2000 Nissan Pathfinder SE 3.3 V6 SOCH from North America
Summary:
Great used car; better new
Faults:
I got this car used, and I mean very used, but from one owner for a bargain, since I'm in college and on a tight budget.
Right off the bat, the windshield needed to be replaced, which was $200.
The ball joints and real axle needed to also be replaced, which was $1000.
The ATF fluid was changed, which was $200, along with the oil and filter.
Brakes were serviced, which was about $150.
It came with almost new all season tires, which are good.
I did some reading around, and this model Nissan was made in Japan.
The 3.3L engine has proven to be a little more reliable than the 3.5L in the newer models after 2000.
Maintenance records were not the greatest, but rust proofing was done, so there is minimal rust, and these things rust a lot from what I have heard.
Bumper was damaged by a hit'n'run, so it doesn't look as good.
General Comments:
I like the way the car looks and runs, the gold color is my favorite, it's tough as nails, and the functionality is great, space and comfort. Since I bought this used, I had to clean the seats, but they came out decent.
If you have the money, buy a Pathfinder new, or if used, make sure you know the owner or get the history cleared first. Other than that, these are great SUVs if you don't mind the poor gas mileage, but don't get this if you are trying to save on gas; get a hybrid or a Civic.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 27th November, 2010
17th Dec 2010, 00:56
Thanks for the follow-up comment. I agree that Pathfinders are overall amazing autos, and now with snowfall recently here in Canada, I have tested the 4 wheel drive in the High position, and it didn't slip at all.
I'm saving to change the water-pump and timing-belt, as well as the cam seals and filters for the cabin and engine, since they need to be replaced ASAP.
When I got this several months ago, the air conditioning was not working, which I was told, but I think it's just a matter of replacing the freon or recharging the AC system, which is not that complicated, maybe something I can do myself.
30th Nov 2010, 13:22
These are very dependable SUVs that'll go 300,000 miles very easily. Just make sure that the timing belt and water pump are changed every 100,000 miles, along with the cam seals and you will have a SUV that'll last a long time with very minimal upkeep.