1989 Nissan Pathfinder XE 3.0

Summary:

A nice reliable sport utility vehicle

Faults:

My transmission went out twice. It first broke about two months after I drove it. Repairs came to about $1,200. It's alot of money because i have a automatic transmission. Then after that I worked perfectly for about two and a half years and then the transmission broke on me again. So then that cost me about $800. Fixed broken exhaust manifold bolts. Brake lines have problems. I spun out a total of three times on the freeway trying to avoid bad Los Angeles drivers.

General Comments:

This truck has a solid body. It controls very well, but lacks power. I would be happy if this truck had about 160 horsepower. I just want enough to past motorists when I change lanes and just enough to go up hills with ease. I happy with what I got. It's a very reliable truck. I would buy another one. The only downside is the transmission, but other than than it's a great truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd December, 2002

25th Jan 2005, 16:20

What is it with the transmissions in the pathfinders? I have a 1989 that has had 3 transmission go bad.

16th Aug 2005, 17:10

Automatics wear out faster.

3rd May 2009, 16:36

The stock transmission coolers below the radiator on these are a "fin" type. They are very prone to clogging and cannot be cleaned. When the clog, the transmission overheats very quickly and destroys it. Installing an aftermarket transmission cooler, completely bypassing the stock unit will solve this problem and your transmission will be good to go for a few hundred thousand miles.

1989 Nissan Pathfinder XE V6

Summary:

This is an extremely reliable vehicle

Faults:

Small in-line valve to the radiator replaced twice (cost about $16.00 each time).

Standard maintenance, brake work, replaced the muffler once.

Presently have a leak in the clutch seals, but at 272,000 miles who's complaining?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th December, 2001

1989 Nissan Pathfinder SE 3.0 V6

Summary:

Keeps on tickin'

Faults:

I love my Pathfinder. I have had it for 3 years. The clutch didn't need to be replaced until 175,000 miles!!! That's quality!

I have had a few problems, but what do I expect at 205,000 miles! It still runs very strong and I would recommend one to anyone!

Keep the oil changed and the engine will last forever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th January, 2001

30th Sep 2004, 03:14

Totally agree with you. My 89 pathy runs for over 300.000 km and no problem so far.

29th Mar 2006, 17:47

I fully agree with the above comments. Our 2WD 89 Pathfinder has 284,000 miles on it, we bought it with 196,00 miles on it. Very reliable, had to have the starter replaced when we bought it, and every 60,000 we do the water pump and timing belt. I put Castrol Syntec 10/40 in every 3,000 miles, and it has never needed more than a 1/2 a quart between changes. I really love the truck. Too bad the new ones arn't made as well.

24th Mar 2007, 21:36

Totally agree. I bought a 1989 in Los Angeles back in 1994. Back then it had 80000 miles. I shipped it down to Costa Rica where 4x4s are needed, drive it in really bad roads and I just changed ball joints, bushings, alternator and clutch last month. Always change oil every 3000 miles and it will run forever. Now it has 180000 miles on it and still running strong. I love this tank.