carpgold

But the manuals still use excessive oil...

I got a 5-speed '02 a couple of years ago which has consumed oil at the constant rate of 750mi/qt since I bought it. No smoke, no drip---who knows where it goes? The engine is strong and quiet with no signs of power loss. So I have dumped in 20 quarts or so at, what, $3, so $60 so far. It's worth it for a rugged bargain vehicle and it adds one more piece of evidence that the world is a mystery.

I believe this is a basic design flaw in these engines and we just have to live with it. It sounds contrary to the laws of physics, but the oil does not seem to come out in any visible form.

I bought one from ebay $20, swapped it into my 2002 and it worked perfectly, 6-changer, wheel controls and all. The original had stopped playing cds when it got cold outside.

I'm in Maine. I have the ones with "Pathfinder" on either side (though the decals are wearing out) and the air dam. My canoe won't fit on them and they block the sunroof, so I'd be glad to get the more minimal LE version. But how much of an obstacle would it be to ship here to there, and how big of a problem would it be to remove/install them. I don't imagine they fit the same screw holes? Bill C

I wouldn't mind a swap. Where are you located? Bill C

I have a 2002 SE 5 speed with stock tires (255/65) that I got last December. It turns 2750 rpm at 70. However, the speedometer reads a bit high, maybe 5%. So, it's probably around 2900 at a true 70. Bill C

I just bought a 2002 SE with manual, 140k. I've owned a dozen stick shift cars and this is the smoothest best-synchronized transmission I've ever used, in my own cars or others', a joy to drive. I get 20 mpg. It is a tragedy that they stopped equipping the PF with this elegant shifter. The 4wd hi/lo is also outstanding, engages easily and positively, though I'm not sure the LSD helps much. Mine may be tired out.