Things my '96 RS-R Regulus R50 with 3.2ltr turbo diesel has done: * Hauled my family to the grocery store. * Waded a river with the headlights submerged and a flashlight held out the window. * Comfortably hauled my huge ass dog around in the back. * Waded through fresh powder up to the wheel arches. * Hauled a tandem axle trailer with about two ton of furniture through the mountains. * Driven the length of New Zealand. * Had a dead deer roped to the bonnet (you'd call that the hood). * Taken me everywhere I need to go as a landscape photographer. * Kept me alive as an emergency overnight shelter in a blizzard. Things my Regulus has NOT done: * Cost as much to buy as a Toyota.
@@208Tyler, thanks. I'm booking it in today for a steering rack repair and front shocks replacement, but after 195,000kms in factory trim, nothing lasts forever without repairs. As long as you keep on top of oil, fluids, and filters, they run forever. My workmate only just traded in his 1995 Safari for a new Colorado, after clocking up 780,000kms on the Nissan.
Just picked up a 1997 Pathfinder SE from an estate sale. A one owner car with only 84000 miles on it. I'm quite surprised at how solid a vehicle it is. Nice ground clearance and although the suspension is a little stiff, it rides very nice down the highway . The only bad thing about it is the 15 miles a gallon it gets. A modern 6 or 8 speed transmission wold sure help. Took it up some old logging roads and it did a great job. I was going to flip it but now going to keep it
@@Platinumotion yeah same lol, im in SK in Canada, lots of the 4runners here are clapped and rusted, few days ago, found an 01 qx4, 248,000kms, ended up buying it for $1275 CAD lol. Now im doing all maintenance on it and just needs a few things to pass inspection.
@@208Tyler Ok you came out strong and correct about the R50 in the end as i have an 2004 Pathfinder LE Platinum ed. with 225K miles and its still strong and have the original engine and transmission and rear end and i haul @5500-6000lbs of lawn+misc. equipment in my trailer weekly and it just goes down the road smoothly and effortlessly, so i dont give 2 shits about R50's haters after all they only hate because they want it and wish they had one 2002-2004R50's THE BEST!
@@BACON-l3ttotally agree! I started with a VG33 and then a VQ35 both are not race cars but boy! They do perform! I am now on the process of buying a QX4 to complete the dream. No disappointments at all for this platform 💯
My 2002 R50 cost $2700 and I threw less than $1500 on a full suspension upgrade with 2.5” of lift and new A/T tires... now she takes me on all my adventures from camping to kayaking and the 240hp helps tow my dirt bike on the hitch receiver without any problems or lack of power 💥 🚙 💨 Love her dearly...
Yup, I was looking for a 4Runner and Isuzu Trooper. I did my research, 4Runner too expensive, Isuzu trooper not as reliable. Loved the look of the Qx4 and have never looked back.
My R50 gets me around town and out in the bush, to the lakes, logging roads and 4x4 trails without a issue. It fits me perfect for what it is. My 2003 Chilkoot is just what I needed for my adventures. :)
I was looking at tundras and Tacoma’s. Was gonna end up paying north of 20k for a 15+ year old truck over a 100k miles. Ended up buying my grandpas pathfinder for a couple grand and no regrets!
Dude you nailed it! My thoughts exactly, I read the thread on NPORA but I couldn’t think of anything nice to say about the review so I didn’t comment! Not to mention he kept comparing the R50 to a LIFTED first gen 4Runner with 33” tires and solid axle. Third gen bone stock would have been the best direct comparison. Also he could at least have put it in 4wd and commented on that aspect.
I’ve got an 02 pathfinder with the 5 speed. Love it to death, super comfortable on the freeway and gets me in the mountains with no complaints. Towed a car on a Uhaul trailer one time and could barely even tell it was there
I love my 02 R50! Was looking for a 4 Runner in similar year as well, but realized the Pathfinder stock or very lightly modified can do almost everything better for cheaper! Interior is nice for what it was. Mine is the 4wd LE version with leather, GPS, sunroof, heated seats, full rack etc Looking into possibly dropping another engine in it and keeping it alive when it goes out. Good review
Not a bad 4x4. We have the here nissan terrano but with the bulletproof QD32 turbo diesel. Thrashed the crap out of it for 4 years and apart from shocks and bushes from driving over river rocks etc.
4Runners are overpriced. Pathfinders can be built to be beasts on a fair budget. Have a 2001 myself, purchased for $2200, with the tires included I have about $1500 into it.
@@208Tyler I stumbled a-crossed the pathy I have. I was looking just for any mid sized suv for the fam, and this was the only thing recently priced in the area. Little did I know about R50s being built to perform well off-road 😂
@@olivi3339 that’s exactly what it is. I used to own an ‘08 rogue before the pathy. After that vehicle, I had vowed to never buy another Nissan again. Then I learned about the cvts being an issue and gave the pathy a try. I’m glad I did!
Hey Tyler! Thank you so much for your videos! I enjoy them so much. I have a 2003 pathfinder and your videos are great and inspiring me to make mods to my pathy. Thank you.
Hey good review. It's nice to see this gen Pathfinder honest review. I own an '06 G35 Sedan 6MT and I love it. I know the VQ35 burns oil and I check and refill as needed. I got it with 98k 10 years ago in 2014. It now has 190k and I'm still loving the car. I also own a '00 4Runner SR5 4wd with the Magnusen SC. I love the Runner too but have been chasing a misfire for the last 4 months. I'm not giving up on the Runner and will get if fixed. However, I've always liked the look of these Pathfinders since I was in middle school and they were new. Also like the hardbody PF. Anyways thanks for the info and I will continue to find a Pathfinder R50 to drive on road trips and I can do a comparison between my '00 4Runner and the Pathy.
@@208Tyler I've got one vg33e in service with 240k, and retired one from active use at 285k(ish) that still runs well. They're reliable except for the valve cover gaskets and a couple other oil seals if you don't replace them (cams and crank) when the timing belt is due. I plan to do a TDI swap or find a diesel engine that came in the r50 stock that someone shipped over to NA.
@@Grey-Troll I'm about to do a complete maintenance on my Path that includes changing the timing belt and the water pump. I bought this kit: www.ebay.com/itm/181084145645 My pathy already has 150,000 miles, what other things do you advise me to buy and service at once?
@@adc_91 If you haven't already replaced them, it would be a good time to replace the valve cover gaskets if you really want to go all out, but the driver side one is rough to get to, but the passenger side is no problem. Other than that if its a manual transmission do rear main seal if and when its time to do a clutch while you have the transmission out. Otherwise, don't worry about it. You can always wait on the valve cover gaskets until they start leaking if you don't want to deal with taking the upper intake + EGR off, or keep dumping oil in it every so often until you do feel like doing it when that happens. I should note that 0il running down on the cast iron manifolds will weaken and cause cracks over time if the leak gets bad though.
@@Grey-Troll Thank you very much for your answer. I have already replaced the valve cover before doing a full cleaning service to the bushings and also with the spark plug change. I will focus on full belt and water pump service and continue to enjoy my Pathy.
Hi Tyler live in Adelaide South Australia. home of lokka LoL.i agree with you 💯%.pathy is great value and very capable for what it is.different variants in Australia and only got vg33e but got the 4.6 diffs and the all mode gearbox.very good in sand driving and have the front lokka and Dobinson 2 inch lift.have standard size at Toyo tyres 245/75 16 which works well as mostly beach driving.we have the Toyota tax here as well as liked the Prado 120 but couldn't afford one.ironically in 2000 they did a 4wd of the year magazine called overlander.the Prado was a 90 series.was on Fraser island Queensland which is sand the pathfinder won it also against the Pajero and other vehicles in the test.keep up the content and go the pathys.👍
Fantastic !!. Thank you for putting Regular Car on its place. Not a good reviewer. So sarcastic and negative. As you said in this category The 4Runner is not fun, the Cherokee is not fun. This pathfinder R50 is a great car with great quality. It is a total underdog. The problem with nissan is .... That Toyota exists, but in this case the R50 perfectly competes with the Runner. For a way better price. VQ35 is one of the best V6 ever produced. So smooth.. Thank you !! By the way I am a toyota guy... but we must be objective in our analysis.
Loved this video. I’ve owned several R50s. I’m Mrelcocko on NPORA and have seen your R50 on there as well. Unless you have owned one or own one currently you wouldn’t understand how enjoyable these vehicles are. Yes the cruise control is useless, now I can say in the 98 M/T R50 I owned the cruise was very useful. I’ve had nothing but an enjoyable experience in my R50 and look forward to many more enjoyable times to come. Great video my friend thanks for posting.
Hello I have a 98 Pathfinder 3.3L, 230,000 miles. I changed the spark plugs and wires, and the distributor as its bearings had failed. I marked the old distributor in 3 places plus the center of the rotor, and reinstalled the new one exactly as the old one came out. It doesn't have the random misfires anymore. It always has idled about 950 in Park rather than 700ish. But in Drive it drops to 700rpm when at a stop. Is this normal for yours also? I checked the timing advance via my OBD2 scanner and it's showing 8 at idle (950rpm) in Park, but goes to 15 when placed in Drive (at a stop). Does this mean 8 degrees BTDC? So it's retarded too much eh? Which way do I turn the distributor to Advance the timing closer to 15 degrees BTDC while in Park? Which way to make it read closer to spec, which is 13 to 17 BTDC in Park? Can I just turn the distributor very gradually without disconnecting any sensors and watching my OBD2 Timing Advance screen, stopping it at 15? I do not have a timing light. To advance these (from 8 to 15), is it turned counterclockwise or clockwise? Thanks much!
I've had quite a few Toyotas and they are really great trucks. My 1995 blew a head gasket and l'm kicking myself for selling it after that. In 2019 crashed my 03 Tacoma. Been looking for another Toy since then. Misjudged the market thinking prices would fall when people lost unemployment so l waited too long. Just bought a 03 R50 a few days ago, so we will see. Good video.
I have a 2004 Path LE. I have nothing else to add that this community hasn't mentioned. I purchased mine in 13 for 5,500, and it does exactly what I purchased it for. Snow, reliable daily driver, to take a break from my 2008 acura tl type-s. Appreciate this genuine & accurate review.
Thanks for the video bro. I own a 2001 3.3 r50 and I had no idea I would love this car. I love driving it everywhere desert roads dunes everywhere. Love from dubai.
2001 Nissan Pathfinder with the 5-speed stick.... That might be the best stock year... They didn't sell many stick shift models. 2001 pathy 240 hp. 2001 4runner 183hp.🤔🤔🤔
Over the past ten years I have had two R50s a 1997 and a 2003. Both ridiculously reliable. I don't understand why RCR felt to need to mention the Pathfinder is boring. It is an SUV not some sports car.
2001 SE owner, 205k miles 0 oil consumption with 5w30 valvoline synthetic with 1 quart of Lucas high mileage oil stabilizer. At around 140k it started to consume about 1/4-3/4 of a quart between oil changes. I switched to the stabilizer at 175k and the consumption stopped completely, not sure if it was coincidental or what but I swear by the stabilizer 👍
Love my 09 Hummer H3, Love my 07 FJ Cruiser, and I love driving my 04 Pathfinder. I love all three of my 4x4's. They are all so different from each other, and that's what makes each one unique . They all do something different. Modifying the Pathfinder on a budget is so much fun. I've had the pathfinder for around 6 years. She looks and runs better than when i got her.
R50 are just good at everything SUV’s. They’re the GTI of SUV’s from that time. Not trying to be the best at one thing, but competent at multiple things.
I’ve owned a 2002 4Runner after my 2004 pathfinder and the pathfinder is by far a better driving vehicle now the 4Runner is classic 4x4 suv with all the Toyota reliability and aftermarket comparability but Nissan made a much more affordable classic “Jdm” styled 4x4
Regular car reviews and Most Car Reviewers don't have Enough knowledge or familiarity to anything remotely off-road related. haha. and Regular car review doesn't even consider themselves seriously and they definitely don't know a lot about 4x4. But the problem is People also don't have much knowledge will get misinformations and they won't know if nobody tells the otherwise. that's why I love Videos like this about explaining the Actual Truth.
Regular car reviews and Most Car Reviewers don't have Enough knowledge or familiarity to anything remotely off-road related. haha. and Regular car review doesn't even consider themselves seriously and they definitely don't know a lot about 4x4. But the problem is People also don't have much knowledge will get misinformations and they won't know if nobody tells the otherwise. that's why I love Videos like this about explaining the Actual Truth.
I have a 2001 pathfinder with the 3.5 and the 5 speed manual and it runs like a champ. Everyone thats driven it has actually said its one of the funnest cars they've driven. It's super good off road for stock ride hight. Im just running some slightly bigger tires. The only issue is the body rust. Before I got it the previous owner used it as a beach rig and drove it in the New York area (notorious for salt) my rear quarters are so destroyed that both of my rear fender flares have fallen off.😔 I was wondering if anyone in the community knows if there's an affordable way to fix it? Or if it would even be worth fixing?
The R50 is a soft target. Why? Because it IS a soft 4WD. But damn it on the plus side, it flies under the radar, is pretty cheap (aside from fuel consumption), really reliable, simple to repair, comfortable and has the capability to go to more places than I am willing to take it (🐔). The Pathfinder reminds me of my old Kombi, relaxed drive, can’t overtake anything on the freeway but I love driving it because it is so cruisy. I feel like I’m on a relaxing holiday every time I jump into it 🤷🏼♂️ I personally think it’s more like a Subaru (and they are very popular) but without the CVT and with greater ground clearance.
@@208Tyler I agree it isn’t a bad thing. If I wanted a patrol or landcruiser I would have bought one ...for a lot more money. And if we are talking about a similar vintage body-on-frame 4WD to the Pathfinder the ride is pretty bloody uncomfortable! And this is where I think the Pathfinder found a sweet spot. It is relaxed to drive on road and actually punches well above its weight off road. I don’t do hardcore off-roading, I am a wildlife photographer and I travel considerable distances in search of rare wildlife typically on asphalt and gravel roads, occasionally ending my journey by venturing off road in remote country and I personally think the Pathfinder excels at that role. I like it’s simplicity and reliability as most of my trips (around Australia) are solo. No mobile reception and no mates to back me up in a support vehicle. The only concern I have is whether I have enough fuel to get me there and back again ...oh, and snakes 😅🤣 By the way, I am a civil engineer and my pet peeve from the review was that he talked about cement roads. There is no such thing as a cement road. Cement is a constituent of concrete. They are either concrete roads or cement stabilised roads. So he doesn’t even know what he is driving on... 😉
My 99.5 R50 with 2" lift and 400,000+ km on the clock most of the time it will out do most other off roaders. Recently took it down a sand track where many others were getting bogged, ended up lifting a wheel about a foot off the ground, also fully extended the shock on other side and ripped the strut mount threads to pieces (yeah I know, gotta put limiting straps in), the car still completed the drive, then a further 600 km back home with another 100 km of rough tracks thrown in for good measure on the way back before doing repairs . A couple of hundred dollars for a new strut and hour of grunt work and off to the tracks again. You just can't kill them. I have even gone beach driving where the sand was like marshmallow (waterlogged) a landcruiser behind me gave up and stopped while I kept going an extra 7 km to my destination, no lowered tyre pressures or anything, just drove it off the black stuff,whacked it into 4 low and off we went. No problems. Always remember you can have the most capable vehicle in the world, but if you don't know how to drive it to suit the conditions you will be digging for a while or paying a lot of money for repairs. Most of the time it is not what you are driving, but the nut behind the steering wheel. I have removed the front sway bar and added the missing link. The car is polite and well behaved (but sluggish) on the blacktop, but is an absolute beast off road. Standard rims with rugged terrain tyres, but I have a larger set of all terrains for outback work. In my area 2" above factory is the highest you can legally go, If I had my way I would add an extra 2 or 3 inches with the tyres and another inch with the suspension for a total of 5 or 6 inches of added height, but you can't have it all. Aways wondered if I could shoehorn a small V8 into the engine bay, I have a 5.0 laying around somewhere That will give it a bit of extra grunt. May look into it one day.
I've owned 3 R50s. Most recent, I got an 03 LE, black on black, 190k miles for $3500 with a great tow package. Runs great. Burns oil. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
I love my pathfinder and im never worried about it getting stolen like so many 4runners. why would i want "another camry" ? right ??? lol ..... i like him alot, i like how he sexualizes everything at random and it makes me laugh. i guess he had a bad jerk off day ... lol
Bought my 1997 Pathfinder about 6 years ago. Fast forward to today, 250,000 miles on the od. Parts I've had to replace: camshaft seals( it got a new timing belt and water pump because that's what you do when you have it apart) new clutch, new ball joints, trail arms, shocks, coils, sway bar links, brakes, and that is it. Oh and paid 1400 bucks... so with all the parts I'm in 2300 and have been driving it everywhere. So ya he is dead wrong on his review
hi i have a 95 V6 3.3 R50 which has done 350.000 kms think thats about 217,000 plus miles and still goes like a rocket...also have a qd3.2 R50 as well...they are definitely an under rated truck
I had a 2000 VG33/auto. Sold it for a 2001 VQ35/5-speed manual. Both have taken me many interesting places in comfort and reliably gotten me home. (The true test of a SUV.) The 2001-2002 R50 has the best looks/powertrain combo IMO. Toyota's of the era have a less refined interior, a lower quality feel, and low HP. Hello 208Tyler from Ada County.
Great Vid bro! Yeah I know that video is mostly meant as a joke, but even jokes sometimes have to have some truth in them and that video didnt. They missed the mark big time. I have a VG33E Crimson Blaze (red) 99.5 R50 with OME springs, roof rack, new struts/shocks, Toyo Open Country ATIII’s, LED pods mounted on the hood near the pillars, Sony XAV-5000 head unit, JBL speakers/amp and a 12” sub, interior footwell lighting and retrofitted projector headlights with halo DRLs and man is it a blast to drive. Why? Because I made it fun to drive. I can’t think of a single SUV in the same class as an R50 that is fun to drive… why? Because in this class, these trucks arent meant to be fun. R50s are great and so are 4Runners, but I guarantee an R50 will go anywhere a 4Runner will while looking way better too. That being said, I love both vehicles and most similar trucks in this category such as the Monteros, Rodeos, XJs etc…
Yeah I like those reviews but the R50 one was a bit off. Tbh if you want to put it that way every car ius boring to drive. But I have a Almera 1,4 and it makes fun to drive for me.
I've seen a lot of people talk about how they want a 4runner but instead have a pathfinder, but I'm one of few that don't. Yeah 4 runners are cool but I appreciate what the pathfinder is, I do think they're a little slept on in terms of popularity and aftermarket support, but over all I couldn't be happier with mine. Yeah the on road ride quality isn't anything to brag about but it does ride smooth enough for me and even though I have the VG its still about enough power to get me around and up the trails when I decide to do that. Having the 5spd probably helps it stay on my good side since I don't have to deal with the gear finding issue it seems the VQ pathys have. Very good video though. your production quality has been getting so much better and its awesome to see. You made very great points and hopefully Mr. RCR sees this and can take a few things away from it.
Most people wanted (past tense) a 4runner before they got their pathy, but I’m not sure they still want (present tense) a 4runner once they’ve settled into their pathfinder. Seems to be the general consensus I pick up on. Certainly, the 5 speed helps. The get hunting and finicky cruise control is/would be worse on a VG than VQ, as it’s a matter of HP and torque. Thanks man, it’s the small things that count when it comes to video production!
I have a 96 Path, needs a doctor. A cheap cheap cheap doctor. Wish u were here to fix it . That'll be cool. Waiting for my bro to fix it, is like a decade.
Recently bought a Pathfinder R50 - badged as the Terrano in New Zealand (with sweet JDM trim) and a 3L diesel engine. Comparably, Hilux Surfs (our 4Runner badge) were going for twice the price. I got mine for 3.5k USD equivalent compared to 7k USD for something in similar, or worse condition. At the end of the day, the Pathfinder appealed because of its easy-going, around town nature. Yes, I want to take it out to places, but I've also got to daily it. And I think they look rather handsome!
My 96 Pathy @ 278k miles still a beast. I do have the Rear Death Wobble at higher speed sometimes. Other than that, I take it to the Idaho backcountry and camp inside of it. My Poor Man's Four Runner!
Kiwi here with 2000 Nissan Terrano R50 running the ZD30 Diesel engine on 270,000 km. It's my daily, the rear seats fold flat for camping, H/L 4WD with lock diff, goes up rivers and ski mountains, comfy as hell and reliable as anything if looked after. Most importantly almost half price of a Hilux. I think it's great if they keep flying under the radar......
I rock crawl my r50 and keep up with rubicons with similar mods. I used to think the unibody and strut combo was stupid. I was just ignorant. It can work well and you maintain a comfortable controlled ride when on the highway.
I thought he was pretty harsh on the R50. Oil consumption is totally true, but the VQ trucks drive very well. VG trucks are pretty damn bulletproof when maintained. I am heavily biased to Toyota but the R50 is a cool truck in its own way that stood the test of time.
I always hate when people say an suv from this area is boring to drive. You are 100% they all are haha. Well the only thing I believe that’s can be comparable to the R50 that would be fun to drive is a V8 Grand Cherokee. But that WJ or ZJ are solid front axels, so I’m not sure if you would consider it same class.... Great video you’re making me want to pull the trigger on a Qx4
Oh ya. People quickly forget that slapping 240 hp in a base model SUV was a big move at the turn of the century haha. This certainly competed with the WJ/ZJ in some sense, but you’re usually either a fan of Chrysler products or not haha. Another solid mention from that era though.
Wow dude. Sounds like your a fan of RCR that got butthurt he didn’t like your favorite car. It’s really not a big deal. As someone who doesn’t care about r50 this video is kind of sad. But I guess you made some fanboys happy????
Nissan>Toyota. I’ve owned a few of both over the years the nissans were much better vehicles over all. It’s a win for me as the prices are much better on the Nissans and they last longer overall.
The only thing i dont like about my pathy… is how the IACV burns the ECU chip when the coolant gasket leaks behind the IACV. It comes out of nowhere and costs and upwards of $2k
Depending on the extent of the damage, you can get the ECU soldered and repaired for under $1k. It’s also an acute issue, only affecting the 01-02 R50’s with the VQ35 and drive by cable.
We’ll said Tyler. The idea that any vehicle in this category is going to be fun to drive is crazy to me. You want fun in this price range get an NA Miata or something. It’s a utility vehicle and we all use them as such…
Hey Tyler, Looking to get a 96 R50 LE with 153k for 2k. Is that something you’d go for? I’m on the coast in NC and could see myself taking it on the beach with the family! Had a hardbody and love Nissan just would love your opinion on what’s the best r50 to get!
Nothing wrong with that, sounds like a potentially great deal! You can also check out my buyers guide video for some more advice, but my only specific concern is rust, particularly if the strut towers in the front are rusting. If they aren’t, and the vehicle runs good, it sounds like a great deal. Buyers Guide: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uN6Vhm9M0K8.html
2002 pathfinder original owner, 112,000 miles rides great, drove it from N.Y. To Florida very comfortable. 21 mpg at 75 mph. To me not boring but very usable and practical vehicle. If he wanted to jazz it up, you can mod it. Still own it. Plus plenty of room for family of four and a Labrador Retriever. Dog loves it.
Have you seen the 1996 African safari sales video? I came across it yesterday after seeing the ad in a 1996 runners world magazine. It's a great video ad. Regular Car reviews is 20% car review ,20% dogging on car owners and 60% talking about dicks in some fashion. Toyota tax is really an equity that you get back when you sell the vehicle.
