Why Pay The Toyota Tax? An Expert Reveals ALL You Need To Know About Buying an Old 4x4 Nissan!

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In this video we take an in-depth look at two older Nissan 4x4's: The first generation pathfinder and second gen Nissan Xterra. Here's what to look for when it comes to buying and older Nissan off-roader!
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#Nissan #Xterra #Pathfinder

[@jimsteffel]

My 2015 Xterra Pro 4X is the best vehicle I've ever owned. Recently returned from a 6000 mile road trip around the desert southwest. Ice, snow, desert sand, mountains. Sub zero temps to desert heat. Not a single issue with the truck. Love it too as a daily driver.

[@jgregg7100]

I'm on 160k miles on 05 4x4, you have many more enjoyable miles left

[@Cj1985_GT]

I love my 06 Xterra AND my 06 Pathfinder.

[@travelinman482]

I've found a 2008 Pathfinder V6 with 161k miles on it for $5,900. Is that a good deal?

[@snakekeeper2073]

I bought a 2015 pro4x with manual 6 speed 60k miles. Love the truck so much, an absolute joy to drive.

[@travelinman482]

@@snakekeeper2073 How much did you pay for it?

[@Bigjobrob]

A couple of items of correction. The first-gen SE Pathfinder did come with a pop-up glass sunroof. My 93 has one. It came with a removable cover that is usually gone. The sun on your head is a scorcher without the cover! It also had rear disk breaks along with a limited-slip diff, and adjustable shocks.

[@davidvillalobos-hornback3919]

thats what i have right now, ive heard its also a bit rare?

[@davidvillalobos-hornback3919]

comes with electric windows, locks, and cruise control, a bit of a bummer cruise doesn't work even though the light comes on.

[@davidvillalobos-hornback3919]

213,000 miles

[@jeffreyrigged]

yeah alot had pop up glass roofs

[@cesarconh895]

I have a 88 two door SE with the sun roof and the sun roof holder. It looks better than my 93 lol

[@udontneedtoknow6816]

The hardbody platform was the best in that time period.. My uncle had a lifted 90 hardbody truck. It was amazing. Super capability, and reliable. It had 480,000 miles and still ran like a champ when it was totaled on the 10 fwy.

[@ssnider7967]

On the 4.0L engines the timing chain issues was not the tensioner shoes but the timing chain itself. The timing chains were rough and would eat away the shoes. The fix is to replace the chains and shoes. If you don't replace the chains you're not fixing the problem and it will happen again. When the earlier chain were made the dies used to stamp the sections would leave rough edges causing them to act like sandpaper and were the tensioner shoes.

[@joyroc885]

I would also add that you didn't have to replace it every 20k. It could be anywhere from 20k to 200k. I seen them all over the map. Just replace the chain and guides with the updated ones and your good.

[@tyheard3060]

I love these Nissan trucks! I have an 03 pathfinder 4x4 with 230000 miles. I drove it off road and across the country several times, and it's been super reliable and affordable. Hopefully, Nissan someday gets back its reputation for being as reliable as Toyota and Honda...

[@akasha.tushet9645]

Bought a 2003 pathfinder with 199k, replaced a cat and drove it 1000 miles. Best purchase ever

[@tyheard3060]

@The Real VR Stellantis almost did buy their parent company Renault but the gov't didn't let them due to monopoly laws. So, there's still hope🤞

[@Cj1985_GT]

You should upgrade to the 05-12 with the VQ40DE engine. The torque the 4.0 has is incredibly awesome.

[@davidfence6939]

It'll take A LOT to change for that. Their current engines are garbage that won't make 250k.

[@SuperNiloc88]

2nd gen Xterra's are so underrated. Love mine.

[@infdox9051]

Can you still get replacement parts

[@harysuper]

@@infdox9051 yeah! Z1 off road is a website that has just about everything

[@getlosttoday4045]

When Nissan built vehicles well

[@theblishknovk]

If they got rid of Renault, they would make them great again.

[@Luca_Natoli]

@@theblishknovk they are in talks of leaving that certain group of control freaks. Nissan don't want to be part of Renault anymore.

[@theblishknovk]

@@Luca_Natoli makes me so happy. I want Nissan to be a proper Toyota rival again. And i also want Nissan to bring us a new Silvia!

[@Farrell0208]

More like when all Japanese auto makers made vehicles well. Before technology took over everything and and cars became rolling computers

[@e4mafia_tn]

As an auto parts manufacturer, I can say will all honesty that Nissan and Toyota have the strictest standards and WILL send a whole shipment back if more than 2% fail their inspections. I would only buy Nissan or Toyota.

[@NuclearSandwich7]

Well, I paid the “Toyota tax” for my first truck back in high school. Paid 7500 bucks for it and drove it for 5 years. Put over 100,000 miles on it and the odometer hit somewhere around 330,000 miles. I ended up selling it for 7000. That’s why you pay the “Toyota tax”

[@norsefalconer]

Bought my '92 pickup with 200k miles from the original owner for $3k. I don't think I'd have trouble getting my $ back, even corrected for dollar devaluation.

[@frederickevans4113]

I towed trailers with my 1998 Camry with the 5S-FE 4-banger and drove it "off-road" going camping with our Boy Scout troop. As an Assistant Scoutmaster, there were a minimum of a couple of camping trips per year that I went on. I am self-employed and sometimes do handyman type work, so when I towed a trailer, it was going to be loaded with appliances, furniture, and/or building materials. My wife and I bought the Camry from a friend with just over 300,000 miles on it. A typical year for us saw us putting at least 20 to 22 thousand miles on the car. A very slow year saw us putting only about 15,000 miles on the car. After owning the car for about 8 years, it finally threw a rod and punched a hole in the block with only a mere 461,228 miles on the odometer. After talking with my friend about what was done on the car and what I did with it, all of that mileage was with the original engine, original transmission, original upholstery on the seats, original power window regulators/motors, and none of it was rebuilt or overhauled. None. I did some upgrades on the car, such as rear drum-to-disc conversion using V6 Camry factory parts, a 3500 Lb tow hitch receiver, taillight wiring adapter for trailer towing, bulb-out warning delete & LED tail light upgrade, 9-spoke Lexus ES300/ES330 16" alloy wheels, and Energy Suspension urethane suspension bushings. And the front brakes were upgraded to drilled & slotted rotors with ceramic pads. I had to push my right foot through the floor and all the way under the radiator to get any acceleration out of the 130 horse 4-banger (figuratively speaking - no holes in the sheet-metal/floor pan/firewall), but when I needed to stop (even with a loaded trailer), the car stopped and stopped quickly. After the engine died, I was considering putting a junkyard engine in the car. Everything else on the car worked just fine. My wise and beautiful wife reminded me that a truck or SUV would be better suited to my needs. So, now I'm shopping for a Japanese SUV with 4WD/AWD and a 5-speed manual transmission. Nissan vehicles from when Nissan was Nissan are good vehicles. I don't trust the Renault Nissan vehicles, especially not the ones with CVTs. So, yeah, used and abused, my Camry made it about 96% of the way from here to the moon and back. I bet if I had treated it more like a car, it would have gone past half-a-million miles. That's why you pay the "Toyota Tax."

[@wildkarrde3370]

I just prefer to buy the right truck/SUV to begin with and not worry about selling it later. If that means buying a Nissan for much less than a comparable Toyota and build it to work for me then so be it.

[@NuclearSandwich7]

@@wildkarrde3370 I can’t speak for the others, but I’m not concerned with the resale of the vehicle I’m buying. My comment was simply to highlight the ridiculous resale value as a plus of buying a Toyota.

[@h.r.puffnstuff8705]

I've been messing with Japanese vehicles for 50 years now. I've watched them evolve. I was a Datsun fan long before I liked Toyota's. The Toyota tax is worth the extra money. The Pathfinders ain't bad but the.4runner is significantly better build quality and worthy of the tax.

[@plav032]

I was skeptical about owning an older Nissan when I was hunting for a truck last year. I entertained Titans, but ended up exclusively looking at Silverados. But then a 04 Nissan Frontier S/C (Supercharged Edition) Crewcab, 4x4 came up for way under my budget and I jumped on it. I could not be happier with this truck. It's super capable, is quick, sounds AMAZING (with the intake resonators removed and a cold air, sounds like a mini TRX), and I've had no issues what so ever, it's got over 200k kms, and no signs of slowing down. I've always liked the Tacoma, but could never justify that price for a 1/4 tonne. I have all the features, great ride with Bilstein factory shocks, it turns heads, people have complimented me on it, very capable offroad with auto locking hubs, plus it has a full length box so trips to the lumber yard aren't a hassle either. I'd recommend a mid 2000s Nissan to anyone, they don't deserve the rap that they get.

[@damilolaakanni]

We had a 2002/3 Terrano some years ago. 4 cylinder, 5 speed manual transmission. It was great for the first 4 years, then things started to go south. Alternators went out quite a lot, belts snapped, clutch burnt (once, I think), and one issue that almost caused the car to catch on fire (don't know what it was). We were the original owners. Engine and transmission were bulletproof though. In 2011 we felt we were tired of the numerous issues, so it was replaced by an '04 Sequoia. Since then, if you suggest a Nissan to my mum, she'll disagree with you. We've almost exclusively bought Toyotas and Lexus since then.

[@Luca_Natoli]

The transmission is an easier fix then that. Get a transmission cooler attach it to the front of the radiator, then connect the transmission lines to that, then disconnect and seal the ones on the bottom of the radiator. Done. Nothing to ever worry about then. 👍

[@agoogleuser1188]

Or by a first gen or xterra

[@Luca_Natoli]

@@agoogleuser1188 first gen are the ones with that problem. They introduced the transmission coolers later on in the revised versions from factory.

[@nikolaslarson6891]

Your guest is a blast! Sympathetic, well spoken and he knows his stuff. The car is great. Exactly what you don’t find anymore, basic, simple, sturdy, relatively light and no nonsense vehicles. I used to service my own cars but nowadays you have to be an engineer to change the battery of a Yaris (apart from all the useless plastic covers the carmakers love to put everywhere that you have to dig through before you even see the Engine). Nice video.

[@mar7739]

Had the same Pathfinder in Poland in the middle 90's (but with manual). What a journey back in time....

[@telfer3388]

I have this pathfinder with manual in Poland right now :) and im giddy every time i step inside :)

[@MrMister1227]

and just like that The Nissan Tax is born....

[@norsefalconer]

Just like what happened to the Samurai, Lexus GX and Sequoia

[@Lesn-1]

excellent... I've been thinking about putting my X up for sale soon :P

[@stylepoint1200]

Here to say the same thing….

[@juanmj93]

I have a 93 SE V6 manual, in Colombia, and it has a sunroof and leather seats and I'm pretty sure those were factory.

[@ChrisN85420]

you would be right in those years it would have the removeable glass panel type sunroof from the factory the leather too i'm pretty sure i've seen a few with it pretty rare though

[@shadow_2437]

Can’t lie man you’ve just given me a beautiful idea for my hardbody. Got a 95 lol

[@dayelmattos9985]

I had a 95 SE and had a stock sunroof too. When he said that it didn't come stock I was think boy your wrong. That was my first vehicle and it by far outlasted this new crap they've made.

[@captaindeadpool1640]

Swap the seats?

[@weightoven]

My dad had one too. It looked black but was dark green

[@CommuterAndCoffee]

This makes me miss my 06 Xterra. Had it for 10 years, still regret selling it. Great rig!

[@lighttheway5088]

I am in that position right now. I have a 2011 Nissan Xterra S 4 x 4. It is slightly lifted and has amazing tires on it including a back tire. I only have 70,000 miles on it. Like new inside and out. I’m worried I’ll regret selling it.

[@infdox9051]

@@lighttheway5088 parts possible to get?

[@Apewpew15]

Got a 2005 pathfinder atm. First car got it at 143,000 miles, it was passed down thru the family my great grandpa being the first owner. Still drive it at 196,500 miles and I love it. Got a snorkel and some other lower level modifications like a light bar and such. Going to upgrade the suspension soon with old mane emu

[@Queensizemusic]

“Why pay the ‘Toyota Tax?’” Well, we all know the reason for that, but the older Nissin Pathfinder is a great vehicle.

[@dupperskeez]

Because some people are gullible?

[@hachi-rokuperformancegroup3987]

@@dupperskeez because reliability is king?

[@wildtrack2459]

@@hachi-rokuperformancegroup3987 Nah, some nissans are cheaper and way better than some toyotas, nissan is pretty reliable doe

[@hachi-rokuperformancegroup3987]

@Obscure Game Collecting the hard bodies are just as reliable as any hilux or Tacoma but the Toyota has a bigger aftermarket support and the 22r that most older Toyotas run are dirt cheap and strong but I love my XJ's and the 4.0 is just as reliable just eats I wee bit more gas

[@captaindeadpool1640]

I have had both and love both but the Toyota is more advanced when the Toyota was putting efi fuel injection in 86 up and Nissan still had throttle body in 96. I would say electronics is better in Toyota. To be honest 7 years ago I got a Nissan d21 because of the Toyota tax but now Nissan d21 are getting expensive.

[@fpartidafpartida]

Nice job finding this guy and getting him on your channel. He knows his stuff and is not all uppiddy about it.

[@jeffrey88888]

My dad had a 93 Pathfinder and I drove the 94 Hardbody back when I was in High School. Great trucks

[@georgebondarenko7120]

Have a 2012 Xterra 4x4 with a manual trans, all I’ve had to do is change the oil and fluid on the proper intervals and that’s it. I have over 90k miles and still runs strong. It’s in stock form and dose well on and off road, of course nothing too challenging since it is not lifted. It tows more than 6k pounds. I plan on lifting and modifying it a bit to make it more capable. If Toyota is too rich for your blood, check out Nissan Frontier/Xterra/Pathfinders, you get more bang for your buck. They are a great choice and so underrated. I love my Xterra!

[@jmar3011]

They forgot to mention that if you want a 2015 Xterra Pro4x (last year made) with low miles they are currently over 30k!

[@theeditorrestrial]

I got my 15 Pro4x with 70k miles for 19.

[@nicolasblanc816]

'12 Pro4x with 90K miles bought for $15K from original owner. I am happy.

[@jgregg7100]

Saw one for 35k in my area with about 20k miles

[@brandonfalls1445]

@@theeditorrestrial got mine at start of lockdown when dealers where desperate to move cars. 2015 had 50,200 and paid 18k

[@Wezi427]

I had an 01 and 07 Off-road Xterra, the 07 was my favorite vehicle I've ever owned. They were built extremely well and didn't have 1 issue with my 07.

[@miniaddict4534]

How did your 01 fare? I just bought an 04.

[@Wezi427]

@@miniaddict4534 the 01 was issue free. I traded it in with 70k miles. I really loved when they upgraded it for 2005 and waited until 2007 to trade in. The 01 needed tires and basic fluid changes. Extremely reliable.

[@ericgallagan946]

Watching this while sitting in my 2010 Xterra Off Road. 116k miles and all I do is general maintenance. It’s been a great vehicle for the last several years. I bought it with 66k miles for $12,000. I think that was a steal at the time.

[@MotoKeng]

Dang you are lucky. A guy here is selling a 2015 Pro 4x with 119k miles for $13000

[@ericgallagan946]

@@MotoKeng I initially started looking at newer Pro4x models when I was searching. They were in the ballpark of $20,000 for decent examples (keep in mind this was a few years ago). The 2010 popped up on CarGurus and I went to see it later that day. It was a 1 owner vehicle. Couldn’t pass it up.

[@RC-sj6zi]

I just bought a 2019 Frontier Pro 4x crew cab 45k miles lava red. Absolutely love it especially for to simplicity of it. It doesn't have all the electronic babysitters that most modern trucks. It is exactly what you said everything you need nothing you don't. It does have heated leather seats back up camera and remote start. Keep it simple and reliable.

[@lighttheway5088]

I’m getting ready to list a 2011 Nissan Xterra S 4 x 4. I live in Colorado. It only has 78,000 miles on it, is lifted and has nice newer big tires all the way around including a back spare tire. Super nice inside and out. No issues. Dark gray just like what you have in your video.

[@clooperman3745]

Friend had a 1988 Nissan Patrol with a 6 cylinder gas engine, the truck was super tough and 100% reliable.

[@ricardo3760]

You just can't go wrong with a Patrol

[@ScottHolderCrossPoint]

This really made me miss my 2010 Xterra S. It saved my daughter's life in a head-on collision (totaled the vehicle). If it weren't for that wreck, I'd still have it.

[@lighttheway5088]

I have a 2011 S 4 x 4 Xterra for sale. It only has 71,000 miles on it and it’s like brand new inside and out. Large incredible tires including a back spare tire. Like new inside and out.

[@Supernova778]

My 91 pathfinder had a sun roof....and leather seats......and rear disc breaks. Family bought the car in 93 and drove it until some one crashed into it a few years back with 315,000 miles on it

[@MrBlacksharpie]

Was planning on buying an xterra pro 4x this past week until I looked online and saw that if I want one with around 100000 miles it will cost me around $27000! The used car market is completely stupid right now. I really hope this a temporary thing and not a long term trend.

[@weightoven]

I just bought a manual pro 4x 82k miles. For 7500. Dude was asking 8k no issues 1 owner brand new clutch.

[@MrBlacksharpie]

@@weightoven wow, Nice find man! I have found a couple with around 100000 miles for around 18,000 but not less than that. Thanks for the hope though.

[@davidsavage-pickett7582]

@@MrBlacksharpie (

[@lighttheway5088]

I have a 2011 S Nissan Xterra, It is a 4 x 4 with only 78,000 miles on it. Slightly lifted with new tires. It is a beauty and in incredible condition. Getting ready to list it, let me know if you’re interested

[@RM-ys1bn]

Just stuffed a Titan 5.6 V8 in my 2008 Xterra and literally made it a beast. So much of it is bolt on too and thanks to Driven Desire in Cincinnati it runs perfect.

[@christopher9626]

2 of my favorite vehicles right there. Great episode!

[@GriffinKerwin]

My first car was a 1999 Nissan pathfinder.. black, big tires, amazing vehicle! Second car.. 2nd gen Xterra than I’m currently building out little by little!!! 😍 loved the video

[@scott8238]

Nissan has always built a proper truck and still does today. I wish Toyota would take note because C channel frames, no trans cooler, and rear drum brakes are not how to build a truck:)

[@goingindieEN]

Drum brakes are dated, but not as dumb as no trans cooler.

[@prohere124]

Drum brakes do much better off-road since it’s a sealed system

[@scott8238]

@@prohere124 Water and sand still get in they are not completely sealed. Plus they do not dissipate heat on road hence whey they are no longer used expect when cost cutting is needed on cheaper models.

[@freded2694]

I drive a Nissan Pathfinder d21 walkabout, 1995 V6 3l, automatic. 300000ks on it, no rust (Australia though), drives awesome and easy to service. In 1,5 years of ownership I only had to replace the oil pressure sensor as it was leaking. Other than that no issues at all. The engine stays cool in over 42 degrees Celsius, it pulls alright and does not burn any oil

[@carlosizz89]

r51 pathfinders also had the v8 option which can also be swapped in on xterras and frontiers as they share the titan frame

[@northeastadventuresnovascotia]

A few things I noticed about the options on the WD21, I have made a list of the options that my 1994 SE-V6 has although mine is Canadian market so that may be the difference. Mine has these additional options Sunroof, leather, factory CD player (removed it) heated seats, heated mirrors, sport mode suspension (active shocks and they still work) rear disc brakes and limited slip diff. I even still have factory installed headlight guards and hood bugger. I can’t wait to see more videos of the Pathfinder.

[@benjaminaguirre5755]

Yes. Old Nissans!! I bought my 04 pathfinder platinum back from my sister. 4wd, VQ V6 so tons of power, reliable. Small lift and 32’s coming soon.

[@minica3456]

Looking to get this exact model 200k mileage for 38k a good price?

[@R.Nelson]

Love the square headlights on the big truck!😎Cool!

[@tclg1]

This guy is so passionate, cool

[@Ukrainianification]

I used to have 98 and 2003 pathfinder se and both were an absolute pain in the ass with never going away check engine light for evap system fault. Both had their exhaust system completely rust apart in 6 years. Fuel economy in 15mpg range. Basic decent suv when Nissan still made good cars.

[@silvabakx6396]

Just bought my 3rd xterra, & looking for another one already to compliment them. These things are boss! Underrated, & i'm so glad they are lol

[@lukejolley8354]

Uhg, I sold my 97 4x4 Pathfinder for $2,600 CAD in 2021. That kid got a sweet deal!

[@kenwright5721]

Just bought a very close to mint 98 pathfinder. I can honestly say the best vehicle I've ever owned so far!

[@renooverlanding9549]

Great video! We love Nissan trucks they are still built great for off roading!!

[@hungryjimbo]

I have a 2015 frontier pro4X. There are a lot I like about the truck but one major dislike is the turning radius is terrible. The Silverado work truck has a better turning radius.

[@cjkarlstafford]

Love my first gen Xterra what a great SUV!! Just an absolute beast on and off road

[@jessemorgan3839]

Love my 95 Pathy. Looks great next to my other 90's Nissans. Paid $400 for it. Needed the engine replaced (snapped timing belt). Been running strong since. I usually see them dead because of timing belts not being replaced or a burnt up auto trans, but otherwise, SOHC VG ftw. We have a 2nd Xterra too with over 200k, still strong. Never had a major malfunction. My 2nd gen frontier just crossed the 100k mark, pulls all my junk around and gets me to work, no problem. Nissan has some greats vehicles when they take their time. Need to get the Renault out of Nissan.

[@ken-bm1wy]

I am the original owner of a 1993 Nissan Pathfinder SE , 4wd with the 5 speed manual transmission. Has every option that was available in 1993. It just turned 115000 miles. To clarify a couple of points by Jay, this Pathfinder has the flip up sunroof with cover and 4-wheel disc brakes from the factory. Best vehicle I have ever owned.

[@joahcool72]

Great video guys. I used to have one of the ‘02 Unicorns you referred to in this video and I kick myself for selling it still to this day.

[@Razor_36]

I was gifted my mom's 2006 S after both of my parents retired and they had bought it new. I had an '08 SE that I had to let go of for a bigger car when my son came along. Was super excited to get back in an X. My dad did the smod fix and I had the timing chain/guides replaced. She's now at 206k and I drive it every day. Best vehicle I have ever had hands down.

[@ambienteterrazas]

I wanted a second gen xterra to replace my 1.5 gen xterra but the smod and timing chain tensioner made me look away, Ill just wait till my 02 explodes and then start looking for something else, i bought it salvage (as a temporary vehicle) with around 130k miles and never tought it will still go on, i live in northen baja and mainly use it to go to remote camping and surfing spots, the terrain here is very unforgiven but it always makes it there and back. Old nissans are very reliable, well built and will go on and on if taken good care of, there is soo much nonsense competition on which brand is better, if it gets you where you want to be and back thats good enough..

[@elizabethmiller7918]

Smod and TC are such trivial issues though if u know about them. SMOD can be prophylactically addressed via a 100 dollar radiator. and the guy explained the TC guide chains incorrectly ... you do NOT need to open up the engine to screw new parts under the front cover. And Oh, BTW only SOME of those parts were "bad" (an incorrect cut at the factory had nothing to do with the material. ) this certainly does not affect "all those model years".

[@Ivan.Nismo0018]

either, buy a 2008 or newer or just buy one working good and replace the radiator, is not a big deal, I did it in 4 hours work and the part was 160 bucks.

[@elizabethmiller7918]

@@Ivan.Nismo0018 The final "good" radiator part number was not installed on 100% of vehicles until '11 model year. 9s and 10s and a better one but still not as good as the 11s

[@treehouseoffroad]

The nostalgia factor is way up there for me. My best friend in high school had one, could've been this exact one.

[@UltimateCARNUT]

my Xterra is a 2008 170,000 miles..... No problems. The VQ40DE is not plagued with any shoe issues and that was on all xterra since 05 The milkshaking issue is because people do not change the coolant on time. Change it every 3 years and no problems.

[@love.pugsss449]

My mom had a 95 fully loaded that she bought brand new. I remember how solid and well built it was. I wish I had that one today.

[@barryiwashita6352]

Had a ‘90 pathfinder se 3.0 4x4 ..sunroof 4 wheel disc auto trans…what a lot of people miss is the fact that in this model (with limited slip rear ) it had a 5 link rear suspension, in stock trim it was absolutely a beast to go off road with..with its limited power it sure as hell got you a lot more places than most other comparable 4x4’s …it’s suspension could articulate to the point of 2 wheel tetter-totter and it still crawls through it with no problem…still wish I hadn’t gotten rid of it…my ‘05 frontier ( although comfortable) is nowhere even close to the ‘ole pathfinders capability…I can only imagine what a old modified pathfinder could do !

[@kotymckinney5574]

My 2017 frontier SV 4x4 is the best truck I've ever had. Put over 150,000 on it so far and I can't be happier.

[@smithfamadventures1003]

Just a few points: 1) The 1st Gen WD21 Pathfinder could be had with a sunroof from 1987-95 2) The WD21 had factory rear disc brakes on a wide variety of models starting in 1990. Generally the SE Sport Package. 3) Leather seats were an option on SE models at least after 1991, but also LE models in 94. 4) the VG30 and VG33 engines share the same stroke. However the VG33 has a larger 92mm bore vs the 87mm bore of the VG30. 5) the first run of Pathfinder from 1987-89 were all 2 door and sold well. They are more sought after and hold the highest values on exceptional models. The 4 door was introduced in 1990 and replaced the 2 door model. 6) the instrument clusters were full mechanical from 1987 to 1993. In 1994 with the change to a rounded dash design, the clusters became electronic servo controlled. The odometer issue is relatively common and likely due to a failed motor clicking forward the odometer. Many Nissan models in the 90s had this issue.

[@estarateta]

I had a 96 pathfinder manual with 79K miles in the early 2000's and sold it to buy a Xterra 2006. Transmissions on Nissans are extremely faulty. As much as I like the look of the Xterra I would never buy another one.

[@justinfreeman]

Great video and lots of good knowledge shared about mechanical issues to watch out for, thanks very much! G'day from Australia!

[@Warhorse469]

I have a 2000 r50 series 2 pathfinder with a 2 inch lift, 31 inch Mickey Thomson STZ's with are front locker and it's unstoppable the VG33 is such a reliable engine it has 201945 miles on it and it hasn't let me down the only thing I have had to replace is wear and tear items like belts bushing etc, I highly recommend the r50 pathfinder to anyone getting in over-landing and or off roading that doesn't have are big budget.

[@DIY_AUTO_PHOTO]

I love my Nissan Xterra , its still pretty much stock and I do work on it slowly little by littler recently changed radiator and few other things , installed back/front cam and stuff like that love working on it and making videos about it... hopefully this summer I will re-do the suspension ))

[@pizzasaurolophus]

I drive a 2011 Pathfinder with a 2" lift and 32's and love it. Great compromise of comfort, ride quality and off road capability. Plus it's half the price of a 2011 4Runner, and here in Atlantic Canada you can't really justify the price of a used 4Runner when they are all rusted from our climate. My family has also owned a '93 Pathfinder, '00 Pathfinder, and my parents have a '16 Pathfinder. I would rank them. 1. R51 2. WD21 3. R50 4.R52

[@gordythecreator]

I've wanted an xtera ever since they were released. Better design than Toyota!

[@j_mars_cars]

So, how are they better? Different, but better? There is a reason for Toyo-tax

[@j_mars_cars]

@Pro4x Trdpro ah gotcha. Yes, I've seen the really cool roof racks on nissans. The lack of manual is sad for Toyota 4runners as well. I'll probably try owning a Nissan eventually, weird cars are something I can't leave alone lol

[@j_mars_cars]

@Pro4x Trdpro yeah I have a 2nd gen, so it's 4 cyl manual torsion bar goodness. It's virtually unbreakable in its current setup, but I want 33's and 4.56 gears.

[@mrdauntl3ss]

your all talking out of your ass

[@KidJaeProductions]

Better design than Toyota? You're reaching.

[@InformalGreeting]

Crap!!! Xterra envy is real. And now it is back. That is an amazing looking rig. I need one in the garage.

[@cesarconh895]

Love my 93 pathfinder SE. I swaped a vg33e motor from a 2001 Xterra in it and it rips!

[@keltechindustries20901]

I watched a good amount of Xterra videos and this one gave me the most information. Great video.

[@shanelulberry]

I was very proud of my 1995 pathfinder. It had 60000 miles when I got it and was fully loaded. It had a lot of luxury surprisingly. It did have a sunroof through. I liked it. I bought it for 3500 and sold it for 3500.

[@FrameRot]

Why sell

[@bethwight6128]

My husband had the pathfinder '95 til he lost it in Hurricane Sandy. Now has the 2012 Nissan Pro X 4 which we bought January 2017. We had a loaded 2001 Pathfinder which died when we sold it to my BIL brother and it died when they tried to drive from NJ to PA with over 200,000 miles.

[@garrydhintz8017]

Sweet Nissan stuff guys! I had a pathfinder and now driving a Titan. Badass trucks. They are every bit as capable as anything toyota or Ford can spit out.

[@Ktmfan450]

I have a 1989 4.2ltr i6 Nissan Patrol that I bought for $1700 Aud last year. Unbreakable and simple. Solid axles ,body on frame, coil suspension, part time 4wd, low range gear transfer case , rear Limited slip differential and factory swaybar disconnect.

[@brianmartin1139]

i had a friend with one of the earliest Pathfinders. I think it was a 1987. It was a two door, black, with a light bar from the factory (if i am remembering things correctly). It was my first real offroad experience, and I loved it.

[@ScottCo98]

1st gen Pathfinders and Hardbody’s were very known for frame rust issues. My dad’s friends 95 pathfinder was totaled from frame rust

[@gogatbilisigeorgia]

i own 2005 xterra (from 2014 here in Tbilisi Georgia), 154000miles , (112000 miles in the USA), and i love it

[@jgcruisers]

cool truck! I had a 1989, 2 door, 4x4, manual, lifted! regret selling it. never had any issues.

[@Sadlor82]

Interior is so similar to my 1996 Sunny 1,4 i loved that car, Nissans of that time were mechanicly genius mix of modernity and reliability

[@frederickevans4113]

Nissan was Nissan up until 1999 when Renault bought about half of the company. A number of factors caused a number of "Nissan" vehicles to have reliability and longevity issues now which make the 1990s vehicles more reliable than many of the 2000s and newer ones.

[@Sadlor82]

@@frederickevans4113 That is right

[@yaterlynch6477]

I’ve driven nissans since ‘98 when I bought my ‘94 pathfinder. 4x4, power everything, sunroof…always got me where I wanted to go. The turning radius SUCKED, but that was my only complaint. Then had a ‘00 frontier 4x4 and now a 2010 titan. All great vehicles. I’ll keep the titan a while…it has 64,000 miles and rides like a cadillac.

[@jesusuribe5996]

I got a first gen 03 but I did a 2000 square face swap on it thing hasn’t let me down has taken me on 20 hour round trips 3 times already happy to see these things get love again!

[@aaronerickson8878]

Wait, you can swap a 1st gen Pathy face onto a 1st gen Xterra?

[@jesusva060192]

It would be nice if you guys could do a video on the Isuzu Trooper

[@paulmkrukovsky8562]

Miss my 87 and 95 Pathfinder's.soild built. Currently own a 05 Xterra which I bought new, currently has 265, 886 miles on her.

[@drested1793]

I had a Nissan Hardbody. Loved that little truck. I only got rid of it because it had such a small gas tank and got pretty bad gas mileage. I remember wondering why it ran at such high rpm’s on the highway and discovered it had 4:30 gear in it. If there had been any after market support for it a lift and bigger tires with those gears would have been awesome.

[@Matt-to1bi]

The cars I grew up with are now classics. That makes me feel old.

[@lifeisgood12341]

I had a second gen it was awesome, absolutely loved the thing

[@joedbz7146]

I was already looking at frontiers and Xterra...but you just sold me on yours... Id like to pick it up asap...very nice build and great information.

[@thedude828-ed2nn]

One of my friends in highschool had a 96 Pathfinder and it was a great vehicle. We called it the smoke box and the smoke never was caused by the vehicle if ya know what i mean lol. Many good memories in ole smokey😂😂

[@aaronbritt2025]

I'd consider myself to be a Nissan expert, having owned an SE-V6 Hardbody since '87, been working on them since the 80's and even did a stint as a Nissan dealer tech (went to Cali and took all of the SCOPE classes) for 4 years in the 20-teens. The only real issues the Pathfinder has with rust is rotting out the front strut towers. This only occurs in vehicles that get salt an snow packed up in there and never get washed. The lock cylinder issue is probably the little yellow piece of plastic that connects the lock cylinder to the lock rod. They dry out and break. It's really a bad design. I keep a few of them in my tool box. I've replaced them in my 460k mile Hardbody at least 1/2 dozen times. This engine is the MPI VG30E, which makes about 150hp. The engine in my Hardbody is the less powerful VG30i, which is TBI. You do see sunroofs in these occasionally. They're the pop-up type. It may have been part of the "Sport" Package and on SE's. $4k is a very good price. If it was a stick, it would have been a killer deal. The sticks tend to sell for about $1k more. Also, add about another $1-$2k for an SE trim. SMOD refers to the coolant reservoir. When a 4.0/auto came into the dealership with either an overheating problem or shifting problem, you open the reservoir cap and look inside. If it looks like a strawberry milkshake, it gets the trans and radiator replaced. It was such an issue that Nissan extended the transmission warranty. We also would listen for any 4.0's pulling onto the service drive that sounded like they had a supercharger. This meant the tensioners were toast. That's a nice job that paid about 6 hours but only took about 2.5 for a good tech. I had an '04 Frontier S/C crew cab with the VG33ER. It was unfortunately an auto. The only way to get a stick with the S/C engine was the 4x4 extended cab. When I bought mine in '05, the new Frontier was already starting to show up on dealer lots and as a result, I had limited choices. There wasn't a single stick shift left in the country. I had a cold air intake, Pulley Boys 15 psi pulley and a catback. It was not a very impressive engine. The supercharger was basically a giant heat generator since there was no intercooler. I wanted to work with one of the aftermarket companies to develop an air/water intercooler, but there was no interest due to the limited number of S/C's on the road and the fact that it had been discontinued.

[@elonsus9747]

Good info. How early did you start seeing the new frontiers with smod and timing chain problems? Did it take a few months or a year or two?

[@aaronbritt2025]

@@elonsus9747 a few months after they came out in '05 for chains. About '07 for SMOD

[@MahenALA]

The first generation Pathfinders can come with leather seats and sunroofs. The sunroof is a manual pop-up. We had a 92’ with those features. They were indestructible vehicles. Unfortunately, Nissan products went downhill after the early 2000s. The last Nissan vehicle I owned was a 04’ Maxima, SL. And I absolutely loved it.

[@DJSekuHusky]

I purchased my 01 (manual) Xterra in Gold Rush metallic used with 154k. It's my daily now so I'm just about to hit 175k with no issues. It's a RWD, but a KA powered RWD. Sure top speed is 100 mph, but it's the timing chain driven iron block inline-four that just wont quit. Frontiers were offered with a 4x4 KA option, however the Xterra never was. Sends in the snow and is incredibly balanced. I bought it from a towyard (they were going to have it crushed for scrap since no one else wanted it, but I called them the day before they did). I offered to match the scrap value of $400, but in the end we settled on $550. Clean title and all. I spent another $450 getting it running and tuned up, then around $2500 on upgrades and mods, then the transmission failed (countershaft bearings obliterated) so I spent another $500 on a Frontier transmission (easier to source), and another $500 on a set of proper Maxxis all-terrains. Still, passed emissions first go (replaced entire system as part of tune up), and still starts first try whether it 105F or -5F outside.

[@gregoryazar6367]

Just 305k miles in my 2006 Xterra. Original engine and tranny. Love wheeling here in CO. She goes anywhere my Rubicon goes.

[@stylepoint1200]

96 pathfinder owner. One of the best vehicles I’ve ever owned. Next for me is either another R50 but the Infiniti version or an Xterra.

[@stkxchainz8333]

I actually just traded a 97 Dakota for a 2 door 88 pathfinder with only 160k I love it so much

[@CrazyGreek80]

Nissan is a hidden gem they are huge in Australia and built tough. There is not a huge supply and demand for them in the states, so pricing is great!

[@charliefriscia4263]

I have a 2004 xterra se 3.3 v6 4X4 great reliable truck. Make sure timing belt service done every 80k and those xterras can go 300k plus. Great right out the box off-roader too. Never left me stuck.

[@ryani5103]

Just an FYI, the Supercharged Frontier guzzles gas like no one’s business which is expensive these days. But if you have deep pockets, you’re in luck, it also means you’ll get an unusually short range. Coupled with only a two year run, it was probably just a marketing thing to ramp up hype.

[@777Timberwolf]

thank you for the knowledge about the 1995 Nissan Pathfinder, My heart and mindset is on that vehicle.

[@desertlogic222]

I had a 95 pathy, 03 Xterra, 07 Titan, 08 Armada. I know the 3.0, 3.3 and 5.6l engine inside and out.

[@fredygonzalez6104]

I have a Nissan Pathfinder 2001 LE 3.5 in northern Mexico, it works very well, greetings to all

[@tristankelsey1746]

The first gen pathfinder is the one to get. Pure simple rugged lil truck true to its purpose. Good luck finding one without tons of body rust tho from what ive seen in the northeast

[@eastcoastbrushworks6327]

I had a '93 Pathfinder, looked just like this one in Midnight Blue. The rear frame-rails inside the wheels wells looked like swiss cheese. Living in NY with the salt and sand on the roads in the winter. I had the Pathfinder for 16 years. I bought it in '96 after someone leased it and I kept it until 2012 when I bought an '02 Xterra.

[@northernchaotic7196]

My 97 Pathfinder has been sitting in the driveway for almost 2 years. I am getting ready to spend almost 2k to get it running again, but that's because I decided to just Keep it. I've owned it since 2001.

[@richardbates2367]

As i said in the previous video comments ours was a xe,we had a sunroof, factory alarm, aluminum wheels, chrome grille bumpers and mirrors and as i mentioned factory amplified tape player stereo system several sets of 6x9 speakers...

[@ThePyroKnight]

Love when they bring experts