1995 Nissan Pathfinder XE review from North America

The better question is, what things have NOT gone wrong with this car?

When I first bought my 95 Pathfinder, I fell in love with it. Even though I noticed the rear bumper was rusted pretty good. That didn't affect the performance.

It wasn't until about 4 months after purchase that things started going wrong with it.

First off, the wheel bearings went out in the front. OK, it happens, no big deal. Right?

As soon as I get this fixed, the same week, the engine overheats so bad it splits the seal in the water pump and almost cracks the entire block. I mean it suddenly overheated so bad smoke started rolling out from under the hood. Turns out the thermostat got stuck and caused it to overheat. Needless to say to get to the thermostat in Pathfinders is ridiculous! It's very difficult.

Then I had to replace the water pump seal. I remember in my Chevy S-10 the water pump pulled right out. In this I had to take out the fan, the radiator and have of the front of the engine to get to it. Not easy!

As soon as this gets all back together, I figure since I have it apart I might as well replace what I can. So I tune it up, change the plugs, the filters, fuel filter and plug wires. Now it's running great! Until I hit a bump and somehow the exhaust cracks in half. Now I'm getting fed up. I reluctantly take it to a shop to get the exhaust fixed.

The very next day, I drive the car to work and go to hit the brakes and the pedal goes straight to the floor! The brake lines were busted!!! So I pump the brakes and look under the car and brake fluid is going everywhere. I'm scared to take it to another shop because the last shop wanted me to scrap the car cause the frame is so rusted out!!! I can stick my fist in all the holes in it.

I love the shape, look and features of my Pathfinder, and I want to restore it so bad, but I have already sunk over 5 grand in it in the past year. It is not worth it, especially being in college.