Update,, the back and front bumper were an easy fix, the clearcoat that is bad is just on the hood so I can have it painted, the radio Did work a Bose at that, AC just needed an evac and recharge, she rough but i can time her together I think.
Nice seeing a little love for these vehicles. I have had two, a 98 and now a 2004 I bought from my dad. MY 04 now has 315,000 miles with nothing major done to it at all. Just like you said in your video, it "starts every time I get in it". It is not a 4wd vehicle but it tows my motorcycles with no problem.
Wished my 01 didn’t need touched I just had the intake gaskets replaced next I got to do the maf sensor. Bought the thing off a chop shop dealer that I don’t know how the hell are still around. I paid 3300 for it. It had 126k this was a year ago at this point 4x2 hoping 4x4 but rear wheel 4x2 is fine it still runs like a dog with it’s tail between its legs.
I had an '03 LE for about 10 years. Sold it a couple years ago because I needed something bigger and I've regretted doing that ever since. I really like the way that model looked. Pearl white with the black accents throughout. No rust at all. I replaced the stock headlights with aftermarket ones with lenses and I had a beefy black push bar in the front. I also had those visor pieces for each window and added a chrome exhaust tip. Kicking myself in the ass right now. 😮💨 The R50 is a real gem 💎
Just picked one up yesterday with a misfire. stopped at Autozone on my way home with it and got a new cam sensor and boom gone! Paid $1200 for it with 172k miles pretty good condition too with new rear tires😁
I’ve had 2 of these vehicles and I can say without a doubt this thing is a beast on the trails. My first vehicle was entirely stock and I was able to get it up moderate to advanced trails. Due to the low clearance, I would quite often “build” ramps to get over larger obstacles by piling rocks up, but the vehicle has all the power and 4x4 capabilities you could ever want. Just lifted and slapped some new shoes on the second one and I’m very eager to see where it will take me!
I've had my 4x4 2002 for 10 years now. I'm a tobacco farmer in East NC. All I have to replace on it is the starter because the passenger valve cover gasket leaks right on it. New plugs and front driveshaft. bought it at 140k now I'm at 270k still running strong. Never been stuck on it. It loves the mud
@@JoshJackson13 Yes I had the same problem with with the starter and replaced that valve cover gasket. I bought a set and replaced the passenger side because it was easy. Drivers side, not so much, but it was fine.. I replaced the front CV axles because the rubber boots were gone, but not the front driveshaft. 155k and it still runs strong.
@@unti419 Cool thanks for sharing. You think the valve cover gasket isn't that bad to change on passenger side I probably should just do mine but it's had the same slow leak for ten years hasn't gotten worst except when my number one plug fouled out. When it ran like crap it leaked really bad. Driver side don't leak. Two plugs under the throttle body were kinda hard to change. Have to take the throttle body off. I had factory plugs with two fifthy thousand miles. They were bad
@@unti419 I think the dealership replaced my front differential and maybe CV joints before I got it ten years ago because mine are in very good condition and the diff has numbers wrote on it and a little tag. Junkyard two miles from my house has ten Pathfinders just like mine. I try to just get my parts off of them.
@@JoshJackson13 The valve cover gasket on the drivers side will require removing the intake plenum. Not a huge job but requires some experience. The passenger side requires pulling some hoses and wiring harnesses out of the way but can be done in about an hour. Like you, my driver side never leaked, I don't know why. Remember, mine's a 97. Just snug the bolts to a few foot pounds, if you overtighten them, it will bend the covers and they will leak like crazy
Rebuilt an 02 with 5spd manual over the summer. My 3rd pathy to date. Stock, these things can get you in and out of most low level off-road trails, mud, snow, etc. With some minor mods these things become formidable off-roaders/overlanders. For the rebuild, I upgraded with lift springs, extended heavy struts and shocks, offset wheels with 32in rugged ATs, along with replacing some worn bushings and mounting some armor. I can get to almost anywhere a jeep wrangler can go; without a subframe drop, i don't have the clearance for hardcore rock crawling. Otherwise I haven't found anything I can't go through and in fact had to pull my buddy's jeep out of the mud during our last outing. Granted we don't get many mudding opportunities here in the AZ desert and he doesn't have a lot of experience with it, still, my R50 blew through where I had to pull him out. Love these things except for the gas mileage and having to run expensive hi octane for the VQ 3.5, both of which sucks; the power upgrade from the 3.3L comes at a price. It's under appreciated mainly because of the unibody design (people love the cherokee but forget its the original uni suv) and the perception that the xterra was the real offroad vehicle in the nissan line. Enjoy your vehicle.
2000 nissan pathfinder 3.3 fulloption took it everywhere , from the longest highways distances mountaintop to the uncharted deserts and highest sanddunes of the middle east , all what i did is instaled a pigyback + limited slip defrential (super pack) 300 kw & a 275 / 70 wheels specs for my offroading activities VG33E single cam engine sounds ruthless and its undistrectble owend it back in 2017 gave me zero issues the key is a good care & services regularly runs like a tank in 💪2022
@@Julian61983 Thanks, ironically we call it the Black Beast. I'm not much of a tech guy. If I can figure out how to mix a few pics and some video I will make my first youtube post.
when the 3.5 vq came out it was class leading and even offered more power than some v8 suvs of the same time period. This engine also offers more torque than the new 2022 Pathfinder. My 03 qx4 gets off the line fairly quickly at low end and midrange is more than adequate. I do believe 0-60 was in the 8 sec range. Power does drop off though a bit approaching 100 mph. I feel its quick enough but more importantly it is one of the best all round SUVs per dollar value you can buy sans gas mileage. This engine also made the list as one of the best engines in the world according to Wards Auto.
Love the video! For your oversize cupholder, there's a reduction ring that fits in there to reduce the size. I owned mine for months not knowing I was missing it. Just keep an eye out for it in the junkyard. It's worth the trip and the $2 to buy it. 2001 and 2002 LE units had that flat "phone holder" by accident. They had to blank off the hole for the transfer case shift boot for the auto mode transfer cases. Qx4 and 03+ LE pathfinders filled the spot with an extra cupholder. I had the flat spot and put in a wireless charging coil that powers smaller phones since it's such useful place to set a phone
Something not many people talk about the R50 pathfinders and Nissans of this era is the visibility. One of the best for an SUV. I have an A33 Maxima (2001) and it has no blind spot whatsoever.
Great video! It's the same thing here in Costa Rica with these R50s. Nobody seems to be aware they exist. A 4Runner of the same era costs almost twice as much and it's slower, rougher and just as bad with fuel. I bought mine almost 2 years ago for ~$3500 USD (SE Auto, VQ, 2003) and it's been bulletproof. It's mint and looks like a brand new car, it has cloth seats but they still look new, has auto headlights and climate control and an old school 4x4 shifter. It even had the stock BOSE stereo like yours and I retrofitted an AUX input to keep it. You should've mentioned the power valves in the intake manifold and how it's a good idea to re-tighten the bolts with loctite or they could fall into the cylinders and destroy the engine. That's the only real issue with the VQ. R50s also tend to sag in the back since the stock springs get soft with age.
Got a 1999 Infinity Qx4 a year ago , love it , performs great on an off-road ,the all-mode 4wd is awesome great in wet conditions would recommend owning one ,great review sir 🙌😁
My 1997 XE 4WD looks a little battered, and I've had to replace all the rubber suspension components after decades in the Arizona sun and heat, but it is still a reliable vehicle. On occasions when I do take it off-road, folks with much-modified monsters are surprised and impressed how capable this bone-stock toy truck is. Thanks for you review!
I wanted a QX4 since I read a Car & Driver article way back in the early 2000s talking about how bullet proof it was. Finally bought a '97 QX4 last summer and it has not disappointed. My only regret is maybe not buying a 2001-03 because parts have been getting harder to come by and many oem parts are now discontinued by Nissan.
I purchased a 1999 for 2k$ 150k miles - driving it now for 2yrs absolutely no problems , an unbelievable performance, 4by4 in the snow is fantastic- my best vehicle ever .
Man just wanted to first of all say I truly appreciate the video you made about this magnificent suv .. yes it is a hidden gem I've had it for more than a year I talk to it every day weird to say but I simply love it and appreciate what it has done for me in almost all aspects of my life.. this pathfinder is amazing never get rid of it... much love and positive vibes from great suv owner 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
I've had Nissans since they were Datsuns. Have had two Pathfinders, one from the 80s and now a 1997 R50. Always great trucks. My 97 has 155k miles on it and all I have changed is the starter once, timing belt at 95k, and recently a distributer. Still runs strong and has pulled bass boat trailers where there were no roads. I don't drive it much anymore but keep it legal and running. In a bug out situation, this would be my first choice. Great little reliable truck.
Hi……. Like your review on this Pathfinder. I have a 2002 Pathfinder SE since 2004 and it is a great SUV. I kind of abandoned it for new cars but kept it. Currently working on certain body areas due to some paint fading and rest, but body and inside excellent. By the way, in Puerto Rico, where I live, it is the most popular older car/-SUV, very common and many in súper almost brand new condition! I say it is the best SUV ever made for its pricing! Thanks for review!
Thanks! I really have enjoyed it so far. They are definitely good vehicles that don't get enough credit as they should. I don't think I would hesitate to buy another one in the future if this one goes.
That's great to hear! They're definetly some cool mods for these vehicles. Be sure to look at some of the forums and join some of the facebook groups out there for some inspiration. Happy wrenching!
Best car I ever bought. Still driving a 1998. And despite I have a 370Z, I never gonna sell my Pathfinder. It’s a keeper. Great presentation of one of the best cars.
07:29 the death wobble survivor window sticker is amazing! ha-ha I'm currently dealing with my bushings and sway bar links right now on my Pathy, going over 60mph = wobble and sway. I would love to see the final product of this vehicle after you've restored it.
I leased a 2001 LE because it was a new engine at the time and was leery of that, but ended up buying it and here I am 22 years later still driving it! Yes, it has its quirks - CD changer died just out of warranty (would not use it today even it it did work), the clock died (fixed with the solder reflow trick and is still working to this day), likes premium fuel (and lots of it, not much can be done about that), VVT acted up (before I learned to switch 10W-40). At this point about the only thing really "wrong" with it is the notorious RMS leak that so many others have mentioned. But I found when I switched to 10W-40 for the VVT issue, it also helped with that too. Also found out the hard way, not to use 100% synthetic oil on these vehicles, use good old 100% "dinosaur" oil (I'm using Quaker State conventional "All Mileage" I got from Walmart) because the synthetic will leak much worse (due to small uniform molecules which otherwise are a good thing). So at this point I just live with wiping oil off a drip pan once a week or so and won't park it anywhere oil spots are an issue. I would put this thing up against a 4-banger '86 Forerunner I had in overall reliability which was also bulletproof but woefully under-powered (but did get much better MPG).
That's good to hear your has been great to you! I'm 23 years old and just bought not even a month ago. I was curious on if I should use full synthetic or just regular synthetic blend of whatever it's called on these motors. I have the 3.5 2002 le 4x4 auto. And have a small rear main seal leak I think as well. I'm Definitely will use regular oil so it won't leak as much . Thanks for the tips!!
Great review and I agree with everything you mentioned. I have an 01 SE that I bought for $3250 and it has been bulletproof. I agree with Eric below about the sag in the back, I heard people installing land Rover rear springs.
Drove my completely stock 2002 VG33 r50 pathfinder to some really hard snowy and icy roads in pretty extreme conditions. This car is unbreakable and very performant. Have it with the manual transfer case, with the right set of tires, there's nowhere you can't go. Like seriously, I once even filled it with over 800 kg of materials, with pretty already exhausted suspension, and had no problems. It was standing pretty low with that kind of load but once removed, it was as if nothing happened, nothing broke, nothing damaged, and it was a 2 hours drive with have of the road being a pretty steep and rugged uphill road.
Though I’ve never owned any car, the R50 Nissan Pathfinder is one of my two favourite older SUVs, along with the WJ Jeep Grand Cherokee (I have been in both before).
Enjoyed your video, we have a 2001 pathfinder with just over 500,000 kms and it still runs well. We have owned it for ten years except for blown head gasket not long after we bought it ( @ 445,000ks) have no issues at all. Heavy on fuel, yes. But drives well. By the way we are in Tasmania, Australia. Just noticed another comment does run really well on 95,98 octane fuel.
Very good video, I have a 1997 pathfinder with original engine (vg33) and transmission and still going strong. I use for camping all the time. With more aggressive tires it is a really good off-roader.
Man, iv had my 99 for like 12 years! Its been a great truck! I'm a toyota guy but the little Pathy has been good to us. Front struts wear out fast. Good video.
I have just about the same truck except for the leather. I absolutely love it! I drove the wheels off it for a year and a half. The only thing i did to it was new front struts and led headlights when i first bought it. So, instead of buying a much newer SUV, like I had planned to do after a year or two. I am taking the money I set aside. I have been customizing and lifting this truck. Side note I actually thought my truck was great on fuel, I guess I drove full-size trucks for way too long .
I live in Australia and here we never saw the VQ 3.5 so my 04 has the 3.3 engine and thus far has been very reliable. One story i can tell is when i went camping in the desert with some friends and to get to the spot we were aiming for had to drive through soft sand towing my friends trailer. Did it with ease, pretty sure i still had stock highway tyres on it then too, just let some pressure out when we started to hit sandy spots. About an hour later a Toyota Troop carrier came through the same spot and got stuck, actually through the weekend also saw a Pajero struggle to get through there. Very capable vehicle, on and off the road.
I’m a bit late but wanted to share my experience. I have a 2000 Pathfinder SE in the color Crimson Blaze (red). I’ve had mine since Junior year of high school, so about 7 years. Mine has the VG33E and I’m thankful for that. It’s been great to me. I love my pathfinder to DEATH. I’ve done a suspension lift with ARB springs, added a roof rack, aftermarket wheels and AT tires, retrofitted projector headlights with halos and a few more mods. Great truck that is very capable off road as well. Hidden gem and hope it stays that way, don’t want it to turn into what happened to the 4Runner where everything is insanely expensive because of the hype.
yea man i got the same one but mines black amd canadian i havent been to lift it yet but i love it iv only hadnit about 3 er 4 years iv had many cars but this one stands right innline with my 81 regal and 80s k5 as my favorite cars iv owned so unless it gets stolen like thenblazer n regal ill drivenher till she cant go no more
I have 2001 SE Europe version. (Same motor, but 162 kW). Previously had Canadian 1998 LE 3.3 VG version. Both I converted to LPG so it doesn't cost too much to run. I have had some issues with VQ. (ECM burnt because the IACV valve, timing chain guides, MAF sensor, vacuum lines) I kind of liked the older VG versions reliability also but I traded up because the engine power. The main problem with this vehicle is rust on body panels. And in Europe, we don't have the parts available. Hidden gem :D I'm practically the only person driving this in my town of 100k people. It's a gem alright. Like the video btw!
my mom is the original owner of my 97 SE. It has been amazing on and off road. The VG33 for sure is the most reliable, and also owning a 95 first gen also with the 3.0, they take what ever gets thrown at them. amazing trucks, worth the price if you can find a clean one. mom has had more mechanical fails on the 2008 armada then the finders combined.
Well I've had a Nissan Terrano PR50 now 7years n oh man love it more everyday. I hv the don't fix but replace "broken parts" mentality n that has had my beast running smoothly for years.
I have an 03 LE and the cluster is finally starting to get some shenanigans but the drivetrain is solid as absolute fuck, I've taken it all over BC and Alberta. In -40 to +40 and it's been a beast.
I equally have an LE 02 3.5 V6 runs great and purrs..huge fan . Apart from swirl control verve and leaking sun roof, it's easy to maintain. Although fuel ⛽ economy is off, expectedly. It's not boxy and big for nothing
We inherited one and I've slowly been putting back to hoonage condition. All new suspension done. Fixed all the engine lights and codes. All the lights work lol. Steering rack bushings this week. Then tires and alignment when we have the funds. ❤❤❤loving this little rig it's a 97 2wd. AC performance is spotty right now but gotta fix all the safety stuff🎉
Just bought one. An LE 2003. Has all the upgrades like leather seats with memory etc. got it for a steal. The lady had it for 20yrs. Paint still good and it works. Needs some work as the valve pan cover is leaking. But I figured for $1000 what the heck. I’ve already made that back within two weeks of driving it. Will change the differential fluid and get the leaks taken care of. Rides smooth!
First thing to go is the clock. Also the fan blower and solenoid will go out around 185K. No skid plates either! The aluminized exhaust will break near the muffler too.
Your R50 is gorgeous, and pretty much identical to mine! This is my 3rd Pathfinder, and I'm currently in the middle of an overhaul. This is my first VQ35, and all I can say is get ready for oil leaks lol. I'm replacing my rear main seal and oil pan gaskets right now. I bought it for $1800 and replaced the timing chain and all exterior gaskets that were leaking and she runs like a dream now. My VG in my 97 never gave me lip, but the VQs just need a tad bit more love. But the VQ makes up for it with much more power and pep. I love these trucks with all of my heart, to me they're the perfect SUV.
Does your vq burn oil? Heard the oil burning gets worst has they inhale ceramic dust from degrading front cats. Could Replacing with high flow cats (or emptied ones) fix the cat problem and make pretty much bulletproof?
@@xyzDJzyx Mine does burn oil, about a quart ever 1k miles. My passenger side cat was completely melted, so I gutted them both. It won't stop your oil consumption, but it will prevent it from getting any worse than it already is.
Just picked up a 1997 from an estate sale. Owned by a little old lady since it was new and it only has 82,000 miles ans has had all maintenance including a timing belt at 77,000 miles. Oher than crap gas mileage its a beast. Has a great factory Bose sound system too. I was going to resell.but now its going to be added to the family.
I got a 1997 Nissan pathy, and man must I say it's been a fun fun fun ride. The VG33 holds up very well even in today's cars and yes it is very true when they say those engines hold up like nothing!
it is a hidden gem. i made a 25h cannonball road trip from St-Hyacinthe (quebec) to Winnipeg (Manitoba) and came back with a 17ft camper trailer with the whole familly with absolutely no issue. except on gas/ millage lol.my only downside is the lack of after market support wich is unfortunate. All in all its reliable, capable and most important it is cheap! I just love my pathfinder!
I purchased my brand new. 03 L e Besides the rest around the rear wheel Wells. Just tires and premium fuel. No oil consumption Drives and handles like it did when it was new.
I totally agree it is a hidden gem. I have the same vehicle I like it and won't change it for anything new. Unless I am given one for free. Lol Thanks for sharing a great review.
I have 2000 pathfinder 4 wheel drive 218,000 miles Im still using every day drive 6 days a week 38 miles round trip still running good only problem is the abs light on
My 96 has 278k on it and engine and auto tranny are flawless. I do have the rear end death Wobble that needs to be taken care of it. I camp in it and it is a great interior space to sleep in. Great 4x4 performer. I've always called it a poor man's Four Runner.
I own a 2001 Lexus rx300 and a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder Le. seems like to me the Pathfinder is built just a tad better ,it's more durable better material .The engine in the Pathfinder made the Best Engine in the World the VQ35de by WARDS LIST 8 STRAIGHT years!
I just bought my first R50 and I love it from the start. This video was amazing and made me appreciate the vehicle that much more. Do you plan on lifting or modifying yours in anyway ?
Starting this summer I have lots of plans for this vehicle. I need to fix the rear main seal leak as its gotten so bad over the last 6 months. I then need to replace struts and springs. I'm going to use that as an excuse to lift it (not too much though). Also, upgrade a few other things. I'll be filming it, so be sure to check it out as I go along 😄
I liked my 2008 Pathfinder V6. It had nearly 200k when I sold it, but that generation gets a bad rep with its quirks and issues, that can fixed if you know about them. I’ve always liked these too.
I bought a 2003 pathfinder 5 years ago for $200 with a bad engine I bought a JDM engine off eBay for $800. My intention was to fix and sell it But the little pathfinder ran circles around my full size pickup on icy roads in the snow and off road I’m still driving the pathfinder to this day I just installed a winch 2” lift and manual locking hubs
I had the 1999.5 so it had the new face but i was stuck with the old VG engine with a 5speed. I believe the holy grail of all pathfinders is the 2002 with the 3.5 and 5speed.
I remember a buddy in college having a really nice SE 3.5 in about 2005. Flash forward to about 2018, and the rows and rows of Pathfinders and QX4s littering the junkyards for a few months when Nissan finally, very belatedly and underhandedly dealt with the frame rust issue. Unlike Toyota, who replaced many Tundra and Tacoma frames, Nissan waited everyone out in court until the cars depreciated to near nothing and offered a pittance "buyback" to owners (usually FMV in the low $thousands and a $500 credit toward a new Nissan... ha) and crushed them all. At one point my local u-pull-it had probably 200 of them waiting to be crushed all at once. The R50 was designed during Nissan's still-good quality and engineering years. Shame about the frame and how post-cheap Nissan dealt with it, because these are some of the last good Nissans and got the modern running gear with pre-Renault build quality and features.
I have nissan pathfinder 2002 for around 20 years, same design as this one, it is really reliable! the only thing that is a problem with it, it huge turn, for example if you want to make a Uturn with this, you need to consider it as a truck and make enough space for it, which also make it really hard to park it in tight spaces, also fuel consumption for its size is very high too, other than it is very reliable and really fine car, it will stay with me for longer time.
It's really a slept on SUV for its value and what it offers it terms of feautres/capability. Sure the MPGs stink but it had most power/torque in its class at the time. That doesn't come with efficiency. But if you score a used one in good condition cheap you'll more than make up for the poor fuel economy.
I have a 2000 r50 with a vg33 and a five speed manual transmission and manual transfer case, mine is the first year of the facelift. Also the good thing about the r50, the facelift models came with a limited slip differential in the rear. They are great rigs.
I also have a 2000 Pathfinder 4WD SE that did not come with LSD in the rear. You had to get the offroad package for the SE to have LSD. LSD was not standard on the 4WD face-lifted models.
I had a 2003 QX4 and got it for nothing. It was awesome. I should have kept it. And the QX4 is even more of a hidden gem because many people don't remember it or know to look for that.
Engine is fine but you have to look out for the rear main seal, which seems to go out after 160K. Fuel economy is average but you can get 20 mpg Hwy if you are light on the gas pedal. It will start leaving oil leak spots about the size of a coffee cup.
Very nice video. Just a question: 20 years later is a R50 model worth it or is buying a headache? I´m buying one in my country. Looks nice and has 100 k miles. What do you think?. Thanks for your comments.
In terms of reliability (for me at least), it has been good. Of course with any vehicle 20+ years old your going to need to do some additional maintenance than just oil changes etc. If you can look beyond the cost of having to fill it up on fuel, I would say go for it. However, I would always check out some forums like NPORA and get a second opinion 😏 Best of luck!
Hello there!! I still have one. Got it on 99 and still performing. Off course it needs works but it's like a tank. Can you guys tell a good place to get good parts for this amazing SUV? I need break and clutch master's, all arms lower and upper, links, or bushings, boots and others that are hard to get. I don't live in USA that's why ehehe so need to order them. Any advice will be welcome. I'm sure can get 5 more years without a problem without much problems. Thanks.
Rockauto.com has the best prices. I tend to buy the ones that have ❤ symbol on the parts as those are the most popular. I've bought lots of parts from there and haven't had any problems 😁
I have 2002 pathfinder le bought it with 80 thousand miles had 2 years haven't had to do a thing to it an put almost 30 thousand on it I like that's it'd good in the snow and isn't like the newer suvs with the traction control that makes alot of them suck more in the snow I'm not sure why there not as popular but I love mine I'm gonna buy another for the wife bc her subaru isn't as good she needs better 4wd system
