Faults:

Since I have owned this Pathfinder the only things that I have replaced are bearing related it seems. Bearings in the power steering pump failed and replaced it with a new pump.

Then the idler went bad (this is a Nissan OEM part, not available aftermarket).

Put new bearings and races in the front end.

Sway bar links were both replaced in the front.

Now I believe the starter is shot. After reading many posts regarding my starting issue I have determined it is my starter. For anyone replacing a starter on a 4X4 with a V-6, once you un-bolt the starter remove the drip pan/skid plate fron under the front end and slide the starter all the way up the right frame rail and then down through the steering linkage, its much easier than Nissan's shop manual telling you to bring it out through the top.

Sorry to anyone having the exhaust manifold issue, this is my third Pathfinder and I have not had that problem with any of them, and all of mine were 1st generation Pathfinders. Perhaps previous owners of all mine solved the problem before relinquishing the truck.

General Comments:

My overall ownership experience has been excellent. For an 18 year old truck it performs flawlessly and everything works. Charged the A/C with R134 and replaced one O-ring, blows colder than it ever did with R-12. The dual shock setting still works, which surprised me. With the exception of a few small cracks in the driver arm-rest and a few minor hail dents this truck still looks almost new and the white paint still has gloss, there is no rust on the body or frame at all. The black plastic trim around wheel-wells and on top of bumpers is a chalky color, but a heavy application of a silicone tire shine takes care of that. This thing has every factory option available in 1989, with the exception of the automatic transmission and there aren't very many out there that are hard loaded and in this condition. I have had three Pathfinders, one Xterra, 6 Sentras (1 SE-R), and 4 Hardbody trucks (SE and XE, 2wd and 4wd). I have loved every Nissan I have had, I only buy imports because they will outlast anything else.

Faults:

Replaced transmission at 120,000 miles only because I flushed the transmission fluid for the first time.

Replaced starter at 120,000 miles.

Regular maintenance work per manufacturer's guidelines.

Replaced two timing belts.

Replaced two mufflers.

Replaced the water pump recently at 260,000 miles.

The expansion valve on the air conditioner is currently stuck.

General Comments:

I've had this car for 15.5 years and its been a reliable car. I dread the day when I have to give her up.

For a V6 it lacks power.

It has a tight turning radius and is easy to handle. I've driven her on ice and snow and the 4WD got me out of a ditch a couple of times.

Faults:

I Replaced a clutch at 160,000 miles and put on new brakes a couple of times.

Had to replace the emissions system box or canister at about 190000 miles and it was not simple and was relatively expensive, around $400.00.

The interior has held up great, but is now at 270,000 approx. miles starting to fade, and crack, but still looks OK.

General Comments:

The best vehicle I have ever owned, period.

Reliable, will go anywhere and gets decent gas mileage for a 4x4.

Not my primary vehicle now, but I still use it as a work/hunting/fishing vehicle and it is still rolling with no problems.

Faults:

My water pump failed 180,000 miles.

My transmission died out about 190,000 miles.

Right now I'm having problems with the cooling system. I have to add coolant every fifteen days (15). The problem is located over the engine compartments.

One of the main insertion points of the main cooling system hose has sprung a small leak and I can't find a replacement.

Have to change the rear shocks, this is now at around 215,000 miles.

General Comments:

Overall it's a great vehicle.

The interior is great for such an old vehicle.

The 4X4 is great, can anywhere without a problem.

Although the gas consumption is really a problem.

Its only giving me 12 miles to the gallon in the city and 15 on the road.