Nissan's big seven-seat 4x4 offers
space and rugged ability for a bargain price
When the Nissan Pathfinder was introduced
in 2005, it represented an inexpensive way for seven people to travel almost
everywhere. In its make-up, the big, rugged Nissan followed the Land Rover
Discovery template to the letter, but while the British car moved upmarket with
its pricing, the Pathfinder kept its all-terrain tires in the mainstream camp.
It looked conspicuously good value compared with the Discovery, and it is still
a good bit cheaper as a used buy.
To achieve this much space and metal for
the money, Nissan took a few shortcuts with the Pathfinder, basing it on the
Navara pick-up. That meant a body-on-frame construction, which did promise some
rugged utility, although Autocar's original test of the Pathfinder found it
lacking the mountain-goat-like ability of the Discovery in the mire. It will
still get you and six passengers further into the wilderness than most, but its
sizeable ride height is hampered by approach, departure and ramp angles that
are less accommodating than those of many rivals.
When
the Nissan Pathfinder was introduced in 2005, it represented an inexpensive way
for seven people to travel almost everywhere.
The biggest surprise with the Pathfinder
when it arrived was how accomplished it proved to be on the road. Despite the
relatively humble underpinnings, the Pathfinder is more agile than you might
expect. The suspension provides decent control and a passable ride, our only
complaint being its inability to smother rougher asphalt. Even with the help of
balancer shafts, the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo diesel is not the smoothest
engine around. The Pathfinder's relatively light weight does mean that its
performance is adequate and its official combined 31.4mpg is also palatable.
That turbo diesel drives through either a standard six-speed manual or optional
five-speed automatic or Nissan's All-Mode electronic four-wheel drive.
A great deal of the Pathfinder's appeal is
its MPV-like versatility. The boot offers an opening glass area as well as a
conventional hatch, and the sixth and seventh seats fold flat into the boot
floor when not in use. Access to the third row is aided by the one-touch
folding mechanism of the middle-row seats. Cubbyholes are littered all over the
cabin, and should you need van-like space, all those rear seats fold to offer a
flat floor. Fold the front passenger seat and the Pathfinder boasts a 2.8m-long
load area. It'll tow a braked trailer of 3000kg, too.
A
great deal of the Pathfinder's appeal is its MPV-like versatility.
Nissan has always thrown kit at the
Pathfinder. On its debut, even the entry-level S trim had dual-zone climate
control, a CD player, 17-inch alloy wheels, six airbags and electric windows
and mirrors. SE gained seven seats, along with front fog lamps, roof rails,
rear privacy glass, a height and lumber-adjustable driver's seat, an opening
rear glass hatch and a six-CD auto-changer with six speakers. SVE added
electric seats, rear-seat air-con controls, cruise control, automatic headlamps
and windscreen wipers and leather upholstery. Flagship T-Spec included Nissan's
Birdview sat-navy and its color screen also displayed the view from the
reversing camera.
Only a year after it was launched, Nissan
changed the trim levels to Trek, Sport and Aventura, with face lifted models
from 2010 adopting Nissan's Acenta and Tekna. Today, the earliest Pathfinders
start at about $9,000.
Nissan
has always thrown kit at the Pathfinder.
The Pathfinder hasn't been without
reliability issues, the 2.5 dCi engine having well-publicized problems with its
timing chain. Billcar Engineering (01743450044), a 4x4 specialist, recommends
undertaking a duplex timing chain modification to prevent any costly issues
with the timing chain. There are numerous reports of issues with the half
shafts, too the seals are prone to breaking while front wheel bearing hubs are
susceptible to failure. The fuel- rail pressure valve is another area of
concern, costing anywhere from $750 to $1200 to replace, with fitting adding a
further $375. So it is not without problems, then, but the Pathfinder isn't
alone here; the Discovery is hardly a paragon of reliability, either, and it'll
cost more to fix.
The
Pathfinder hasn't been without reliability issues, the 2.5 dCi engine having
well-publicized problems with its timing chain.
Wheels, tires and bodywork
Nothing of any real concern with the
Pathfinder, but because it is a 4x4, be sure to take a good look underneath for
any oft-road knocks. A tow-bar might point to a tough life, too. Top-branded
255/65 R17 tires start at about $210 a corner.
Brakes
No real brake issues, either, other than
general wear and tear. Original parts aren’t cheap, but there are plenty of
aftermarket suppliers that are more budget friendly.
Engine
Nlssan’s 2.5-liter diesel doesn’t have the
best reputation for reliability, with timing chain issues, problems with the
high-pressure fuel rail and turbo boost solenoid valve trouble. Service history
Is essential, and don’t be tempted to Ignore those engine warning lights.
Transmission
Halfshaft seals are prone to wear ($195 a
side plus about $67.5 each to fit). It’s worth changing the brake fluid at the
same time as it can be contaminated. Propshaft joints can fall (a $1200 fix).
Cabin
The interior may not have the prestige of a
Land Rover Discovery, but it’s fairly robust Driver’s door locks do fail
occasionally and the driver’s electric seat has been known to move around on
itself, but there are no other real issues in the cabin.
Chassis
Lower and upper ball joints wear, as do the
wheel bearing hubs up front Hubs cost anything from $270 to $375 from Nissan.
Billcar can replace them for about $240 a side. Anti-roll bar link arms also
wear ($90 a side to replace).
