nurey:
The pathfinder is not a CUV, it's an SUV and not easy on the gas either. If your mind is set on it, the 3.5L 2001-2004 would have been more appropriate due to chain driven against belt driven of the 3.3 1997-2000.

The 2003-2004 are a tad expensive compared to the rest.

Jazzlite:
thanks for the timely response

17-20mpg city/hwy is ok for me. given the strength of the mule... 3.5L needs premium gas. 3.3L requires regular gas.


NB what are those things to watch out for in a 2nd GEN pathfinder

nurey:


13/18/15 city/highway/comb 1997-2000
13/17/14 city/highway/comb 2001-2004

This car is a gas guzzler don't worry about the premium fuel you should be OK with the regular fuel. But if this get engine fault and you decide to manage it, you will hate the fuel guzzling then.

Jazzlite:
difference negligible... but why do you prefer the 2001-2004... are the belts (timing) on 97/2000 unreliable? or is the overall health of the 3.5L better than the 3.3L?

My own didn't have that silly sound. Such sounds are either from models using the under powered 3.3L V6 engine or as a result of kazeem's exploits on the engine, owners poor maintenance culture/ignorance.

Use specified engine oil and change at recommended intervals.

I'll advice you to go for VQ35DE 3.5L V6 engine because it's powerful, efficient and uses a timing chain. Don't buy the models with a 3.3L V6 engine even if your mechanic gives you ten thousand reasons. The 3.5L V6 won wards best engine from 2002 through to 2007.

It is very efficient and durable but if you're fuel economy conscious, or skimp on maintenance schedules, don't buy any SUV.

nurey:


The 3.5L looks more beautiful than the 3.3L, chain timing is better than belt more peace of mind and less maintenance needed. But the 3.5 has aluminum engine, over heating should be avoided for it.
Both engine are ok and reliable that is why the car is common, the question is do you need an OFFROADER SUV or a high ground clearance CUV?

Jazzlite:
found my answer....courtesy kingreign

GAZZUZZ:
Don't do it bro.

Any of these will serve same purpose.

Tucson
Sportage
Rav4
Crv

Jazzlite:
[s]Due to bad terrain in my area am looking at getting an affordable and reliable workhorse CUV... specifically the 1995-2005MY Pathfinder... but more emphasis on the 3.3L engine models packing 168 hp (125 kW) and 196 lb·ft (266 N·m) torque.[/s]

enthusiasts please advise your inputs will all be appreciated

BASED ON ADVICE I HAVE DECIDED TO LIMIT MY SEARCH TO THE 3RD GENERATION 4RUNNER, AND THE RAV4

gazzuzz, Itulah, nurey, nissparts, Costee, kingreign, cardoctor, mayor2013, sekem and all

nurey:
All the cars you have chosen before are good. But you can't differentiate from SUV and CUV. the 4runner is fitted with a 3.4L V6 engine Goodluck finding the 2.7L I4 as the one have seen came with manual transmission and extremely scarce.

If the rav4 is your choice stay away from the 02-05 year as a factory defect accompanied it.

Please decided what you need, I have not seen a grand Canyon in Nigeria before to require you buying a suv. There are other reliable CUV with good ground clearance that will do the job. Let's know your budget.

Jazzlite:


a million plus

nurey:

Tokunbo

1. Scrap the 03-04 pathfinder off your list they are extremely expensive
2. Scrap the 2001 4runner from your list, you can't get them cheaper than 1.4m could be more now
3. Scrap the 2002 rav4 from your list as they start from 1.5m upwards except you are comfortable with manual transmission.

Other options
Kia sportage
Hyundai tucson
Escape/tribute/marineer
Honda crv2003 downwards

nurey:
All the cars you have chosen before are good. But you can't differentiate from SUV and CUV. the 4runner is fitted with a 3.4L V6 engine Goodluck finding the 2.7L I4 as the one have seen came with manual transmission and extremely scarce.

If the rav4 is your choice stay away from the 02-05 year as a factory defect accompanied it.

Please decided what you need, I have not seen a grand Canyon in Nigeria before to require you buying a suv. There are other reliable CUV with good ground clearance that will do the job. Let's know your budget.

nurey:

Tokunbo

1. Scrap the 03-04 pathfinder off your list they are extremely expensive
2. Scrap the 2001 4runner from your list, you can't get them cheaper than 1.4m could be more now
3. Scrap the 2002 rav4 from your list as they start from 1.5m upwards except you are comfortable with manual transmission.

Other options
[s]Kia sportage
Hyundai tucson
Escape/tribute/marineer
Honda crv2003 downwards[/s]

Jazzlite:

pathfinder is an option....
2001 4runner is still within reach
am not keen about RAV4...but an option too
I don't have liking for the
hyundai tucson
escape/tribute/marineer
and crv 2003.


http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

nurey:


Well then you have selected your option, the pathfinder wins, consider it more than the Toyota. Better build quality, more powerful, good resale value, more luxurious.

Even better if you buy the Infiniti Qx4 as they are both the same but Infiniti gives you a flashy appeal.

Jazzlite:
so you are saying the 3.3L pathy wins over the v6 4runner

but am tempted to acquire the 3.5L pathy due to the bulletproof engine... except for the overheating issh and aluminum block engine... gazzuzz seems scared of pathys

nurey:


Whether the 3.3 or 3.5 any within your reach is OK, even if it's the 4runner no problem.

Nissan is a delicate but strong car. If you can maintain it you will enjoy it. Don't patronize mechanics who don't know about it. When it starts it's electrical issues, cool down and troubleshoot is better though can be frustrating Sha.

Buy a scanner just incase you need to scan. Chain driven gives sign when it's about to give way, so you won't get stranded compared to belt that can give way anytime.

As for overheating, doing the required checks and been observant will remove this from the equation.
Let me extend a handshake and congratulate you on been a member of the Nissan/Infiniti family

Nissan 1 Toyota 0

Jazzlite:
VQ35:

Pros:
255HP when Mated to an Automatic Transmission and 4WD
Timing Chain
Larger Oil Capacity
Similar Fuel efficiency to VG33 with more output

Cons:
Power Valve Screws Prone to backing-out
Oxygen Sensor troubles
Requires Premium Gasoline AKI 91 or higher

VG33:

Pros:
Proven Reliabilty
Bulletproof construction
Ability to run well on poor quality fuel
Ease of maintenance
AKI 87 Gasoline recommended

Cons:
Timing belt
Water pump prone to failure if not changed with timing belt
California Emissoins systems prone to electrical problems

I'd rather be able to run regular unleaded, but timing chain and 255hp is definitely appealing...LOL.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/t288823-pros_and_cons_of_the_vg30de_vs_vq35de.html





Why can't I get best of both worlds

nurey:


Bros talk is cheap, all cars have a particular issue what is paramount is to be observant and follow required maintenance culture.

If you want a perfect car, you will wait for all eternity. Test drive both cars and make up your mind, if the belt was best then there won't be a need to review it by upgrading to 3.5L chain driven 01-04

boldx:
Nissan Pathfinder is a no no for me. Don't mind Nurey, he is using a Toyota and he is advising you to buy a Nissan. I will buy a Ford Escape instead of a Nissan Pathfinder. Nissan engine sensors are made of amala.