage new vehicle. Because like me, everyone pounds the testers.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    "Is there any other Pathfinder forum other than Edmunds?"

    Yes, there are. However, I do find the Edmund's PF Forum the most active and informative. You can try visiting the following:

    1. Yahoo Clubs - there are 2 Pathfinder forums in there
    2. EGroups.com - there is one Pathfinder forum in there, not as active as this
    3. FreshAlloy.com - there is a section for Nissan Trucks and SUVs

    I know what you mean about a dedicated forum because discussion topics are organized. The new Acura MDX already has acuramdx.org which has a very active bulletin board. I wish the PF has something similar.
  • aspenwhiteaspenwhite Member Posts: 39
    taf7417, I've used conv.5-30w Valvoline on my 1st oil chng because I'm still undecided abt going w/conventional, synthetic blend or full synthetic. My mechanic is suggesting 5-30w Valvoline Durablend so I'll see what I do on the next chng (I know this is not helping you very much)
  • lofquistlofquist Member Posts: 281
    I bought the shop manual direct from Nissan. I have the CD-ROM version that is $210. The paper version is $275. They both have the same content and are over 2500 pages long.

    Don't discount the CD version right away. It's a collection of Acrobat .pdf files with plenty of links. Easy to search through. Just print out the pages you need for a specific project and take them out to the garage. Also makes it easy to keep the info here at work too. In reality though, I also printed out the entire book for times when I just want to flip though it.

    You can order at this web site http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/ , or there is an 800 number to call (I have the number written down at home). Yes, I wished it was about half the price, but nevertheless, it's very complete. I would say a must have if you plan on doing your own maintenance.

    Email me if you need more info on the manual or the content.

    -Jon
  • smithmdsmithmd Member Posts: 167
    Here is another Pathfinder forum. I actually followed it before I found the Edmunds forum. The people in this other forum tend to own older Pathfinders and aren't necessarily as cordial as the people in this forum, but they are still informative and helpful, none the less. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, it could be a good one for you.

    http://forums.vmag.com/suvpathfinder0200/
  • gottriagottria Member Posts: 13
    I agree that the AcuraMDX site is nice. I would start one but don't have a clue how to. Maybe someone else does.

    I read some posting a while back about the sponge brakes on the 01 PF and he said he was going to bleed them but I never saw a follow up. My 01 PF LE has about 1600 miles on it and the brakes on the first push are very very soft. If I pump them once or twice they feel great. I did check the brake fluid and it's OK. Has anybody had the brakes bled and did it solve the problem?
  • smithmdsmithmd Member Posts: 167
    Here's another forum that looks similar to the MDX.org.

    http://nissanpathfinder.homestead.com/
  • meca2meca2 Member Posts: 284
    I have used Durablend in my other Nissans sence it came out and have
    very good luck. I used valvoline syn 5/30 for the first time in my PF. Next time
    I change the oil,this spring I will use 10/30. The service manual ( I have the CD)
    recomends 10/30 over O. deg F. I'm not going over 7500 mi. on any oil even with
    syn. Cheers.....
  • meca2meca2 Member Posts: 284
    gottria: I did blead the brakes the way the service manual says.
    I used valvoline syn DOT3-4 and it did not change the way the brakes
    work. I would recommend to bleed the brakes as soon as possable because
    the fluid was not very clean and it looked like it had water in it.(milky) The
    best thing I did was adjust the rear drum brakes. There is a rubber cover
    over an access hole to adjust the brakes. Rotate the self adjuster star in the
    only way it turns it turns easy so don't force it. I turned it almost one complete
    revolution. I do not have to "pump" the peddle any more to get a somewhat
    ferm peddle. Also in the manual it says if you have a spongy peddle to break
    in the brakes. Excellerate to hyway speed and put your foot on the peddle
    as hard as you can without sliding the tires and do this 10 times?? I did it
    2 or 3 times and this helped alot also. Now they are almost acceptable,one
    more adjustment and I have it made I hope! Cheers
  • mpearlmanmpearlman Member Posts: 2
    I've been following and occasionally participating in this forum since last February and finally managed a 12/30 year-end deal at a Boston, MA dealer. Thought I'd share the info.

    Bronzed Gray PF LE 4x4 All-Mode:
    Everything except NAV, ENT, TOW
    => $34853 MSRP
    => $31591 Invoice (+ $551 Ad. Fee)

    Price => $31090 (trade-in added back in) + tax, tags.

    Note: The $1000 Nissan rebate was applied. I only knew of the $500 while making the deal, so I sense there may have been a few $$$ left on the table. The rebates got me to my target price for PF and trade, and I was expecting to have to wait for spring, so I can't complain. (Ever try selling a sports car w/ low profile, ZR-rated tires, in January, in New england?...).

    Thanks everyone for all of the great info. over the past 10 mos.!
  • sanandtonsanandton Member Posts: 342
    Does anyone have a copy of the TSB posted here some months ago. I had a slight shimmy when my PF was new, but it went away when the tires were rotated. I recently had the second rotation and it is back. It would appear to be a balance problem or possibly a bad tire. I need a link or a copy to the nissan TSB regarding the steps the shop is supposed to take to rectify the problem.
  • tsjaratsjara Member Posts: 2
    I'm glad to say that we have finally jumped on the band-wagon and bought a SUV. I think we got a great deal:
    2001 4WD Pathfinder EX with
    side rails
    rear wind defector
    electronic rust protector
    All this for $24,911 -out the door! (No TAX here!)
    I'm just curious what this package would cost in the states? By the way- Zero transportation fees also! Later all I need to start customizing!
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.