I'm looking to buy this summer, and I have been following all the boards on here.
I have my choices narrowed to 2 choices right now. Either a 2001 PF LE AWD or a 2001 4Runner SR5 with the sport package. My calculations show the 4runner as maybe $1K cheaper. Here are my thoughts:
I like the looks of the 4Runner just a bit better. Also, the hood scoupe on the Sport package is very sharp looking.
The Pathfinder has 240 horsies... 4Runner, 170
4Runner no longer comes with limited slip rear diffy.
Pathfinder seems to be more of a luxury SUV, with strong off road capabilities. 4Runner seems more to be an offroad truck type suv.
Reliability -- I think Toyota has a little bit of a better reputation for reliability than Nissan.
Value -- I think the Pathfinder is a much better value then the 4Runner. The AWD is very attractive, as well as the 240 horsepower engine. I think I'm leaning towards getting the PF.
Anyways, any thoughts or opinions, noticeable differences between the two, ETC would be appreciated! Thanks
Almost every active participant in this forum has had the same dilemma that you are now facing. And suffice it to say, everyone chose the Pathfinder (this is Pathfinder forum, anyway). It's just a better value. A 2001 PF LE AWD should be compared to a 2001 4Runner Limited 4WD, not the SR5. But I guess you realized that you won't be able to get a Limited in the same price range as the Pathfinder.
Offroad, it seems that the concensus is that the 4Runner is better. However, the Pathfinder just won the Four-Wheeler of the Year Award from Four-Wheeler Magazine.
Reliability -- I have to disagree that Toyota is much more reliable. Nissan also builds great vehicles and are as reliable as Toyota.
Resale -- A lot of 4Runner owners claim they have better resale value than Pathfinder. Well, if you buy a 4Runner for thousands more, it better cost more than the Pathfinder resale-wise. What needs to be looked at is the percentage of what the resale value is in comparison to what was actually paid for. I believe that the resale value percentages are VERY close.
Get the Pathfinder and save your money. Better yet, buy an HDTV like I did.
...and you will be dissapointed as PF owners leave you standing still at the traffic light. A 170hp engine is a joke in a SUV of that size. It's the #1 complaint of every 4runner owner.
Heh, already got my HDTV. Sony. And I'm selling my '94 Z to get the pathfinder.. I just can't drive it on the snow! I do have some interest in the New Z coming out, but if I ever buy another sports car, I'll be sure that I have something else to drive in the winter..
Is that code for the rear speakers or front? Do you also know the colors of the opposite?
I am going to hook an amp up to the front speakers so I will bypass the bose amp and go to mine off the front pre-amp wires and I will tap into the rear for the sub amp with a cross over.
Thanks for the help, it'll save me some time if it ever gets warm enough to play outside
Look closely at the equipment for the money. PF LE AWD with leather pkg gives you bose 6disc indash autoclimate, power memory seats, side airbags, sterring wheel controls, sunroof, AWD, 240hp, Outside temp guage, with compass, and I'm sure I'm leaving out more. It is better equipped than a 4r limited. I agree about the looks of the Toy being better, but I believe it is the Toys only advantage. JD power ranked Nissan PF #1 in initial quality in its class recently.
pyrenus, If you are comparing to the SR5, you should consider the Path SE too. You leave off a few items that the LE has such as the power leather seats and auto climate control. But you get the 240HP, 6 disc CD, sunroof, and the other goodies. It saves quite a few bucks. And if you are still considering going to Canada for your purchase, up there the SE comes with the AWD and LSD no charge. You'd be in it for under $26,000 total. -Jon
I had my first 01'LE replaced at 300 miles because that "loud humming noise like the A/C is on" turned out to be a tranny/transfer case problem. I also hear a metallic rattle sound (on my new 01'LE w/2000 miles) that seems to increase w/speed but I haven't been able to figure out where it's coming from. The dealer's tech can't hear nor find anything wrong of course. Cheers
Hi folks...glad to see the posts coming again...this was a quiet place for a few days there.
I should be closing on my loan in a day or two, so next week should be the week. Test drove a PF and an Xterra last wknd and I think I'm set on the LE w/everything but Nav/Ent. Only thing is, every hour or two that little voice says, 'boy that SE looks nice...do I really NEED AWD?' and I always wind up saying, yes I do...so far, anyway.
Other than that I have a question...I have 3 quotes now with the the best from carsdirect (31, 437 + tax/reg/lic). I am about to do the final negotiation with 2 dealers and carsdirect - is there any reason not to use carsdirect (if they turn out to have the best deal)? Has anyone here bought a car from them?
Hey, Tony C...looks like we're in a race to see who gets our PF first.
Thanks, Aspenwhite, that's two more things for me to check on my 'pre-buy' test drive. Adding those to the shimmy and a brake test. Sorry to hear that you're having bad luck. I plan to tell the dealer that I will test the PF before I take it and I won't accept it until fixed or swapped if I find anything...anyone have any trouble trying to do this?
I posted the wiring color codes for the rear amp previously. A good source for a behind the dash wiring harness is the link below. This wiring harness will allow you to replace the bose amp with an aftermarket one .
I hate to tell you this, but I won the race by cheating... I'm picking up my fully loaded, Nav, everything RX300 this Saturday.
Yes, this puppy is at least $6000 more than the PF, but I let the wife test drive one and she was hooked. Plus, I got an incredible deal that I just couldn't pass up. I wasn't ready to get the Nav and everything, but you only live once.
Plus in terms of safety, I was tired of wrestling with my myself in terms of lower-cost vs. what I could afford. The RX300 is one of the safest rated vehicles plus has advanced VSC (vehicle skid control) and other systems. If I was really into financial suicide, I would have went a little higher and got the ML320 which has even better safety systems.
I still think the '01 PF LE is a great SUV and would highly recommend it to anyone looking. But I plan on buying my next vehicle and will hold on to it for awhile, I figured what the heck and splurged a little more.
In terms of price, take the carsdirect price to the dealers, if push comes to shove they WILL match it. Why? Because ultimatley all carsdirect is doing is matching you up with a local dealer willing to sell at that price. If you really want to have a fun time, try Priceline.com... that's what I did. I did it as a dare, I configured a fully loaded RX300 and then set my price for $1000 over invoice, over $4000 off of MSRP, which is unheard of on this car. I didn't think anyone would accept. Guess what? Somebody bit, I was shocked, and now I'm picking up the car. Turns out to be a very good dealer in Westchester that moves a high-volume and can afford to sell the car at that price.
Let me know how you progress in getting the PF, I have more tricks up my sleeve.
(aspenwhite) - " I had my first 01'LE replaced at 300 miles"
I am curious. How did you go about having your PF "replaced." I am currently pursuing the lemon law regarding my malfunctioning PF '01 Speedometer / Odometer module (Day 53 in the shop).
I got mine at AutoNation USA where they give you 3 days/300 miles to return your car. Fortunately I noticed the humming noise the day after I took it home (I didn't hear it during the test drive). They offered me to fix the problem or get another one. I got another one of course and so far, except for the grinding noise (not very loud) that I don't know here is coming from, I love it!
I have been driving a new Pathfinder EX for about a month now. I am joining the few Canadians who have been on this forum. I live just west of Tor onto in Waterloo. I love this vehicle and I love this forum! It was very helpful when making my decision as to what vehicle to buy. I have only had my Path in the shop once, and that was based on some of the info I have read here. I thought my brakes had felt a bit spongy and the dealership was more than willing to check it out. I was very happy with the people and the service. They adjusted my rear brakes and bled the system and there is quite a difference. The pedal feels a little staffer and more responsive like I thought it should. While I was at the dealership I inquired about body side moldings. Some idiot, who was probably jealous of the beautiful SUV in Sierra Silver, carelessly opened a car door scuffing the clear finish and leaving a hardly noticeable, I know it's there, dig on the rear passenger side door. The dealership said they would have a look at the paint. When I picked up the vehicle they had buffed out a slight scuff that was on my rear bumper, now completely gone - I can't even tell where it was, and the dig/scuff in the door can only be seen when you look from the side in certain light. No other problems to talk about and I look forward to reading more!
Before my comments on above subject, Thanks for explaining to me what a California Water Blade is. As I have said many times before I congradulate all the folks that use this forum. You guys have class and it is a very special feeling to be a part of a group that gets along like everyone in here. Pathfinder owners not only have a great vehicle they all have alot of Class.
4 Runner vs Pathfinder, I have a friend with a 4 Runner and they say it is short on power. I used to have a domestic suv and it couldnt make its mind if it wanted to be a one wheel, two wheel, three wheel or 4 wheel vehicle, I pull a boat and it got terrible mileage, had to be in drive and not overdrive when towing, would not back up my boat on a small (small) incline without shaking and viberating. I went to the Nissan dealer one day on my lunch break and drove the 240 horse Pathfinder and went back after work and bought my Bronze Gray LE loaded. I love this vehicle and the only dissapointment I have is THAT I DIDNT BUY IT SOONER. For those that want a quality SUV and the best bang for the buck the Pathfinder is a good vehicle. We all know that there is other quality vehicles on the road but look through the other forums and the Pathfinder people tell it like it is and We all get along.
I'm serious when I say there's a strong possibility of another PF in my future. These are damn fine vehicles and we're a two car family. It will be real intersting to see what the 2003 redesign looks like ;-)
I purchased a '01 SE through Carsdirect for $26,200 (about $1,100 under invoice). That was the best price I could find, so I went with them. I had no problems at all, and would recommend their service. They set me up with a local dealer, I went in to fill out the paperwork and was on the road in under an hour!
So I don't think you should have any worries with them, as I had a great experience using their service.
It must be sad parting with your Z. Oh well, the PF will be of great comfort. And with the new Z on the horizon, I'm sure there will be other opportunities to own a Z again.
(OFF-topic, sorry) BTW, I also got a Sony HDTV (XBR400). I still need the HD decoder which costs an arm and a leg. With the limited availability of HD programming, it's hard to justify the cost of getting the decoder. I'll wait. I am, however, enjoying DVDs on this awesome TV.
I think you might have the same TV that I have. Also, if you haven't bought a progressive scan DVD player yet, you need to. You can get the Pioneer progressive DVD player from circuit city for under $300! I got mine for $240, as an open box buy.
I wouldn't buy the decoder for a while. There's only a handful of digital channels right now, and thats if you have digital cable or the dish thing. And, I think you need a bunch of special connectors to connect the RCA to our TV. There's not much of a standard right now.
Man do I feel the love in here!!!!! :-) I have question off the topic of feelings.
Has anyone been able to find the 13" winter wiper blade for the rear wiper. The front ones work great at keeping the snow & Ice from sticking to the wiper, but the rear factory blade holds snow/ice like a wet tongue on a frozen swingset pipe. If I can't find one, maybe I'll just pull it off, and silicone spray the whole blade assembly.
I am thinking of getting a 97/98 Pathfinder in the spring and wish to tow a boat (16ft Aluminum Bowrider) I hear from a friend that the Pathfinder is hopeless at towing anything bigger than a Trailer Tent. Should I be concerned????
I am hoping that someone can give me some advice on setting up my LE with a ski/snow board rack. Nissan sells a Yakima rack for $125 that attaches directly to the original crossbars. What's the advantage in going with a complete Yakima setup using their crossbars and rail riders? The complete setup costs $300. Is it a strength issue? Thanks in advance.
Tony, which dealer in Westchester? I currently have a Pathfinder 01. Like yourself this is a 2 cars family. Maybe I will be doing the opposite of what you are doing. Next car will be the Lexus rx. Hubby thinks its for a girl anyway, so it is for ME!!!!! However, I love my AWD Pathy which is close to 3,500 miles now. No shimmy.
According to the manual, it is recommended that the antenna be removed before using the auto car wash. Now that it is winter, I have to go to a car wash and bought a little open jaw wrench to remove the antenna. Thought this little information might be useful for some of you: there is a piece of rubber cap that you can screw into the antenna recepticle to prevent water from staying there and freezing. All the Pathy have them before the dealers put in the antenna. Just ask them not to throw it away but to give it to you. Actually I am planning on leaving the antenna off the whole winter. Reception is still pretty good.
Btw, anyone go into the auto car wash with antenna still attached? Also do you just screw back the antenna using the wrench or is there another special tool (to measure pressure applied)
Thanks for the information. Been in a couple of RX300. One of my friends commute daily from Poughkeepsie to Greenwich ,CT. Said the car is great in ice and snow. Larchmont is only 15 minutes away but when the time comes to get the car, I hope they still have the good deal.
I've used auto car washes on all of my vehicles for a long time. I've never removed the fixed antenna mast. It's flexible. If you go through one of the car washes with the brushes, there is a slight chance of the antenna bending all the way back and hitting the A-pillar before flopping back to its original position, but it's pretty slight. I've never seen it happen on any of my vehicles. I won't go so far as to say that no damage to anything will ever occur, but I've never seen it.
As far as using auto car washes and the finish on my vehicles...I'm not too worried about it. I wax my truck with 3M or meguires wax twice a year. I drive it in mud, sand, clay, and on Wisconsin winter highways (more sand and salt). I get paint dings on my hood from highway pebbles. I use touch up paint to keep them from rusting. I get minor spider-web type scratches in my finish probably from the combo of mud, sand, washing, and waxing. My vehicles may never have a showroom finish after 10 years, but the vehicles still looks great and rust free. I like to admire those showroom beautiful finishes and the people that don't mind putting in the work to keep them that way, but I personally detest the work that goes into keeping them looking that way. Ask me about engine and drivetrain maintenance or tires, though, and I'll come across as a fanatic. Keep 'em beatufil if that's your thing, don't worry about if it's not. Just enjoy your ride.
Hey, Tony - I wondered whether you had changed your mind from the Lexus, so I see you didn't. Well, it's a great choice...as I told you, I would have considered it except it wouldn't tow my boat (4000 lbs). Thanks for the info on price...I'll let the forum know when I get to that step (couple days).
When I test drove the PF this past weekend, I noticed that it had an "embedded in the windshield" antenna (it was an SE). I asked the salesman and he said they were all coming that way now.
For those of you still in the market for a PF- If you order a brouchure off the Nissan site, www.nissandriven.com, in the brouchure is an offer of a Swiss watch for taking a test drive. I received the brouchure a couple of days after buying my LE and the dealer never mentioned the watch deal. Also, if you are in the market- another shopping angle is checking out www.checkbook.org. This is the site of a non-profit agency that for $165 will contact 5 dealers in your area. Supposedly, they set up a competitive situation between the dealers. If you can beat their price they will refund the $165. If you are like me and hate to haggle, this might be the way to go.
there is a difference in strength when it comes to the Yakima vs. factory rock, but not in ski/snowboard applications. if you were throwing kayaks or 40 lb. downhill mountain bikes on your rack, you would need to purchase the full yakima setup just to get the proper attachments. in fact, the ski/snowboard rack (powderhound) is the only one that yakima states can be used on factory racks, i believe. if you only need to transport skis/boards, just go with the factory rack version, you can always upgrade to the full yakima system later (you will only be out the cost of the adapters, ~$20).
i've been using yakima snowboard racks for the past year and a half on my PF's factory rack, and have had no problems with its strength. i was able to construct an internal bike rack for less than $50 in parts using yakima clamps. someone here asked me to post pictures a while back, i never got around to it, i can still do that if people are interested. lately however, i have been thinking about going to a full yakima rack system so that i can use their surfboard pads with tie-downs, and because it would look trick with a black grill guard.
I chose the full Yakima set up over the mighty Mounts ski & Bike set up. Here's why:
Noise/economy: The Full Yakima setup allows your attachments (Bike, Ski, etc.) to be easily rotated out of the windflow in about 10 seconds. If you add the fairing, it almost completely eliminates wind noise by directing the air over the rack and turned down items-also reducing drag and improving economy. With the Mighty mounts, the Ski, Bike etc. attachments are always locked in the upright position. The mighty mounts also don't allow for the attachment of a fairing to reduce noise and decrease drag.
Flexibilty: The mighty mounts only allow you to atttach certain items to them. A good example is the different bike mounts. A fork mount system (such as the Boa or Copperhead) are the most safe, aerodynamic and sturdy roof-top styles available. You can't attach a fork mount to the Mighty Mounts. You can only use the fully upright, wheels-on-the-bike mounts such as the Lockjaw (which clamps to the bikes frame) and the Anklebiter Duece (which clamps to the crank arm). The latter two work best with bikes that don't have quick-release hubs while the first two mentioned work better w/quick release hubs. I also carry a Canoe, and hopefully this summer, a couple of Kayaks around on top which work only on the Yakima system.
Locking: I can lock down everything with the Yakima
For me the flexibility was the biggest concern at first, but after noticing the noise difference from the factory rack alone, and the Yakima w/ the fairing, the quietness has become one of the best characteristics of the Yakima system.
Here are some photos of the ski portion rotated up and down.
Our '98 Accord EX has the antenna embedded in the windshield. I've got know complaints, so far. Of course, now that I think about it, I think my '99.5 Pathy has a second radio antenna embedded in the windshield in addition to the fixed mast antenna. li_sailor, is that what you're talking about or did the Pathy not have a fixed mast?
The one in the windshield is a secondary antenna called a diversity antenna. It is supposed to help filter out noise and static. You should still have a main one on the passenger side, fixed or auto.
Ohhhh...I didn't know about diversity antennas...thought it was was the main one and didn't look. So there must be another antenna...and it's manual 'cause they don't make 'em retracting anymore, right?
Ah well, I learn something new every day on this list even without Martha Stewart :-)
Hey guys. I was just wondering what the quality was of the Nav system in the PF. Is it DVD based? Anyone that has one, I'd like to hear how well it works.
Comments
When I replaced the air filter, with the K&N, the factory one was made of yellow paper.
I'm looking to buy this summer, and I have been following all the boards on here.
I have my choices narrowed to 2 choices right now. Either a 2001 PF LE AWD or a 2001 4Runner SR5 with the sport package. My calculations show the 4runner as maybe $1K cheaper. Here are my thoughts:
I like the looks of the 4Runner just a bit better. Also, the hood scoupe on the Sport package is very sharp looking.
The Pathfinder has 240 horsies... 4Runner, 170
4Runner no longer comes with limited slip rear diffy.
Pathfinder seems to be more of a luxury SUV, with strong off road capabilities. 4Runner seems more to be an offroad truck type suv.
Reliability -- I think Toyota has a little bit of a better reputation for reliability than Nissan.
Value -- I think the Pathfinder is a much better value then the 4Runner. The AWD is very attractive, as well as the 240 horsepower engine. I think I'm leaning towards getting the PF.
Anyways, any thoughts or opinions, noticeable differences between the two, ETC would be appreciated! Thanks
PYRENUS
Offroad, it seems that the concensus is that the 4Runner is better. However, the Pathfinder just won the Four-Wheeler of the Year Award from Four-Wheeler Magazine.
Reliability -- I have to disagree that Toyota is much more reliable. Nissan also builds great vehicles and are as reliable as Toyota.
Resale -- A lot of 4Runner owners claim they have better resale value than Pathfinder. Well, if you buy a 4Runner for thousands more, it better cost more than the Pathfinder resale-wise. What needs to be looked at is the percentage of what the resale value is in comparison to what was actually paid for. I believe that the resale value percentages are VERY close.
Get the Pathfinder and save your money. Better yet, buy an HDTV like I did.
TC
(left channel + pink - blue)
(right channel + green - purple)
(Amp on green/red)
(Battery green/white)
(to left spkr + green - black/yellow)
(to right spkr + orange - black/pink)
I'm turning in my anemic '97 PF in three days... I won't miss the ROAR of the over taxed engine as you step on the gas.
The '01 PFs are smooth and sweet.
I just want a new toy!!!!
PYRENUS
I am going to hook an amp up to the front speakers so I will bypass the bose amp and go to mine off the front pre-amp wires and I will tap into the rear for the sub amp with a cross over.
Thanks for the help, it'll save me some time if it ever gets warm enough to play outside
If you are comparing to the SR5, you should consider the Path SE too. You leave off a few items that the LE has such as the power leather seats and auto climate control. But you get the 240HP, 6 disc CD, sunroof, and the other goodies. It saves quite a few bucks. And if you are still considering going to Canada for your purchase, up there the SE comes with the AWD and LSD no charge. You'd be in it for under $26,000 total.
-Jon
I should be closing on my loan in a day or two, so next week should be the week. Test drove a PF and an Xterra last wknd and I think I'm set on the LE w/everything but Nav/Ent. Only thing is, every hour or two that little voice says, 'boy that SE looks nice...do I really NEED AWD?' and I always wind up saying, yes I do...so far, anyway.
Other than that I have a question...I have 3 quotes now with the the best from carsdirect (31, 437 + tax/reg/lic). I am about to do the final negotiation with 2 dealers and carsdirect - is there any reason not to use carsdirect (if they turn out to have the best deal)? Has anyone here bought a car from them?
Hey, Tony C...looks like we're in a race to see who gets our PF first.
thanks
here
If you still want wiring color codes for 2001 bose and nonbose radio systems, email me at jcruz2@att.com and provide a fax number.
I hate to tell you this, but I won the race by cheating... I'm picking up my fully loaded, Nav, everything RX300 this Saturday.
Yes, this puppy is at least $6000 more than the PF, but I let the wife test drive one and she was hooked. Plus, I got an incredible deal that I just couldn't pass up. I wasn't ready to get the Nav and everything, but you only live once.
Plus in terms of safety, I was tired of wrestling with my myself in terms of lower-cost vs. what I could afford. The RX300 is one of the safest rated vehicles plus has advanced VSC (vehicle skid control) and other systems. If I was really into financial suicide, I would have went a little higher and got the ML320 which has even better safety systems.
I still think the '01 PF LE is a great SUV and would highly recommend it to anyone looking. But I plan on buying my next vehicle and will hold on to it for awhile, I figured what the heck and splurged a little more.
In terms of price, take the carsdirect price to the dealers, if push comes to shove they WILL match it. Why? Because ultimatley all carsdirect is doing is matching you up with a local dealer willing to sell at that price. If you really want to have a fun time, try Priceline.com... that's what I did. I did it as a dare, I configured a fully loaded RX300 and then set my price for $1000 over invoice, over $4000 off of MSRP, which is unheard of on this car. I didn't think anyone would accept. Guess what? Somebody bit, I was shocked, and now I'm picking up the car. Turns out to be a very good dealer in Westchester that moves a high-volume and can afford to sell the car at that price.
Let me know how you progress in getting the PF, I have more tricks up my sleeve.
TC
I am curious. How did you go about having your PF "replaced." I am currently pursuing the lemon law regarding my malfunctioning PF '01 Speedometer / Odometer module (Day 53 in the shop).
I have only had my Path in the shop once, and that was based on some of the info I have read here. I thought my brakes had felt a bit spongy and the dealership was more than willing to check it out. I was very happy with the people and the service. They adjusted my rear brakes and bled the system and there is quite a difference. The pedal feels a little staffer and more responsive like I thought it should. While I was at the dealership I inquired about body side moldings. Some idiot, who was probably jealous of the beautiful SUV in Sierra Silver, carelessly opened a car door scuffing the clear finish and leaving a hardly noticeable, I know it's there, dig on the rear passenger side door. The dealership said they would have a look at the paint. When I picked up the vehicle they had buffed out a slight scuff that was on my rear bumper, now completely gone - I can't even tell where it was, and the dig/scuff in the door can only be seen when you look from the side in certain light.
No other problems to talk about and I look forward to reading more!
Other than that, congrats on the new PF!
4 Runner vs Pathfinder, I have a friend with a 4 Runner and they say it is short on power. I used to have a domestic suv and it couldnt make its mind if it wanted to be a one wheel, two wheel, three wheel or 4 wheel vehicle, I pull a boat and it got terrible mileage, had to be in drive and not overdrive when towing, would not back up my boat on a small (small) incline without shaking and viberating. I went to the Nissan dealer one day on my lunch break and drove the 240 horse Pathfinder and went back after work and bought my Bronze Gray LE loaded. I love this vehicle and the only dissapointment I have is THAT I DIDNT BUY IT SOONER. For those that want a quality SUV and the best bang for the buck the Pathfinder is a good vehicle. We all know that there is other quality vehicles on the road but look through the other forums and the Pathfinder people tell it like it is and We all get along.
It's a shame I gotta turn in my Pathy Friday. I'm sure there's another PF in my future someday.
By the way, I'm sure you'll be quite happy with your RX300.
So I don't think you should have any worries with them, as I had a great experience using their service.
(OFF-topic, sorry) BTW, I also got a Sony HDTV (XBR400). I still need the HD decoder which costs an arm and a leg. With the limited availability of HD programming, it's hard to justify the cost of getting the decoder. I'll wait. I am, however, enjoying DVDs on this awesome TV.
tonychrys, enjoy your RX300. Hopefully, the next PF will bring you back. Just hope it's a 7-passenger SUV. I will need the room.
I wouldn't buy the decoder for a while. There's only a handful of digital channels right now, and thats if you have digital cable or the dish thing. And, I think you need a bunch of special connectors to connect the RCA to our TV. There's not much of a standard right now.
PYRENUS
:-)
I have question off the topic of feelings.
Has anyone been able to find the 13" winter wiper blade for the rear wiper. The front ones work great at keeping the snow & Ice from sticking to the wiper, but the rear factory blade holds snow/ice like a wet tongue on a frozen swingset pipe. If I can't find one, maybe I'll just pull it off, and silicone spray the whole blade assembly.
However, I love my AWD Pathy which is close to 3,500 miles now. No shimmy.
Do yourself a favor and go into test drive one even if you can't buy right now.
Smooth.....
Thought this little information might be useful for some of you: there is a piece of rubber cap that you can screw into the antenna recepticle to prevent water from staying there and freezing. All the Pathy have them before the dealers put in the antenna. Just ask them not to throw it away but to give it to you. Actually I am planning on leaving the antenna off the whole winter. Reception is still pretty good.
Btw, anyone go into the auto car wash with antenna still attached? Also do you just screw back the antenna using the wrench or is there another special tool (to measure pressure applied)
As far as using auto car washes and the finish on my vehicles...I'm not too worried about it. I wax my truck with 3M or meguires wax twice a year. I drive it in mud, sand, clay, and on Wisconsin winter highways (more sand and salt). I get paint dings on my hood from highway pebbles. I use touch up paint to keep them from rusting. I get minor spider-web type scratches in my finish probably from the combo of mud, sand, washing, and waxing. My vehicles may never have a showroom finish after 10 years, but the vehicles still looks great and rust free. I like to admire those showroom beautiful finishes and the people that don't mind putting in the work to keep them that way, but I personally detest the work that goes into keeping them looking that way. Ask me about engine and drivetrain maintenance or tires, though, and I'll come across as a fanatic. Keep 'em beatufil if that's your thing, don't worry about if it's not. Just enjoy your ride.
When I test drove the PF this past weekend, I noticed that it had an "embedded in the windshield" antenna (it was an SE). I asked the salesman and he said they were all coming that way now.
Also, if you are in the market- another shopping angle is checking out www.checkbook.org. This is the site of a non-profit agency that for $165 will contact 5 dealers in your area. Supposedly, they set up a competitive situation between the dealers. If you can beat their price they will refund the $165. If you are like me and hate to haggle, this might be the way to go.
i've been using yakima snowboard racks for the past year and a half on my PF's factory rack, and have had no problems with its strength. i was able to construct an internal bike rack for less than $50 in parts using yakima clamps. someone here asked me to post pictures a while back, i never got around to it, i can still do that if people are interested. lately however, i have been thinking about going to a full yakima rack system so that i can use their surfboard pads with tie-downs, and because it would look trick with a black grill guard.
lemme know if you have anymore questions.
I chose the full Yakima set up over the mighty Mounts ski & Bike set up. Here's why:
Noise/economy: The Full Yakima setup allows your attachments (Bike, Ski, etc.) to be easily rotated out of the windflow in about 10 seconds. If you add the fairing, it almost completely eliminates wind noise by directing the air over the rack and turned down items-also reducing drag and improving economy. With the Mighty mounts, the Ski, Bike etc. attachments are always locked in the upright position. The mighty mounts also don't allow for the attachment of a fairing to reduce noise and decrease drag.
Flexibilty: The mighty mounts only allow you to atttach certain items to them. A good example is the different bike mounts. A fork mount system (such as the Boa or Copperhead) are the most safe, aerodynamic and sturdy roof-top styles available. You can't attach a fork mount to the Mighty Mounts. You can only use the fully upright, wheels-on-the-bike mounts such as the Lockjaw (which clamps to the bikes frame) and the Anklebiter Duece (which clamps to the crank arm). The latter two work best with bikes that don't have quick-release hubs while the first two mentioned work better w/quick release hubs.
I also carry a Canoe, and hopefully this summer, a couple of Kayaks around on top which work only on the Yakima system.
Locking: I can lock down everything with the Yakima
For me the flexibility was the biggest concern at first, but after noticing the noise difference from the factory rack alone, and the Yakima w/ the fairing, the quietness has become one of the best characteristics of the Yakima system.
Here are some photos of the ski portion rotated up and down.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1445903&a=10853042
Ah well, I learn something new every day on this list even without Martha Stewart :-)
PYRENUS
TC
http://www.gpsinformation.net/qxfnav.htm
Here's another link that contains a wealth (if not an overload) of info and reviews of GPS systems.
http://joe.mehaffey.com/