Reviving My 2002 SE / VQ35DE

[csprinkle]

Hi all,

 

TLDR; Looking to rebuild or replace original VQ35DE that had 290k miles. Also looking to rebuild/replace transmission. Doing this to “start fresh” and not have to worry about repairs. Want to know how much it would cost for a self repair and common shop quote for each one.

 

 

I’ve recently had my personal situation change quite a bit, and in the past I’ve really hesitated on doing more repairs on my Pathfinder. I’ve looked at buying a 2021 Frontier and even a 2019 Armada - while both of those really won me over I just can’t see myself paying 30-35k (after tax/registration etc.) for something that I’m trying to almost “re-live” my Pathfinder through, if that makes sense. I can’t find anything else that really embodies the tried-and-true feel of a barebones interior paired with a solid 4wd/AWD drivetrain. So, I’m back to square one with the old Pathy.

 

Just under 290k miles, looking to rebuild or replace engine, transmission, and some other issues that need to be checked out by a shop. The big ones are engine/transmission because I want to hear someone else’s thoughts on that process. Is it worth going to a shop for that? I work full-time while still trying to attend college full-time as well so I really don’t have days to be slaving away in a garage like I was able to before. I’m also not really sure if I should have it rebuilt or try to import an 02 VQ35DE for a swap. 

 

Also, majority of the miles on this car are from my dad and I will say while he did maintain it often, it was almost on the basis of “waiting for an issue to happen then repairing it” kind of thing. So anything you could think of that needs to be replaced at the 250-300k mile range definitely needs work, so if someone could please let me know of any recommended big repairs, that would be awesome. 

 

Lastly, if this isn’t plausible for a car nearing 300k feel free to call me out on that - I know some Pathfinders have gone much longer than that but at this point I’m grasping at straws. Never thought I’d be making this post. Thank you for reading this far. 

 

-csprinkle

 

[csprinkle]

Update: I've scheduled an appointment with a local shop for a week and a half out, will share diagnostic results here when I have them..

[R50JR]

17 hours ago, csprinkle said:

Update: I've scheduled an appointment with a local shop for a week and a half out, will share diagnostic results here when I have them..

 

 

I replied a few days ago but the site was down... If you are having transmission and engine issues, it will be better to invest the money in a different vehicle. 2006-2015 xterra are a great platform.

 

Edited November 13, 2025 by R50JR

[csprinkle]

No worries, thanks for checking back in. I do love the xterra, so will consider. Again I’m kind of just a sitting duck until the shop gets back to me. Hopefully the forums stay online this time too.