1995 Nissan Pathfinder 4X4 SE 3.0L V6 from North America
Summary:
Best $900 I ever spent
Faults:
Top end ticking, but research on the internet indicates that, while annoying, it won't cause harm to the motor (anytime soon).
Water pump went out after I rear ended a Jeep and ruptured my radiator.
All my locks are broken.
The front end is loose and rattles, but I expect that with 221,000+ miles.
Really, no major problems with this vehicle in the 18 months I have been driving it.
General Comments:
This is an excellent vehicle.
The story is; this vehicle was originally purchased as a fleet vehicle and was used as a Forest Ranger utility vehicle (computer cables, GPS receiver, radio & light bar switches, and multiple antennae lend credibility). I expected this car to be completely trashed, and was afraid to ever put my foot into it.
Soon after purchase, it developed some electrical shorts (poor gas mileage & rough running when radio on, horn honking when turning, vehicle stalling when turning or braking). I decided on a complete tune up... (on the installment plan). The last two parts to replace were plug wires and coil; never got to the coil. Ran like a new truck!
I never drove it more than 20 miles from home and not on the freeway for the first 10-12 months I owned. In the last couple months I've taken it on a dozen trips of over 50 miles, the longest being 170 miles in the mountains on the Fourth of July, at 100+ degree F., up and down huge inclines at an average speed of 70 MPH with a short burst of up to 95 MPH. I tell you this truck just runs better every day.
If I had to choose something to complain about, it would be lack of power, and the intense revving just trying to get off the line to change lanes or merge on the freeway; it sounds like it's going to explode, until it hits overdrive. I'm guessing in an attempt to improve fuel economy and 0-60 acceleration they ran an unheard of axle ratio of 4.60-1 and incredibly low 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears, and countered with an equally excessive high overdrive of .66-1 (usually a number pretty much reserved for the 6th position in a manual), thus allowing less actual H.P. to reach the desired goal, and the reason we all get terrible mileage in town and feel like we can't get out of our own way.
All in all I would say this is the best vehicle I have ever owned, and this is coming from a guy who bought 5 brand new Fords in a five year period in the late 90s.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 31st July, 2019
31st Jul 2019, 19:28
From five new Fords in five years to a 23 year old Nissan, ugh.