cvearl

Ok thanks everyone... Ya mis-spelled Xterra. Anyway, The dealership "modded" the truck for her. I have not asked her how it went yet. She had to kick some ass to get it done as there was no Tech Service Bulitin and they said they all do it. Not sure if they mean 2006 model year only. I will pass this info along. Thanks again... C.

I know this is not an Exterra forum but some of you GURUS know quite alot and might have somehting usefull to tell me. I have a friend with an 06 Exterra and I live in Canada. As it is getting colder, a problem is developing. There is cold air blowing into the cabin from under the steering column tilt lever opening and hitting me in the legs. The draft is strong and the colder it is outside the colder the air blowing on me gets and thereforre more noticable. If driving into the wind it is horrible. Even when the vehicle is warm or even hot and stationary it still comes in. This was not as noticable in the summer but now that fall and going into winter has arrived it is getting worse. I have looked at several other units on the lot now and they all have this problem. There is a HUGE openeing that is not covered by any kind of a plate or insulation. Open wires. I have had trouble getting anyone at the dealerships to talk about it. They say. Sorry they are all like that. Have a nice day. Anyone else having this MAJOR issue? Is this also on previous year models? What have you had to do about it? Response from your dealer? Charles.

Collectors item? sly

Oops. Sorry. I missed a word in there... when I said "I like R50. Found em attractive first time I saw em. I also like the pre 99.5 Pathy look as well. But prefer the R50. " It should have ended with "But prefer the POST 99.5 R50. " Is 99.5 not when they rounded the nose? that's sorta where I was trying to go. Gotta type slower I guess. But to be completely honest, the ONLY reason I even knew the 96 through 04's were all R50's was because of the way that you have named the topic areas in this forum. That in itself was a history lesson for me on the models when I first came here. Although I mistakenly thought the VQ35 was in 99.5 with the facelift. An incorrect assumption on my part. Thanks for the correction! In hindsight, I am glad I bought the 2002 one cause I was "this close" <---> to getting a 2000 Pathfinder that had the same km's thinking it too had the 240 HP engine as I was planning on towing eventually. Althogh I am sure the previous engine would have been just fine. Thanks Vengeful Me = rookie

Naw. I like R50. Found em attractive first time I saw em. I also like the pre 99.5 Pathy look as well. But prefer the R50. Nicesest looking IMO was the Durangos of the last 4 or 5 years. But they are built like crap from all reports I find. Commonly refered to as a sexy looking money pit that wishes it was a truck. Same with the Dakotas too. I wanted a Quad Cab Dakota sooo bad this time around. Was heart broken. Quality just could not compare though so I went Nissan. So that "round edge" look appeals to me I guess. R50 still has a rugged edge to it IMO. C.

Good news then... In a few years when it is time I will be able to read up on the long term reliability of the unit. If it's on par with current R50's, then it might be my next truck. I love the quote. It really addressed my feelings towards the Pathfinder model and where it's gone to. Only thing I know about at this point is what Vengie said about """Xterra and Frontiers breaking differentials""". Hopefully not a ongoing trend. I am not a huge offroader. But I like that my R50 can chew up a few trails if I ever find myself in a tight spot and still return home to drive me to work every day like the good lookin, street wise - smooth ridin truck it is.

Nice link!

In the end, are you saying that (as it currently stands all the way to 2006 modesl), the 2004 Pahtfinder is the last "tough and reliable" Nissan SUV? I am talking STOCK off the line here. Then it will be time to find somethying else? Tis a shame. The Xterras looked real cool. Well Quad Cab Toyota Tacoma or newer Toyota 4Runners might be the option I guess. Hmmm... Time will tell. What a shame. I guess decades of brand loyalty is not possible these days with anyone anymore. You never know from one decade to the next what's going to happen with your favorite standbys. C.

^^^^^^^^ Well said! And thanks for the link. And thanks everyone for all the details! Looks like the Xterra will be my next vehicle in 3 or 4 years. Probably an 06 model. That is, as long as the quality trend of the R50 also pumps through it's viens (time tells all). I just like the look, size and drive of the R50's. And the Xterra looks like a slightly sportier R50 to me. I like that it has that whole "Truck in an suv's clothing" thing going on. That is as long as it is as much of a truck as the R50 seem to have proven to be. Otherwise. Where do we go from there? N American? NO!!!! Hahahahaha. And those Bus sized SUV's are just not my style. A little too "overcompensational" if you ask me. Know what I mean Vern? C.

OK. So let's shoot ahead a few years. I always buy used. 2 to 4 years old depending on km's and condition. Is the 05 Xterra a step up or down from a 04 Pathfinder? Or in other words. Is it as much of a truck as the 04 Pathy? I took a shine to the 99.5-04 Pathfinder series. The look, size and drive of the truck. The quality. So I got me one. In 2 to 3 years, Lets call it 2009, I will be looking for my next vehicle. Being that I like the pathfinder type vehicle and it will be roughly a 2005 to 2006 unit. What is the closest relative to the 2000 to 2004 pathfinder? I know 3 years is a long way off. but. I am just curious. I guess I can always get a 2004 Pathy in a coupla years and keep that for a while and see how things pan out for the new model years. 99.5 to 04 have become somewhat of a legend right up there with 4Runners as I undrstand it. I hope the 05 and 06's and into the future continue that trend. But I still say the 05 Xterra looks most like a 99.5 to 04 Pathfinder esthetically. C.

Was the Xterra the original new Pathy design for 05? I mean, other than the funky looking roof rack and larger 4.0L Engine, it just looks like a slightly updated 99.5 to 04 Pathfinder to me from all angles. It looks to me that they named it Xterra in 2005 and then built a HUGE truck that looks to compete with Envoy and called it Pathfinder. Why? Am I seeing things? The Pathfinder is no longer the Pathy people came to know and love? And after 2005 if you want to stick with the overall size, look and feel of the 99.5-04 Pathy, you need to go Xterra? And now the Pathfinder is the large class (no longer mid size) SUV that appears to be the size of an Envoy or Toyota Land Runner with this gigantic plastic nose for a front end? I do not understand this move at all. Looks like I will need to get an Xterra in 3 or 4 years to replace my Pathy if Xterra continue the quality trend set by Pathfinder. Anyone else understand what I am saying here? Or do I need to be corrected in some way? C.

Hmm.. Chilkoot all come with the AllMode options do they not? Am I confused? Is that not the little knob that sets... 2WD, AUTO, 4WDH, 4WDL on the fly? And for whatever reason I could not find an XE anywhere in Calgary on any of the lots. I was told Chilkoot was a slightly updated XE and replaced XE as the base model? Chilkoot = Base.... incl, BOSE, Electric Doors, windows and all that, Leather Steeringwheel, Front Leather Armrest Storage Lid, Allmode 4WD on the fly and the Tube Step/Nerf Bar, Tinted Windows and so on. SE = Add a sunroof and wheel flares and upgraded looking rims. LE = Add leather and the front bumper lights and license plate cradle with lights. QX4 = I was not sure. Except someone said that Infinity is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota? Which is why I originally wanted to know if the $4000 more for the QX4 was worth it. But in hindsight, I really like the Chilkoot look. More rugged in appearance? C.

Well I found a cure for the CD player on the BOSE!!! Take a can of that emergency flat repair stuff. Put the hose to the CD opening. Fill the CD chamber with that foam and let it harden. Then put duct tape over the opening and write on it. "OUT OF ORDER". Never a problem with CD's after that. Ya. It's wierd. Works one day and then not the next. Seems like mine needs to "warm up". Then it's ok. C.

Because I had the choice between the Chilkoot and QX4 of roughly the same year and KM's. But they were about $4,000 apart and was just second guessing my decision on the Chilkoot. But not now. Sounds like I saved myself $4,000. I did not ask beforehand because I was afraid of what the answer might be. But I am still in love with my truck so all is well. Thanks. C.

But I still have the stock BOSE so you mean turn up the Radio. Hahahahaha. Oh sorry. Thought you said CD. C.

Is there any real difference aside from accents in the interior between the QX4 and Pathy models from the same years? (from 01 to 04). Funtionally? Better noise dampening? Better suspensions? Anything structual like that? In otherwords if you are blindfolded and go for a 15 minute ride on varrying terrains (sitting on a seat cover) in each a Chilkoot and a QX4, would you be able to tell. (not the driver of course). C.

Wow. what would I do without you people. I feel better now. I need to find me some of that sound proofing stuff now. Thanks!

For the first time since I got my 02 Pathhammer, it rained. Alot. Driving around I hear the wet "shwishy" noise as I roll along but only if there is a thin layer of water on the pavement. Seems to be comming from behind me somewhere. Almost like one of the doors is not closed all the way or a window in the back is opened a crack if that makes sense. I am going to have to wait for another rainy day and ride as a passenger to investigate but until then... Is this a personality trait of this vehicle? Or a re-occurring but cureable issue? C.

Wrong. Chuck is the baddest... Q. Why does Chuck Norris have to round-house kick himself in the face to shave off his beard? A. Because only Chuck Norris can cut Chuck Norris. Q. And why would you not want him to shave off his beard anyway? A. Because all you'd find is another fist. Q. Who'd win in a fight. Darth Vader? or The Incredible Hulk? A. Chuck Norris.

Hey thanks so much again everyone. C.

That is one wicked link in your sig! You write all that? Also... The Old Man Emu shocks... Hows the ride compared to Nissan Stock when the vehicle is no load and whippin around the city with speed bumps, cornering, average paved ride and such. Bouncy? C.

Ya I just looked into it. Takes 4" of travel out of the suspension? And all it basically does it put rubber between the axle and the bottom of the truck to prevent bottoming out too hard? Does nothing to prevent the sag though? So I guess some of the other suggestions are key here. Thanks again. C.

Hey thanks! I just found this too. I'll have to look into this. Buyers Alerts link on the right side of this page... But what is a Bound Bumper? Buyer's Alerts Nissan Pathfinder, 2001-2003 A squeak, rubbing, or "wheezing" noise coming from the steering column when turning may call for a new steering column assembly (TSB NTB03-007, January 2003). If the rear suspension bottoms out excessively when the vehicle is loaded, Nissan has replacement bound bumpers and steel bound bumper seats to help address the issue (NTB02-081, July 2002). If the automatic transmission "flares" on upshifts, this condition may call for a new transmission control module (NTB01-055a, September 2001; NTB00-084, Oct. 2000). A new rear hatch assembly may be necessary if the rear hatch latch moves to the secondary latching position when driving over bumps or other rough surfaces (NTB01-026, April 2001). (Service bulletin information courtesy of Alldata Corp)

There ya go. About the same age as my 96 Caravan and about the same km's. You spent $3000. I spent over $8,000. Mine was worth under $1000 on the street last month. Your's is worth about $10,000. Mine was getting close to a major mechanical failure. I could feel it comming. Your's will go for years to come with a little care. Hmmm.. And it's a truck that can tow or go 4x4 and mine was a Minivan. Good for soccer kids or whatever. Hahaha. Which was the better investment?

Heh.. Since I am a used car buyer kinda guy, under 150k is young. 100k is practically new! That is if you buy the right vehicle and it gets checked out so you know it was treated right. Case and point... I bought a 1996 Caravan in 1998 for $14,000 and it had only 40k or so on it. Now it has 240k and I have done 8 or 9 thousand in repairs (2 tranies, multiple head gaskets, major belts, pulleys and other minor items). I sold it for $800 this year 2006. My friend bought a 1996 Toyota 4Runner in 1998 with about the same mileage for roughly $28,000. Has spent under $1500 in repairs since then. Has just a little less km's on it but they are close. They are still selling on lots and in the paper in my city for $12,000 to $15,000 give or take depending on the condition and km's. Nissan Pathys and Toyota 4Runners retain thier value and are built alot better than N American unfortunately. What happend to my Van is simular to what I have seen happen to Jimmies, Blazers and Ford Exploders. Likely the same happens with Durangos and Trail Blazers as well. They just depreciate too fast and break down too often. So I estimate that 140,000 kms on a pathy is like 70,000 kms on most other competing vehicles in terms of resale and lifespan. But this is just a theory I have yet to prove personally. I guess I will know in 6 more years. C.