Jump to content

Looking for a Pathfinder (87-95)


Precise1
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hey all,

I am looking at picking up a used first gen pathfinder. I don't care much for the look of the second gen and can't afford a third gen. Right now I have a 95 Ram 1500 I am trying to get rid of. It's a blast when you want to haul stuff or run someone off the road but it sucks on trails and doesn't fit in a lot of places. Anyone have any special pointers on what I should look for and/or check as I go car shopping?

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the timing belt fails or slips, your valves go tappity tap on the pistons. This is known to cause serious problems. If you keep up on the timing belt replacement intervals, the odds of it happening are slim indeed so don't worry.

 

Here is my input. Get a 94-95 if possible. The timing belts are rated for 105k miles, not the 60k change intervals of the pre 94. You also get a nicer dash and hopefully, less milage on it.

 

What to check for:

1) Rust!! Under the back seat, the rear frame, especially around the rear tires. If it has it bad, don't buy it unless you like welding and it is very cheap.

2) Timing belt and general maintenance. If the PO can't prove (you don't trust) the timing belt has been changed per schedule, assume it must not have been. It isn't too hard but takes some time. The general scenario is to replace the water pump, thermostat, bypass hose and sometimes the cam seal(?) at the same time so you don't have to go there again.

3) Front end issues. If it has been wheeled hard or driven carelessly there may be many front end components needing replacement. This can get expensive...

4) Automatic trannys- They need the stock (radiator) coolers bypassed (prone to clogging). Look for a truck that has an aftermarket tranny cooler. If there is ANY wierd shifting (especially reverse), walk away. These autotragic trannys are expensive and don't necessarily rebuild well. That said, many members have auto trannys with many miles that work flawlessly. Take care of it and don't buy a lemon.

 

Then there is the whole condition of the truck, testing EVERY feature, even the autolocking hubs, general shape and milage VS price. These are good vehicles and ther are a lot of them. Don't rush and if you are hesitant, don't buy. I've seen some members find sweet deals by being patient. I'm sure others will chime in with things I missed.

 

Good Luck!

 

B

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

Something I stumbled across today. It seems to be quite well informed...

 

Reliability:

Above-average on 1993–1995 models. Some problems have been recorded with

the emissions system oxygen sensors. Manual transmission bearings lack durability;

occasional problems with the cooling system and suspension; a few costly automatic

transmission failures at high mileage on pre-1995 models. Uneven front tire wear may

indicate excessive play in the ball joints or tie-rod ends. 1996–2002 models: improved over

the pre-1996 model overall, with better corrosion resistance.

What to check:

1993–1995 models: steering (worn, especially on vehicles with large tires), CV joints

(excessive wear in case of frequent off-road usage), exhaust manifold (leaks, especially

on the right side, which is often broken), oxygen sensors (defective), rear suspension

trailing arms (worn bushings). 1996–1999 models: brake calipers (seized), front shocks

(often sagging, weak original springs), sway bar (broken links), rear wiper (failed), exhaust

manifold (leaks, especially on the right side.

Rust:

Poor rust resistance after four years, especially in the floor under the carpeting.

Applying a grease- or oil-based anticorrosion treatment is strongly recommended.

1993–1995 models: check for advanced rust on the rear floor between the catalytic

converter and the rear wheels. Exposed fuel lines are vulnerable to rust.

Safety:

No airbags were available until 1996, when standard dual airbags were fitted. Side

airbags have been optional since late 1999. Rear-wheel only ABS was available until 1996,

when all-wheel ABS became standard. The 1995 Pathfinder received one- and three-star

ratings for driver and front-passenger occupant protection respectively when crash tested

by the NHTSA. The 1999.5 Pathfinder received four- and five-star ratings for the driver

and front passenger respectively in a frontal crash and five-star ratings for all outboard

occupants in side crashes when crash tested by the NHTSA. The 1997 Pathfinder received

a “marginal” rating from the IIHS, which noted that there was significant intrusion into the

driver’s footwell that trapped the dummy’s right foot. The dummy’s movement was poorly

controlled in the crash, which, combined with upward movement of the steering column,

caused the dummy’s head to bottom out on the airbag and hit the steering wheel, which

could result in a head injury.

APA Alert!

• Pre-1995 models with automatic transmission: to avoid costly transmission problems,

it is highly recommended that you install an auxiliary transmission cooler in order to

compensate for the defective transmission cooler in the original radiator.

• Pre-1996 models: excessive exhaust noise is a sign of a problem with one or more

exhaust manifold studs at the block. Replace the studs as soon as they become noisy

or the manifold may crack. If you are unable to negotiate a free or reduced-price

repair at the dealer, the APA has located a repair centre in the Montreal area that

avoids inflated dealer prices (call 1-800-400-3792 for information; for the same repair

in the Toronto area call 905-670-8535). Nissan has reduced the cost of replacement

exhaust manifolds for this model to $110 each. For 1996 and later models it is no

longer possible to perform this repair without removing the heads. The cost of the

repair at a Nissan dealer is $1000 per side.

• Some of the 1995–1996 production was plagued by an engine knocking problem

after a modification meant to reduce manufacturing costs. Ford offered an extended

warranty of 7 years/160,000 km on the Mercury Villager, which shares the same

engine. Nissan sent no warnings to clients, but maintains that it has taken the

necessary actions regarding this problem.

• Recall covering 2001 models: brackets that connect the rear hatch door to the gas

struts were improperly made and may bend under stress, allowing the struts to

detach from the brackets and the door to fall. Replace the strut brackets.

 

 

 

B

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Something I stumbled across today. It seems to be quite well informed...

B

Some of the 1995–1996 production was plagued by an engine knocking problem

after a modification meant to reduce manufacturing costs. Ford offered an extended

warranty of 7 years/160,000 km on the Mercury Villager, which shares the same

engine. Nissan sent no warnings to clients, but maintains that it has taken the

necessary actions regarding this problem.

 

 

Am I reading right ? Nissan Pathfinders 1995-1996 share the same engine than tne Ford Mercury Villager ? But is it a Ford engine or is it a Nissan engine ? ... in wich ever .

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Some of the 1995–1996 production was plagued by an engine knocking problem

after a modification meant to reduce manufacturing costs. Ford offered an extended

warranty of 7 years/160,000 km on the Mercury Villager, which shares the same

engine. Nissan sent no warnings to clients, but maintains that it has taken the

necessary actions regarding this problem.

Am I reading right ? Nissan Pathfinders 1995-1996 share the same engine than tne Ford Mercury Villager ? But is it a Ford engine or is it a Nissan engine ? ... in wich ever .

i just realize you were talking about the nissan Quest engine being the same thanthe Ford villager...

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes....the Villager was built for Ford by Nissan. Ford made Nissan change the motor to a non-interference type as part of the deal. I believe that's only for the motors in the Quest/Villager, not anything else with the VG30.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...

Well I will add my 2 cents here. Of course I love the mid 90's Pathfinders. I agree that the 94 and 95 have a nicer dash. Be sure to watch out for the manifold issue. Nearly all the Pathfinders back then had problems with the bolts breaking off in the engine block and then manifolds would then warp and even crack if left untended to.

 

I personally liked the fact that the 95 and older Pathfinders had a real frame and not the unibody stuff that came around in 96'. Its more rugged for offroad use and you can add body lifts, sliders, winch bumpers, etc.

 

I would ask for documentation about the manifold and when the last time that the timing belt was replaced.

 

Good luck and good choice,

 

MrJim

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 7 months later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...