Seriously considering purchase

[let_fire_fall]

I am going to look at a 98 Pathfinder LE tomorrow and it is at the top of my list for vehicle purchase.

I have provided a link to the dealers site for the vehicle and though I know you can tell very little from just pictures, was hoping to get some light feedback on my potential purchase.

I plan on putting it through the rounds tomorrow when I go look at it and will post my thoughts then.

 

So. Check it out!

Solely from a browsing/web shopping standpoint what do you guys think?

 

http://www.neweracars.com/detail.aspx?vid=750_V20140417144644&1998-NISSAN-PATHFINDER%20LE%20Leather%20NICE!!-for-sale

[lerch641]

Damn I would be jumping on that for only $3k! Definately worth the price provided the engine is in good order.

 

Just an example, I picked up mine (98 Chilkoot) for $1500, and so far I've put about $2k into it to bring it back up to snuff.

 

So yeah, $3k for what looks like a mint R50 LE? Hell yeah!

[let_fire_fall]

Thanks!

It has had 2 Minor front end collisions which concerns me a bit but it is one owner and clearly very well maintained. If it checks out on the inspection and test drive tomorrow I will be driving it home!

I've researched them quite a bit the past few weeks and have been reading over the forums for a few days now.

Any thoughts on the VG33 with this many miles? Assuming it's been well maintained mechanically can I easily expect to get to the 200-250k range without worrying about rebuilds?

[Precise1]

Looks pretty good and good price, but a little higher in mileage than I would prefer. Interior is identical to our 1999.0 SE; pretty comfortable and drives really well.

 

 

Air Conditioning, Dual Zone Climate Control, AM/FM/CD Audio System, Power Seats, Power Locks, Cruise Control, Leather Steering Wheel, Tachometer, Leather-Trimmed Seats, Reading/Map Lights, Glove Compartment, Center Console, 12-Volt Power Outlets, Driver Side Airbags, Passenger Side Airbags, Anti-Theft Device(s), Tow Hitch, Alloy Wheels, Chrome Finishes, Traction Control System

No on all 3! It has heat/AC with vents to the rear, 4x4 shifter, not traction control (unless they mean rear axle LSD which I think the LE's mainly didn't have) but a 4x4 shifter and I do not see a tow hitch.

They forgot to mention it has heated seats (two small switches in the bottom of the console), should have a 12v jack in the back of the center console, a hidden 'glasses' compartment in the map light/temp/compass console and make sure to turn on the rear defroster for a bit and touch the side view mirrors to see if they are heated.

TEST EVERYTHING!

Check the tranny fluid condition and pay good attention to how it shifts, make sure it warms up and try every gear and 4x4 (on a dirt road). If all checks out, go home and run the VIN on CarFax or whatever. It won't always tell you everything but it could tell you enough. Cheap insurance...

Then go back and buy it once you slept on it.

FYI, we bought a 1999.0 SE in NorCal 4 years ago with 150k miles, needing tires but in 95% condition for $4k from a private party and I thought we got a spanking deal.

Good luck Bud!

 

B

[Precise1]

Thanks!

It has had 2 Minor front end collisions which concerns me a bit but it is one owner and clearly very well maintained. If it checks out on the inspection and test drive tomorrow I will be driving it home!

I've researched them quite a bit the past few weeks and have been reading over the forums for a few days now.

Any thoughts on the VG33 with this many miles? Assuming it's been well maintained mechanically can I easily expect to get to the 200-250k range without worrying about rebuilds?

Make sure the airbag works, there is some sort of diagnostic with lights. You can download a FSM from the pinned thread in the Garage and look it up...

 

250K should not be a problem unless it was sorely neglected. I've worked on a 1996 with 256k that was beat to crap, poorly maintained, spark plugs had .09-.1" gap (.032 is correct) and it started and ran fine with no power issues or CEL. These engines are champs!

Make sure to remove the oil filler cap and check the inside of it and what you can see through the hole for sludge or nasty discoloration. Clean and olden is good... (bring a flashlight)

Before you drive it, remove the radiator cap to make sure the fluid is in good condition and doesn't look oily.

What kind of warranty are they offering? I'd be skeptical if it was none...

 

B

[let_fire_fall]

I've got a 101 point checklist I'm going to put it through tomorrow. I don't expect it to pass with flying colors given the age and mileage, but it's got to at least finish with a high 'B'.

They are offering no warranty, sold in 'as is' condition, which is why it's going to be run through the wringer on my end before purchase.

The fact that it is one owner, I believe, speaks very highly of it potential to have been an extremely well maintained vehicle.

Even considering the two minor collisions, judging solely from the pictures and a friends account of checking it out for me (it's in another city), there is little to no indication that it has ever been anything other than cosmetically damaged.

I'm extremely hopeful.

Tomorrow will be the true test.