I have $13500 cash to spend,

Im looking for something 4x4 5speed

Do Xterras and pathfinders share the same motor? Which is faster? (use 2001 or 2002 models for example)

It seems that pathfinders are nicer (interior)

Theres an Xterra 4x4 5speed by my house with limited slip diff and "enthusiast package". The only problem is manual windows and manual locks!! It has 68,000 miles with a 100,000 factory warranty. He is asking 12,500 but ill get him down. What do you think?

Pathfinders are a little more expensive

What do you guys recommend?

Until 3 or 4 years ago the Pathfinder had the same 3.3 VG motor that the Xterra had. Then they switched to a 3.5 VQ, which is quite a bit more powerful and supposedly more refined. Pathfinders have nicer interiors (both in materials quality and features), but they cost a bit more. You can check out carpoint for all the mechanical differences (unibody v. body on frame, coil v. leaf, VG v. VQ, etc).

Personally I prefer the Xterra - a bit more durable (because of the frame) and better style. And with a 5-spd I don't think the power on the non-SC V6s is bad at all. On the downside, they don't ride/handle as well, they are a bit slower, and the interior/features aren't as nice.

Pathfinders are nice too, so if you get a good deal I'd jump on it.

Actually rode in an '04 Pathy Platinum edition last night with a friend of mine. Nice truck, I have to admit that, but I did miss the rough-neck way of the X a little. All the extra features of the Pathy are nice - such as the better interior, leather seats, compass and so on; but they are not something that one 'must' have. Quite honestly, I like the X a little better even though the Pathy is a bit better performer (however eats a bit more gas).

But then again - I'm a little biased towards the X.

What if I was to buy a Pathfinder with cloth interior?


Im looking at this one:
(URL feature doesnt work)
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ca...1&advanced=y&ce rtified=n&max_mileage=&max_price=&min_price=&first_record=26&end_year=2005&start_year=1999&drive=4WD&engine=&body_style=&advcd_on=y&doors=&=&fuel=&color=&cardist=71


I got him down to $14000 out the door, just over the phone!!

I ran a carfax - its had 2 owners and was a lease vehicle - it was sold at an auction twice.

Should i trust it?

Everything you need, nothing you don't. Go for it Fueler

fueler, if I had to do it again I would have gotten manual locks and doors, less shit to break and malfunction.

Fueler,

You might check out Ebay motors for an Xterra or Pathy. You should be able to find a low mileage vehicle for that amount. I am sure there are many in your area but it will give you a good idea what they are going for.
The X will probably be a better choice if you plan on going off-roading alot The Pathy is like you said, a bit more fancier. The X represents a rugged, one-of-a-kind look and style. The Pathy is just a nice crossover SUV like thirty other models (I am not including the 05 Pathy). The choice is up to you.
03Xterraman

I meant windows and locks. Damn I need to put the Guiness down.

The Pathfinder is not a crossover, it's more like a WJ w/ IFS.

A crossover is something like a Pacifica or SRX - or even a Escape or CR-V (though they are mainly known as cute-utes, soft-roaders, or mall-terrain vehicles.

03Xterraman,

First let me say that the R50 Pathfinder is not a crossover SUV. Its platform was developed long before the term "crossover" was coined. While it does have a unibody, it retains a solid rear axle and has a low-range 4WD system. Properly equipped, it is exceptionally capable. Click here for an example. Except for the unibody platform, it's no more a crossover than a 4Runner is. No "crossover" SUVs have a solid axle or a part-time 4WD low-range transfer case.

With regard to the '05 Pathfinder, it's neither an off-roader's SUV nor a crossover. It has fully independent suspension, not a solid rear axle, but has a few off-road options that make it more far more capable than the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander, though less modifiable than the Xterra. Nissan has [wisely] recognized that the Xterra is the 4WD enthusiast's preference, and [also wisely] built the '05 Pathfinder to compete the midsize "family" SUV market, most of which never see any kind of off-road duty.

FUELER- If I may impart some advice to you, do not buy a Pathfinder older than a 2001 unless you get a screamin' good deal. In 2001, the 240hp VQ35 engine replaced the 170hp VG33. If I had to settle for 170hp, I would at least want to get some off-road capability (i.e. Xterra) as "fair compensation". A 2000 R50 is no more capable or modiable than a 1996 R50.

My 2002 Pathfinder SE 5 Speed does have a solid axel, but with the Panhard Rod it is extremely flexible and I find it far more comfortable than my Xterra in normal off road hunting and fishing conditions. It is also far more comfortable on the highway, has a tremendous amount of power compared to even the SC Xterra and has a more modern engine design than the X.

My Xterra (2000 SE 5 Speed) on the other hand is far more capable of extreme off road driving and has more modifications available for it for rough trail riding. I love my Xterra and am happy with my purchase, but then I have both available to drive and would be hard pressed to chose between the two as each is superior in its own way.

Tom

Thanks for all the replies so far. XPLORx4 - thanks for pointing out the engine differences - you just prevented me from buying an 00 Pathfinder. I do not want to be stuck with something weak.

I am considering this 2002 Pathfinder

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ca...2111&advanced=y &certified=n&max_mileage=&max_price=&min_price=&end_year=2005&start_year=2000&drive=4WD&engine=&body_style=&advcd_on=y&doors=&fuel=&color=&cardist=100



I'll see how low I can get him to go on the price, maybe finance a couple hundred dollars if I have to. It has low miles and i'm going to check it out Tuesday.

Tom- it's the entire 5-link coil-sprung rear that gives the Pathfinder a more "refined" ride than the leaf-sprung Xterra. As for "off-the-lot" off-road capability between the X and the Pathy, the X has the advantage, but both are equally capable if equipped similarly.

Fueler- I almost forgot. The VQ35 prefers to drink premium unleaded. Although it will run on regular, the engine won't run as efficiently and will produce less power. Figure your gas cost to be slightly higher, depending on how much driving you do. Also look to see if that SE has a 4x4 lever or a dial on the dash. If it has the dial, you get a 2.569:1 low range, or a 2:01 (aftermarket upgradeable to 3.92:1) with the part-time, lever-operated system.

The five link system may contribute to the ride of the Pathfinder, but the Panhard Rod allows the axel to swing far more than my Xterra, which I see to be the big difference in off road comfort as the body stays level more than my X. Also the unibody of the Pathfinder allows some flex that the Xterra does not have which also makes it ride smoother both on and off road.

I find that the Pathfinder will run just fine with regular unleaded, with only premium use every third tank of gas and even when I run only regular unleaded it still has far more power than the Xterra. It also gets the same mileage as my Xterra or better and I get 18 to 20 with my X.

I know nothing about the dial system of 4 wheel drive as my Pathfinder has the normal lever system, which may contribute to the fact that it gets the same or better mileage than my X.

Tom

FYI-The five link system (four sway bars and a panhard rod) is problematic on higher mileage (130,000+) Pathfinders as the bushings in the bars go bad and need to be replaced. If they are not replaced the vehicle develops bizarre handling characteristics in the rear and like my 96 Pathfinder and become dangerous to drive. This is a pricey dealer item, although I just purchased the bushings (10) and pressed the old ones out and the new ones in, which put my 96 back to riding like new for $150. My 2002 Pathfinder has exactly the same (It has vibration dampers on the upper sway bars) system as my 96, so this may be something to keep in mind when you decide between the Pathfinder and the Xterra.

Tom

Tom

Tom

For those of you wondering, no I don't have sway bars all over the place on my Pathfinder, I only have one sway bar and 4 control arms, 2 upper and 2 lower. Trying to do too many things at once.

By the way EXPLORx4, that is a nice Pathfinder you have!

Tom

How about XTERRA vs Pathfinder vs 2000 Jeep Cherokee?

OK, wait a sec here. What are your criteria for the purchase? How do you plan to use the SUV? And what do you drive now?

The X and Pathy have solid reputations for reliability. We've already explained the differences between those. The JGC may be a very capable platform to build up, and depending on which trim level you get, can also be quite luxurious. However, it's still a Jeep/Chrysler. If you're prepared to deal with lesser reliability than a Nissan, you might like it better. I've heard horror stories about JGC's spending more time in the shop than on the road. Check out the edmunds.com "town hall" forums for additional opinions about JGC reliability.

I wont buy a Jeep, I just wanted input.

Right now I drive a Dodge Neon rental car. (My Civic was stolen - and I hated stuffing my mountain bike in the back seat anyways)

How about Pathfinder VS 99+ QX4s? What are the differences? It seems im finding a lot more QX4s in my price range than Pathfinders - and they all have leather! I can deal with an automatic!

Are they the same ride heights and share the same off road capabilities?

San Diego is mostly paved but I go camping like once a month in Baja, and Anza Borrego Desert. I mountain bike everyday and would love the cargo room. I also snowboard and theres some sweet offroading up by Mountain High and I might even make it to Mammoth this year for the 1st time.


If it ever rains here (which it should this winter), I will go mudding too.

Cushier suspension, more features, and they look (plus no manual tranny).

That said, it should be plenty capable for what you seem to need. If you're checking out other brands, don't leave out the possibility of a 4Runner. WJ's are pretty nice, but they aren't very reliable and have unibody (like the pahty).

QX4s are nice as hell man!! I think the Pathfinder is a little more lifted though, but I want someone to confirm that for me. I might buy a QX4 tomorrow.

Theres a perfect 4 runner by my house. Its got 50,000 miles. Its a 5 speed 4x4. I can afford it. Its the only one within 300 miles - and it's a few blocks away. Why don't I buy it? It's bright fucking PURPLE.

Purple 4runner:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ca...11&advanced=y&m ax_mileage=&max_price=&min_price=&end_year=2005&start_year=1981&drive=4WD&engine=&body_style=&advcd_on=y&doors=&fuel=&color=&cardist=11


QX4 im going to look at tomorrow


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ca...advanced=y&cert ified=n&max_mileage=&max_price=&min_price=&first_record=26&end_year=2005&start_year=1999&drive=4WD&engine=&body_style=&advcd_on=y&doors=&=&fuel=&color=&cardist=0



Check them out, tell me what you htink

Thanks for even looking at this!

Too bad that 4Runner is purple - but its got less miles and has a stick... Boy, I'd be tempted, even if it does look like a big Barney.

The QX4 seems nice too, but I've never been sold on paying extra for big-ass fog lights, low running boards, and lots of gizmos - but I guess that's why I bought an Xterra.

Drive both and give 'em an honest evaluation. You could consider expanding your search - a plane ticket and a nice road-trip back home wouldn't cost that much. One thing to consider is that the '99 QX has a VG just like an Xterra. No Xterras in your area worth looking at and driving?

Edit - I just realized that 4Runner is a 4-Cyl - It will be reliable and powerful enough if you're not in a hurry, but unless you want a total dog I'd pass...

The QX4 is really nice. A guy I used to work with had one and it rode nice, was very quiet (they have more sound proofing than the Pathfinder), and it was comfortable. The only problem really, is that they do have the 3.3 170 HP engine so the acceleration is a bit leisurly. I would say that if you can live with the engine performance and the price is right, then it's a worthy contender.

Oh yeah; and yes, he had to have both the exhaust manifolds replaced on it. :rolleyes:

Any Pathfinder or QX4 older than 2001 will have only 170hp. It will be important for you to test drive a 2001 and then a 2000 or older to feel the difference. The QX4 is basically the same thing as the Pathfinder, except it has nicer accessories and body trim. It has lower profile street-biased tires and wheels, also. Aside from the luxury trim, one of the nicer things about the QX4 is that it has a full-time transfer case with a 2.569:1 low range.

A leather-clad QX4 may be nice, but leather gets hot in summer (especially if the exterior color isn't light-colored) and it will never compensate for the lack of HP. If you get an R50, get a 2001 or newer, or get an X. Just my 2 cents.

And since you mountain bike a lot, you might want to also consider getting a trailer hitch and a hitch-mounted bike rack (since lifting a bike onto the roof is a pain the butt).