Nissan Pathfinder Review (2005 to date)

Quick Summary

If you can't run to a Land Rover Discovery3, the Nissan Pathfinder is a very capable Plan B. With cars now starting to dip regularly into affordable territory, you'll get a lot of very reliable vehicle for your money. Our bet would be an early 2.5-litre SE. They're relatively common so you'll be able to pick and choose and with the 2006 Pathfinder price decrease from new trickling down to used prices, they now look very good value.

Overall:

Models Covered: 5dr Family 4x4 (2.5 dCi diesel, 4.0 petrol [S, SE, SVE, T-spec, Trek, Sport, Aventura])

SHINING PATH

Although to the casual observer Nissan appeared to be overburdened with 4x4 models at the time of the Pathfinder's arrival, there's always space for a model as good as this. Based loosely on the Navara pick up chassis, the Pathfinder slotted in above the X-Trail and Terrano and below the sporty Murano, offering a rather more 'lifestyle' alternative than the desert-issue Patrol. Although the engine line up is limited, the Pathfinder has became a global success for Nissan and looks like decent business on the used market.
Used Nissan Pathfinder for sale

History of the Pathfinder

For a vehicle that's only been around since March 2005, the Pathfinder has come in for a lot of attention. Engineered for the European market at Cranfield, Bedfordshire and built at Nissan's NMISA factory in Spain, the Pathfinder's rugged styling – derived from the 2003 Dunehawk show car – is both practical and good-looking and aimed at young active families. When it was first introduced, it was offered solely with a 2.5-litre 172bhp dCi diesel engine and was available in S, SE, SVE pr range-topping T-spec guises - the S being supplied with five seats and the rest with seven.Five months later, Nissan launched a 4.0-litre V6 engine which, they claimed, made it the quickest seven-seat 4x4 available at the time. Based on the 3.5-litre 350Z coupe's engine architecture, this fleshed-out the engine line up for those who could never countenance a diesel.Further changes occurred in May 2006. Euro NCAP announced that the Pathfinder had achieved a four-star rating for adult occupation protection making it one of the safest big 4x4s available. At the same time, Nissan revised the entire Pathfinder line-up and cut prices by as much as £3,000. In addition to this, the company threw in £2,000 worth of Technology Pack on a new Pathfinder Sport trim level. In place of the old S, SE, SVE and T-spec line-up, the Pathfinder now came in three varieties: Trek, Sport and Aventura.
Used Nissan Pathfinder for sale

Nissan Pathfinder Road Test

The vast majority of Pathfinder customers will specify the 2.5-litre dCi engine although the 4.0-litre V6 petrol unit does offer more by way of performance. The 174PS common-rail diesel unit offers up its maximum power at 4,000rpm and a hefty maximum torque output of 403Nm is available as low as 2,000rpm. The Pathfinder is a big vehicle but the dCi engine seems up to the task of shifting it around, just don't expect anything too exhilarating. There's a decent slug of acceleration available from low speeds and if you keep your foot planted, 60mph is a none too shabby 11.7s away. The Pathfinder will return an average of 31mpg and tow up to 3 tonnes, although, obviously, not at the same time. The 6-speed manual gearbox is user-friendly enough and highly preferable over the slow-witted 5-speed automatic option, which seems to increase engine noise substantially at motorway speeds. The 265bhp V6 petrol engine option is a development of the unit found in the 350Z roadster and it can hit 60mph in 8.9s. It's only offered in plush Aventura trim.The Pathfinder is a comfortable cruiser, even if overtaking manoeuvres do put a strain on that engine, but it also takes to winding country roads with a level of composure not normally associated with big 4x4 vehicles. Pick up the pace and the body rolls in corners and pitches under braking but not unnervingly so. The steering is reassuringly accurate and the braking feels secure. All Pathfinders feature the Nissan ALL MODE four-wheel-drive system which includes a low ratio mode for proper offroading. Traction is governed by a special ESP+ system that marshals the ABS brakes, the traction control and the active yaw control for optimum performance both on and off the tarmac.
Used Nissan Pathfinder for sale

Buying a Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder is a rugged and, for a modern vehicle, a relatively simple thing. Not a whole lot goes wrong although rough treatment off road will cause the underbody protection panels to detach themselves in pretty short order. The paintwork is very strong and both engines have yet to give any noticeable problems. Check the exhaust for damage and on manual cars ensure the clutch hasn't been immolated through poor towing technique.
Used Nissan Pathfinder for sale

Nissan Pathfinder Typical Pricing

You'll be able to land an S specification five-seater 2.5 dCi Pathfinder on the 2005 55 plate for around £19,000 but most will be willing to spend another £1,000 and get more trim and more versatility with the seven-seater SE version. £23,000 is a fair price for a 2006 low mileage 4.0-litre V6 T-Spec. Insurance ranges from Group 13 to 14.
Used Nissan Pathfinder for sale

Nissan Pathfinder Parts

(approx based on a 2005 Pathfinder 2.5 SE) A clutch kit for the Pathfinder retails at around £240 while front brake pads are around £55 a pair with rears retailing at around £45. A new radiator is around £250 with a starter motor also costing about the same and a fuel filter is around £18.
Used Nissan Pathfinder for sale