Should I buy a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder diesel?

The bottom line here is that even if the vehicle was incredibly cheap, you might find it’s a false economy once you have to start making repairs. Regardless of what make or model four-wheel-drive you’re looking at, the first thing to do is determine how it’s been used and how it’s been serviced. Check the service handbook for signs that correct maintenance has been performed, and try to gauge how much off-road work it’s done. Any example with mud tyres and a winch can be assumed to have led a hard life. On a model-specific basis, this was not Nissan’s finest hour in turbo-diesel engines. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel is notorious for suffering stretched and failed timing chains. And repairing that could easily be more than the value of a 300,000km example. EGR (exhaust gas recirculation, part of the emissions-control equipment) coolers can also fail expensively. There are better choices, to be honest.

My 2011 Nissan Pathfinder won't shift into four-wheel-drive

There are many reasons, some mechanical, some electrical, why a vehicle won't select four-wheel-drive when the driver requests it. But the first thing we'd check would be the electrical connections from the rotary dial on the dashboard and the mechanical components that dial controls. In the old days, four-wheel-drive was selected by mechanical levers that moved the internal bits of the transfer case to the correct position to engage the front driveshaft and, in turn, the front differential and axles. But in your Pathfinder (and many other makes and models) manufactures started using electrical switches instead of actual levers. The idea was that by electrically controlling this function, there was less effort required from the driver. The reality is that these dials are as susceptible to electrical gremlins as any other part of the car. Check the fuses that protect the selection dial and if that's not the problem, have the rotary dial itself checked for faults.

Should we replace our Holden Commodore with a Subaru Outback?

A car with a little extra ground clearance is great for camping as it often allows you to get a little farther away from the masses in their caravans who tend to huddle around the shower block at bush campsites. The Subaru Outback is a good, solid choice and if you can find an independent workshop to service it, you’ll avoid the cost of dealership prices. And you’re right, the all-wheel-drive would be great for gravel roads. Another vehicle to look at would be a late-model Ford territory diesel which is big and clever inside and has the option of all-wheel-drive. The diesel engine is a plus on the bush where that fuel is more readily available (in really remote areas) and gives you more range for big holidays in the mulga. Don’t rule out things like the Mitsubishi Pajero, either, which won’t be as around-town friendly, but is a proven quantity and is absolutely tremendous off-road. The same goes for a Toyota Prado or Nissan Pathfinder prior to the current model (which is a bit less hard-core adventure).

What are the best 7-seat SUV's?

A better option for someone with a tribe to transport would be a peoplemover, such as the Kia Carnival, Hyundai iMax, or VW Transporter. They’re made for that purpose and much more practical than an SUV.

Failed clutch in 2006 Nissan Pathfinder

I would doubt that he has any claim; clutches are considered a wear and tear item and not covered by warranty.

Will a Nissan Pathfinder tow a horse float?

You don’t specify a model, but it’s a sure bet that a Pathfinder will handle at least 1250 kg, whichever model you have.

What's a fuel efficient SUV on the market?

I don’t believe that what you want is out there, and can only reiterate past advice, buy a Patrol/Pajero/Prado/LandCruiser.

Toyota Prado: Buying tips

Your choices are limited if you want a four-wheel drive for serious off-roading. You could look at a Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Pathfinder, or maybe one of the popular 4WD utes. A ute will do everything you need, and they are quite comfortable on the road.

Nissan Pathfinder 2005 Problems

No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Nissan Pathfinder 2005 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Nissan Pathfinder review: 2005-2015

1 Mar 2017 · by Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2005-2015 Nissan Pathfinder as a used buy. Nissan Pathfinder has had a mixed career in Australia since it arrived in 1986 as a tough, two-door 4WD wagon based on the Navara ...

Used Nissan Pathfinder review: 1987-2012

9 Nov 2012 · by Ewan Kennedy

Nissan Pathfinder is a reasonably tough off-road station wagon that has gained a lot of respect amongst Australian buyers in the 25 years it has been on the local market. Pathfinder is chiefly aimed ...

Nissan Pathfinder recall

28 May 2012 · by CarsGuide team

The recall is to fix a defect in the powered driver’s seat that could contribute to an accident.The notification applies to 2643 of the Nissan Pathfinder R51 sold since 2005 -- VIN range: ...

Used Nissan Pathfinder review: 2005-2009

4 Mar 2011 · by Graham Smith

Nissan hoped that the new Pathfinder, with its four-wheel drive capability and seven-seat cabin, would take it right up to the Toyota Prado and Mitsubishi Pajero.

Ask Smithy Xtra Rust around plates on Pathfinder

Answered by CarsGuide 7 Dec 2010

The warranty has run out so you’re really pushing uphill if you want to get Nissan to pay for the repairs. If the rust hasn’t penetrated the sheet metal I would apply some rust preventative and try and limit the damage over the long term.

Ask Smithy Xtra Pathfinder heating

Answered by CarsGuide 13 Jul 2010

We haven’t had any other such reports at Cars Guide, perhaps our readers could let us know if they have experienced the same problem. To find the cause you need to establish what is, or perhaps more importantly, what isn’t happening. Are there any leaks around the heater? Is the core blocked or broken? Are all the hoses intact etc.?

Engine

Pleased with our diesel-gas conversion

Answered by CarsGuide 25 Mar 2010

Good information for anyone thinking of converting their diesel to dual-fuel, but it's important to do lots of homework before having your vehicle done. Consult a number of converters to get a feel for their competence, talk to as many of their customers as possible to get feedback on the success or otherwise of the conversion. Converting diesels to dual-fuel is still in its infancy; it's not like converting a petrol engine where there is plenty of experience over a long time, so tread carefully when thinking of doing it.

Diesel

Don't convert

Answered by CarsGuide 22 May 2008

LPG specialists tell me the 4.0-litre Pathfinder is one you don't want to convert. I am told the catalytic converters are close to the cylinder heads, the insert gets brittle and disintegrates, then tends to damage the engine.

Engine

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