KTM 520 replied:

Victor,

I purchased a 2002 model "special edition" PLUS for 38K on road.
This included Auto tranny, roof rack system,bullbar , driving lights, sidesteps, 5 way "Ming" protection pack, rustproofing etc etc etc.

I am more than happy with the purchase..., not the same resale as a Prado, but is was some $8000-00 cheaper at the time of purchase.

The Pathfinder drives "just like a car" it is very decent on road and more than capable in the bush, if you are REALLY keen i would suggest a suspension upgrade (as with any other 4WD in my opinion IMO).

It is NOT a constant 4WD but it can be "dialled" in on the dash for AUTO selection, this detects any slip at the front or rear and then provides a constant drive (spectacular when demonstrated in the dirt).
As i understand it, i believe NOT having constant 4wd can save on tyres, drivelines etc, as for me 95% of my use is on the ROAD
.
With the Pathfinedr you have the selection of either Constant 4WD or 2 WD which is a real bonus In my opinion.
The dial for 4wd came from the Godzilla race cars (Nissan) and has been in production for over 10 years i am told.
There is rumour of a new model out next year.
The 3.3 lire V6 is a littel thirsty in my opinion (Then again what V6 isn't).

Around town and stop start expect 15 to 16 L/100 Kms.
On the black top FULLY loaded with 5 people and a roofrack with the C/control (std now...NOT on previous models) it returned at 105KPH ..11.05 L/100 Kms which i regarded as excellent in anyones language.

Consider Diesel but way up the extra cost, as it WILL SAVE you around $800-00 a year at 80.00 cents a litre and at 20000 kms a year compared to Petrol powered engine, according to my figures.. i simply could not justify the added cost to go the diesel. NOt available in the P/finder except in NZ i am told

Rememberthat 90% of available torque of this motor is available from 1500rpm... this motor (although at 125 KW ) produces 266 NM at 2600 rpm ( Prado produces 132 KW) compared to Prados V6 producing 303 KN at 3600 RPM and there is only 75 KG between the 2 vehicles, makes for a lot of grunt "off the bottom". .

These are very underrated vehicles and the buuild quality is IMO every bit that of other makes/models.

As for late model low KMS good luck they appeared to be in Brisbane high KMS and looked after like a schoolcase... ie S--T.

They ae tried and tested IMO seek the service history, ask questions a plenty... if in doubt ... walk out.... good ones are out there , just gatta find the bludgers.

Regards

Paul N

Truckster replied:

Overlander also gave the BMW X5 4wd of the yr, and this year they gave a $115,000+ car the prize... talk about lost contact with reality...


But the pathfinder is a good car.. Graham on the Melbourne list has one and has been around a few times, and tows a camper trailer.. no problems that Ive heard of.

Member - Moggs replied:

Victor, we have a 1999 plated Pathfinder ST. We have had a custom rack fitted, an ARB Sahara Bar, ARD spring and rear shock upgarde, cargo barrier, driving lights, UFH, CB fast charge and dual battery fitted.

The vehicle is a good solid car, quite capable, however it is not really suited to touring. It is too thirsty - we carry 60ltrs unleaded on custom rack to get us around places other vehicles get to on standard tanks.

As for proplems, we had a resonator box rattle and fall off at 110km's/hr in tassie after going thru Vic high country, luckily it didn't take out any underbody componentry. We also have experienced fuel venting thru the filler tube at altitude when working hard in low range - Nissan do not see a problem here - we do as there is fuel running down the rear wheel well onto the back left suspension.

All in all we are pleased with the car, would we buy one again - probably not. There is not much in the way of after market accessories for these vehicles and you have to work hard to kit the vehicle by custom.

The Pathie performs well - but lacks touring distance and the ability to customise.

By the way - do not pay too much attention to the 1999 Overlander 4WDOTY Award - it was based on the new 'switch' on the dash - this caught everyones attention as the possible 'way of the future' - innovative, but restricting in it's own way.

Good luck - you won't be disappointed with a Pathie, but you will want to trade it within 12-24 months. Cheers

Tim replied:

Vic
My parents bought a 99 model new and it now has about 90K on it. It has been nothing short of excellent throughout its entire life.
We were expecting to return to the dealer with a list of problems as you do with a brand new car but nothing at all.
4 years on it still has no probs.
We have fiited a BB, couple of radios and lights to suit there needs.
Just remeber, there is no desiel as someone else said there was and you can't get a mannual, they only make autos.
It is a good hybred as you said, mum drives it to and from work mon to fri and dad takes it up the property on the W/Es.
Tim

KTM 520 replied:

Moggs,

You stated the Pathfinder is not up to touring and that you have to carry extra fuel.

IS this due to the fact of the size of the standard Pathfinder tank as the size of "other vehicles" tanks may be up to 160 litres, hence the need to cart extra fuel with you.

Or is it teh fact the Pathfinder actually consumes that much more petrol?

Interested in your view on that particaular point.

Also the switch on the dash.... how can this be restrictive at all, pretty easy to use in comparison to soem other 4WD set ups.

Regards.
PAul

KTM 520 replied:

Moggs,

The cosumption at 23 Litres does sound pretty harsh but i could only wonder what it would be if you were driving a 4.5 petrol engine . surely it would be around 30?.

You are true that it may not be in teh "class" of a Patrol or Cruiser but then again for me it was some 15K cheaper for me, suppose it is horses for courses.

Out of interest what Kms have you done?.

If you have a custom rack load her up with fuel 4 x 20L jerrys and off yopu go... or shell out the 'extra" on the Patrol or Cruiser.

Regards.

Paul

KTM 520 replied:

Moggs,

heard about these Hyclones but ....never in a good light.

Their theory has been tested (saw it on TV) and it did not at least in that forum return ANY better consumption

If the Patrol weighs in at some 300 kgs (or more) more over the Pathy, it may be that right boot of yours that is giving the old 3.3 L V6 a hard time?.

Other than that one can only assume that your vehicle is just as well meticulousy meintained as that of the mighty patrol.

If it weighs heavier and carries more luggage etc it defies commonsense that it returns better fuel economy than that of the PAtrol.

Food for thought.

Member - Rohan replied:

Victor, I just bought a 2002 Pathfinder, for the same reason as Mogs - it was the best vehicle that suited my current needs. However, I also agree with him that an upgrade before too long is on the cards, for the same reasons - lack of kit, either Nissan built or aftermarket. I can't even get a snorkel!!

I've just used the thing to tow a camper-trailer around the NSW high country and south coast. Fuel "economy" ranged from 16l/100kms on the freeway to 27l/100kms on the steep windy mountain tracks. I was a bit dissapointed with that and it certainly knocked the stuffing out of the range from the little 80l tank. The steeper hills also quickly knocked the stuffing out of the V6 and I'd rate its towing performance in that situation as poor.

I have 2 Hi-clones fitted. After 5,500 Kms of use I can report they provide a small increase in throttle response but I can't get any improvement in fuel economy no matter how easy I am on the throttle.

I agree with Moggs though, apart from those 2 gripes, its been a great vehicle on and off (moderate 4wd terrain) the bitumen.

Regards
Rohan

KTM 520 replied:

Interested in the otcome of the Hiclone when you are finished th etesting

Voxson replied:

Hi Victor..Just in case you are interested.....
I know of a fella here in adelaide who is waiting for his mercedes 4x4 to arrive next month who has a nissan pathfinder 1999 model at the moment. He bought it new as a town only car. He is a distributor of electric motors and thinks offroad is going up a gravel driveway..
He has it cleaned by palm springs detailers each week without fail. ( He delivers small electric motors and parts to us every second day and i cant ever remember seeing it dirty ).
Anyway,,, 80,000 on the clock, burgundy in colour.. TI model top of the range... $30 ish thousand...
If you want his number email me... voxson@bigpond.net.au