Faults:

Outside of regular maintenance... my only unexpected issues were the radiator cracked, tie rods and heat shield rattle.

I do have a small oil leak that I'm not going to fix due to cost vs. the age of the vehicle, and it's not a major leak. I barely notice it.

General Comments:

I had a FX35 AWD which in my opinion is the best all around vehicle ever, but when I came close to 200k trouble free miles and my commute increased, I sold it and purchased a Q70 Hybrid, which is only RWD, but then when winter gave me hell, I needed a 2nd vehicle that was 4wd and something to carry my bikes and all my outdoor gear. I looked for a 5 speed Xterra, but couldn't find one for a reasonable price, and I happened to come across my QX4 and I couldn't be happier.

When I purchased it, all it needed was a tune up (timing belt/water pump, spark plugs, tires and alignment). I drive this everyday now since I cycle and run often. I've also gotten into off roading with some of my buddies and we were all surprised at the factory capabilities of this rig. The All Mode 4wd is simply amazing and the comfort on/off road is pretty amazing. Even after 18 years, everything including the power antenna still works as if it was half its age. I've taken it on a couple of road trips and it's very stable on the highway, and an overall fun & perfect 2nd vehicle. I'm hoping it'll last at least 350k - 400k miles.

Faults:

One of the O2 sensors has been replaced.

The tip of the exhaust (coming off the resonator) fell off (rust issues; my state uses salt on the roads).

Both front sway bar end links wore out and were replaced.

Sensor for the intelligent cruise control failed ($3000 replacement; I'll just wait until I find one in the junk yard), and the ABS mysteriously doesn't work... left it at the Infiniti dealer where they worked on it for 3 days and they could not figure it out (real world test agreed that the ABS was broken, however all the components tested as working fine...???), and some buttons fell off of the climate control/GPS module.

I have repaired all of these except for the ICC and ABS, which I have learned to live without.

General Comments:

First of all, if you own one of these you need to know that the 1997-2003 Infiniti QX4 and 1996-2004 Nissan Pathfinder are nearly identical (both being designated as the R50 generation), which is extremely helpful when looking for parts or information on the internet. I highly suggest that you check out nissanpathfinders.net and look under the R50 section. That is a forum populated with great people from all over the world (United States, Canada, Australia, Russia, etc.) who know their stuff and want to help you enjoy your Japanese truck, however you choose to do so (lifted, stock, towing, etc.).

This truck is my first automobile, so you know it hasn't always been driven gently. Although mine is a Michigan automobile, it has held up against rust very well and only has minor rust spots, most of which just being surface rust on the underside except for one spot by the rear driver's side door/fender. I have done some modifications to mine, including a 2.5" suspension lift (using parts from sfcreation.com and ARB) and 32" all-terrain tires. With these modifications, it is extremely capable offroad, keeping up with Toyota trucks and Jeeps no problem! It has even towed a stuck XJ Cherokee out of the mud. I also tow a small 3x5 trailer with loads up to 2000lbs fairly frequently, and the truck pulls it extremely well. On the heavier loads, the ability to turn off overdrive is much appreciated.

This vehicle is fun to drive both on road and offroad, and fairly comfortable (especially for a truck with upgraded rear springs). It only has one downside, and that is the fact that it drinks premium gas at a rate of 14 MPG in the summer and 11 MPG in the winter. If you want to increase your MPG, manual hubs from companies like Warn or Mile Marker should get you an additional 1-2 MPG when in 2WD; just make sure to do your research on proper use first. That will surely be my next modification.

Overall, this truck is perfect for someone looking for a comfortable daily driver that they can also head into the woods with on the weekend.