Looking at buying a 95 LE

[fuzzy03cls]

Hello,

 

I'm looking a buying a 95 LE model pathfinder. It's a 5 speed. I really know nothing about import SUV's. I've always had Explorers.

The pathfinder in question has the exhaust manifold leak I'm told. I haven't looked at it yet so I'm not sure how bad it is. Other then that it's in good condition I'm told. Has 90K miles. It's a Florida truck.

I did read through & searched around. Some good info. I found my answers to the stereo questions I had & a few others.

From my experience with Explorers there's a bunch of things that die on them. I'm not sure if pathfinders suffer from it as well.

So...

Do the window motors fail often?

Do the auto hubs break?

Any potential leaking areas with age, oil pan, rear main seal, valve covers etc.

How does the 5 speed trans hold up? Is it strong? Had 2 go out on explorers with less then 100K miles.

Any problems with suspension bushings wearing out? Like on older explorers the Radius arm bushings would fail every 40K or so.

If I wanted to lift it what would be my options? I didn't see too much in that area when I searched.

Any performance parts I can add? like intake, headers(I found the pacesetter's but need the oil filter relocation kit)

I also found the timing belt may need to be changed. Saw the thread on replacing that. How important is it with 90K miles?

Lastly for now, what's a good asking price for this? I was thinking of $2200.

 

Thanks

[Simon]

Hello,

 

I'm looking a buying a 95 LE model pathfinder. It's a 5 speed. I really know nothing about import SUV's. I've always had Explorers.

The pathfinder in question has the exhaust manifold leak I'm told. I haven't looked at it yet so I'm not sure how bad it is. Other then that it's in good condition I'm told. Has 90K miles. It's a Florida truck.

I did read through & searched around. Some good info. I found my answers to the stereo questions I had & a few others.

From my experience with Explorers there's a bunch of things that die on them. I'm not sure if pathfinders suffer from it as well.

So...

Do the window motors fail often?

Do the auto hubs break?

Any potential leaking areas with age, oil pan, rear main seal, valve covers etc.

How does the 5 speed trans hold up? Is it strong? Had 2 go out on explorers with less then 100K miles.

Any problems with suspension bushings wearing out? Like on older explorers the Radius arm bushings would fail every 40K or so.

If I wanted to lift it what would be my options? I didn't see too much in that area when I searched.

Any performance parts I can add? like intake, headers(I found the pacesetter's but need the oil filter relocation kit)

I also found the timing belt may need to be changed. Saw the thread on replacing that. How important is it with 90K miles?

Lastly for now, what's a good asking price for this? I was thinking of $2200.

 

Thanks

 

Welcome to NPORA. Here's the answers to your questions.....

 

Do the window motors fail often? Not often at all. The regulators do, however, develop some play.

Do the auto hubs break? Not often at all. Though, they have been known to. Typically without being serviced, though, unless you're doing serious wheeling, you'll be fine.

Any potential leaking areas with age, oil pan, rear main seal, valve covers etc? Rear main seals go with a bit of regularity, though, not typically to the point of needing replacement.

How does the 5 speed trans hold up? Is it strong? Had 2 go out on explorers with less then 100K miles. 5speed is great. Ensure GL-4 fluid only, and search for the TSB on overfilling

Any problems with suspension bushings wearing out? Like on older explorers the Radius arm bushings would fail every 40K or so. Not a whole bunch. The front compression rod bushings do fail over time.

If I wanted to lift it what would be my options? I didn't see too much in that area when I searched. Suspension lifts (many different routes here) Body lifts 2-3" can be easily found and if you're REALLY inclined, Solid axle swap

Any performance parts I can add? like intake, headers(I found the pacesetter's but need the oil filter relocation kit) Yes. HEaders are a good investment when you're fixing the manifold leak.

I also found the timing belt may need to be changed. Saw the thread on replacing that. How important is it with 90K miles? In the next 10k, it should be done.

Lastly for now, what's a good asking price for this? I was thinking of $2200. TOtally depends on condition and location.

Edited December 12, 2008 by Simon

[fuzzy03cls]

Cool, thanks

 

I thought of a few more...

How is the cooling system? Any overheating problems? Does the fan clutch die or the thermostat fail often?

 

Thanks

[Simon]

Fan clutches do die once in a while, again, not terribly often. Thermostats don't typically fail in these, as when a timing belt replacement is performed, generally the T-stat is replaced as well.

 

Overheating isn't usually an issue, as when/if the fan clutch fails, more than likely it will seize, causing it to sound like a bus, but not overheat.

[fuzzy03cls]

Ok.

 

All that stuff is common on Explorers.

 

Thanks

[Precise1]

I see Simon took care of you very well. I agree with everything he said.

The scheduled timing belt replacement is every 105k miles for 94-95 trucks so yes, yours will need to be done relatively soon. It's not worth risking it breaking...

 

Just for your information, I recently purchased a 95XE in 90%+ condition with new starter, fuel filter, tires, radiator, ball joints, battery, rebuilt auto tranny, etc for $3,300 and I think I got a pretty good deal. This is in northern California so I don't know how much that info helps.

 

Make sure to check for rust on the frame by the rear wheels and on the body under the rear seat. My two pathys came from Rodchester NY, and Pa respectively but fortunately were not back east long enough for more than light surface rust. Checking the VIN in car fax is a good investment in my book. Good luck, I'm sure you'll love the truck if you get it.

 

B